Different Areas Use Different Paints
Why?
Beautification vs. Preservation
If all we cared about was the protection of a surface and the durability of the product, then everything would be painted with a high-gloss product likely alkyd based, enamel, or something of the likes. Heck, lead based paint did the trick until our cats had two headed babies. Imagine your vechile, it's painted in a high gloss automotive paint. It lasts a very long time before it peels and it is very washable- it's durable. So why not use this paint in your hallway, you wouldn't have to repaint ever unless your walls are subject to highway speeds, sunlight, rain, snow, and everything else your car is. Simple answer is- it would look very strange.... Also it would cost way too much. So for different surfaces we find a balance between durability and aesthetics- something that isn't too shiny but is still durable enough to protect the surface. As you can see below, some surfaces balance more towards the durability side, it all depends on what the priority is.
At the end of the day, you are the client and you can paint your house as you please, however, below is a list of the recomendations I will make.
Regular Walls
Walls in living rooms, bedrooms, hallways, etc... For these walls, we typically recommend EGGSHELL. Eggshell is a perfect balance between durability (gloss) and aesthetics (flat). People tend to like a flat/matt look on their walls so that light doesn't bounce around too much and it gives a warmer more welcoming feel. With the tecnology in paint now, eggshell paints are very durable (washable) without having to use a semi-gloss paint.
Bathrooms and Kitchens
Bathrooms and kitchens are subject to more moisure, grease, dirt, chemicals, etc. As a result I will recommend a more durable paint. Typically this means using a SEMI-GLOSS sheen. Basically, the higher the sheen (more shiny) means that the resin in the paint dries harder and is more durrable. In these areas, a semi-gloss paint is a good balance to meet the durability demands while still not looking too bad.
Ceilings
Although it may depend where the ceiling is, typically I recomend FLAT/MATT paints. On ceilings this looks great because it doesn't reflect much light and shows less imperfections in the surface. In a room with lots of light, if the ceiling was painted with a glossy paint, it would be somewhat blinding and every little imperfection in the surface or application of the paint would be obvious. Most ceilings aren't as subject to dirt/grease as the walls are, so a flat/matt paint is just fine.
Trim - Door Frames, Baseboards, Window Frames, etc
Trim is one of the most important surfaces to protect since it is subject to the most contact. Door frames and window frames are subject to being touched all the time and baseboards are scuffed and marked up when we kick them or the vacuum hits it. As a result, you want something that is washable so I will always recomend using a SEMI-GLOSS or even a regular gloss depending on how much wear they are subject too. I usualy recommend this even if the trim is going the same color as the surrounding walls.
For each and every surface there is a specific type
and sheen of paint that is recommended.
During your FREE estimate with Duncan, he will explain each.