Based in Overland Park, Kansas, Chris Childers guides Allstate Renovations, where he delivers services focused on multi-family housing properties. Projects Chris Childers regularly organizes with Allstate Renovations include those involving the repainting of apartment units.
When selecting a paint, one essential element is sheen, with higher sheens or glosses translating to more shininess and durability. Flat paint does not possess shine, but rather absorbs light. In the middle are a number of different types of paint, such as semi-gloss, eggshell, and satin.
Easy to clean, ultra-shiny high gloss paint is recommended for high-traffic areas of the house. These include trim, doors, and cabinets, which are all prone to exposure to scuffs and sticky fingers. Keep in mind that high gloss accentuates every bump or uneven spot on the wall, making otherwise invisible imperfections stand out. For this reason, proper sanding and prep work is recommended.
Paints with a flat or matte finish are used for covering walls that have imperfections, including nail pops and major scuffs. Unfortunately, they can develop a chalky look after a couple years, if a high-quality product is not used.
Eggshell and satin paints can be used in a wide range of situations, as long as wall blemishes are not extreme. However, touch-ups that are easy to accomplish with flat paints may not be possible with eggshell and satin paints without leaving an obvious spot that impacts the overall aesthetic. Satin also reveals flaws in application, whether through roller or brushstroke.
