how to choose the correct paint sheen

How to Choose the Correct Paint Sheen?

What gloss level should I select?

© 3 Colours Painting Services | www.3colours.com.au | 1300 88 36 35

by Marek Kazmierczak Oct 2014 for Institute Design of Australia

Flat paint is typically recommended for gyprock

and fibro ceilings. Avoid flat paint in mould prone areas, woodwork

or areas that will be regularly touched. The lower the sheen level the easier it is to hide

imperfection. This is because flat paint reflects minimal light.

Flat paint is ideal for dark feature walls. It brings out the true colour as minimal light is reflected.

Flat Paint


Flat or Matt Paint

Interior Exterior


The most commonly used paint type for

interior walls due to its cleanability and ability to hide imperfections.

It has only a slightly higher reflective power than flat which has no reflective ability.

Architects typically prefer low sheen on the exterior because of these combined properties and increased durability.

We are also noticing low sheen paint becoming popular again on VJ ceilings.

Low Sheen Paint


Low Sheen Paint

Exterior Interior


Semi-gloss PaintUse in interior wet areas – e.g. kitchen, laundry, bathroom, toilet - due to cleanability. Easier to remove mould and mildew. Less porous so more moisture resistant. Used for exterior guttering and trims - not a high sheen level but high washability. Colorbond products are typically semi-gloss. This is the sheen to use when matching prefabricated or Colorbond products such as roofs, gutters and downpipes.


Has a "wet" look and is kept for the skirting or trims,

including windows, doors and any general woodwork. It has a high reflective capability, it’s easy to clean and

durable; however, it does not hide imperfections well. Trims can sometimes be ornate in design and a gloss

paint helps to highlight angles, curves and features. Using gloss in older homes can be tricky. It will

highlight detailed woodwork, but may lead to problems associated with making defects on surfaces more visible.

Gloss Paint


Gloss Paint

Interior Exterior


Consumers can choose between

two types of paints:

Solvent-based paints

Water-based paints

Water-based vs. Solvent-based


Solvent-based paints, sometimes referred to as

"oil-based" or "alkyd" paints, contain a significantly higher level of organic solvents than water-based paints.

These solvents are responsible for the strong odour noticeable in newly painted buildings.

They can also be hazardous for human health and the environment.

Efforts are being made to reduce or remove them from paints without negatively impacting on performance.



Today, water-based paints dominate. They account for roughly 80% of paints sold in the

residential market. Organic solvents in a paint facilitate the paint’s

application, drying and formation of a regular paint film. During application and drying, the solvent evaporates.

Ideally a dry paint film no longer contains solvent. When they evaporate, these solvents release

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) into the atmosphere, with a negative, toxic impact on the environment.



A simple way of finding out if a paint is water-

based or solvent-based is to check the label for instructions about how to clean brushes.

Solvent-based paints need to be cleaned with white spirit or turpentine.

Water-based paints can be cleaned with warm, soapy water.

TIP: Water-based vs. Solvent-based



Oil -based paint Oil gives off an unpleasant

odour and fumes. Ensure good ventilation. Use a mask as protection

from the fumes. Oil paints are desirable if

the object being painted needs to be very durable.

Cabinets and furniture need a harder, more durable finish.

Water-based paint Also called 'acrylic' or

'latex'. This also tells you that it is water-based.

That also means it will dry faster.

The fumes and odours will be less intense – but you should still expect some odour.

Always work with good ventilation. That is a good rule with any paint.


The gloss of a paint is an aesthetic attribute,

but with secondary technical implications. By this definition flat paints are always

rougher than glossier paints, even though this roughness is on a very small scale.

Nonetheless this roughness and the way it is achieved affects the cleanability, durability and mechanical strength of the surface.

Aesthetics vs Technical


Within the same generic type of paint, glossier

products will have more durability than their flatter counterparts.

Quality water based paints that have "100% acrylic" binders are especially durable and highly flexible. They tend to adhere extremely well to a variety of exterior surfaces, which means they have greater resistance to troublesome paint failures like blistering, flaking and peeling, compared with other oil based paints.

Durability


Durability

The bottom layers of paint lose their flexibility and are unable to expand and contract with the surface

as it responds to temperature and humidity changes.

Remove loose and flaking paint


Gloss is not uniform over the range of viewing

angles. Sheen paints may appear to be quite flat

when viewed directly (i.e. at 90û to the surface), but may have quite a high lustre when viewed along the surface.

This may be quite significant when painting long rooms or corridors, particularly those with a light source at one end.

Gloss Uniformity


Gloss Uniformity

High Lustre

Flat Paint Reflects

Minimal Light


Sheen Level Gloss

PercentageExample Areas

Clean ability(1 = difficult, 5 = easy)

Reflectivity(1 = none, 5 = high)

Flat

1-9% Ceilings, dark feature walls

1 1

Low Sheen 10-25% interior & exterior walls,

3 3

Semi Gloss 41-69% interior wet areas e.g. kitchen, laundry, bathroom & toilet, external guttering

4 4

Gloss 70-80% Wooden trim including doors and window sash, Exterior Trim

5 5

SUMMARY Paint Sheen Level Key Attributes


Dulux Aquanamel®Durable water-based

enamel paint for doors, windows & trim.

Can be used in place of traditional oil-based

enamels, saving time.Non yellowing

Low odour & low VOC*

Fast 2 hour recoatEasy water wash upHard wearing & chip

resistantInterior & exterior

Available in Gloss & Semi Gloss


Build relationship with painter Let him also make money Educate client Read paint spec Understand paint coverage http://

3colours.com.au/index.php/about/painting-tips-and-tricks-blog/item/114-solving-common-paint-problems-poor-gloss-retention

Marek’s tips


http://3colours.com.au/index.php/about/painting-tips-and-tricks-blog/item/114-solving-common-paint-problems-poor-gloss-retention




how to choose the correct paint sheen

Documents

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gloss level

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