Another paint question for today. :) I need to repaint my laundry area. It's a high traffic spot because it's where our garage door is located. People are always going in and out of that area. I am going to keep the same color in there, per my husband's request. It's light beige. But what sheen should I go with? Most of my house in in Satin to make it easier for cleaning. But I have considered semigloss, because it sees so much traffic (and dirty hands carry tools, and muddy clothes, and wet stuff and did I mention the dirty tools??), but I don't know if that will be too much shine for an area everyone sees, since we rarely close the laundry area off.
The glossier it is, the easier it is to clean. However, the glossier it is, the more flaws in the walls it shows. Like, bumps, dents, cracks, etc. I'm guessing that doesn't matter as much, since it's a laundry area.
Eggshell, it doesn't shine or peal but it stands up to traffic. I use it everywhere.
Sherwin Williams makes a paint called Duration which comes in a washable flat. Unless your walls are absolutely perfect (no dents, holes, wavy areas, scrapes on old drywall, whatever), the shinier finish you use, the more the imperfections will show. But for a high traffic, possibly "wet" area, I'd definitely go with as washable as you can stand. The semi-gloss will be quite shiny, so maybe stick with satin or eggshell.
Describe the area, how much light it gets, traffic, etc and they will tell you what is best for that room.
Semigloss will be fine.
I would do semigloss...but everything in my house is semigloss.
Ask the guy/gal where ever you're getting the paint which would be best for a high traffic area such as the one you describe.
I use Benjamin Moore's Pearl finish paint. It washes beautifully.
LBC
Ask the people in the paint store/dept. they are REALLY helpful!
Typically:
High gloss for baseboards, if it is painted and not natural or stained wood. If natural or stained wood trims, then Varathane it, to keep it protected and for easier cleaning. Varathane is a clear, coat. Glossy.
Satin and Semi-gloss, is both easier to clean. It is just a difference of glossiness.
I vote semigloss. I use semigloss for kitchen, bathroom, and kids room...anywhere where I KNOW I'll be wiping finger marks, pen, paint, dirt, spills, etc.
If shine bothers you, and especially if the room gets a lot of light, don't use semi-gloss. It will look too shiny.
Satin is usually just about as cleanable as semi-gloss, so I don't see why you can't just stick to that. I never have a problem getting dirt off of satin walls using Fantastic or 409.
Semi-gloss will be easier to clean, for sure.
Sheen levels are flat, eggshell, satin, semi gloss, and gloss, with gloss being the easiest to clean. I wouldn't go with eggshell because it is only one step up from flat as far as the sheen goes. Also, I tried the scrubable flat and I didn't like it. We had it for 4 or 5 years and I couldn't wait to have it painted over! We have really high ceilings in the living room or I would have done it myself. I would go with satin or semi gloss in your laundry room.
I would probably go with the semi-gloss, because it will be more practical in that spot. But I'd ask the folks at the paint store. They hear lots of stories and may be able to give you good advice.
I wish there were sample sizes in semi-gloss as well as satin, because it would be interesting to try them both and see the difference.
