Sheen is a measure of the reflected light from a paint finish. Think of sheen as how shiny your paint is on the wall. In most cases, sheen is listed in this order, from least to most shiny: Flat, Eggshell, Satin, Semi-Gloss, High-Gloss. Some paint manufacturers have differences in how they categorize their sheen, so it is best to ask your painting professional at Raphan Paint and Finish Co. to guide you in your selection.

While there is no right or wrong answer to this question, there are some things to consider when selecting the right sheen for you. Higher gloss sheens are more durable than lower gloss sheens, so paint for high traffic pieces like floor/door trim or high moisture places like bathrooms will last longer than lower gloss sheens. Higher gloss sheens are also easier to clean, so rooms where children or pets are frequent are better suited for higher gloss paints.

Scuffs, much like life, happens, don’t panic or lose sleep over it! Once our pros finish your project, we will leave you with the extra paint cans for this exact occasion. It is best to store paint in a cool, dark place. Opened paint doesn’t last forever, so the better it is stored, the longer it will last. Mix the paint can well as the paint solids have likely settled. Take a fine brush, or even a Q-Tip, and dip it into the paint. Apply a thin layer to the scuff, and allow it to air dry. You might need to do multiple coats depending on how dark the scuff is. It won’t come out 100% perfect, but it will greatly reduce it’s visibility, and it is likely no one would ever notice, much less judge you for it!

Paint shelf life varies greatly, depending on the brand, type of paint, and storage techniques. Unopened paint can last for a decade or more, if stored in the right conditions. Opened paint is another story, but if stored correctly, can last years. If you are trying to touch up a wall that was painted several years ago, it is generally considered better to have new paint made versus using the original can of paint, as opened paint loses moisture over time, and this can effect the color/sheen and application. Paint on walls also fades overtime, so if you need to touch-up a large section of wall, it is best to re-paint the wall entirely in order to obtain a uniform finish.

Paint unfortunately doesn’t last forever. Even exterior paints formulated to tolerate the elements will fade and crack over time. No need to worry, there are ways to maximize the life of your paint. For interior paint, sunlight is your main culprit of paint degradation. Keep drapes drawn and blinds closed during the brightest parts of the day. For exterior paint, ensure no sprinklers are hitting the house directly as this can cause the paint to peel and crack. When washing interior or exterior walls, don’t use any harsh chemicals as this can effect the paint’s integrity. When done correctly, paint can last for several years in amazing condition!