In terms of design, performance, use, colour and surface to be painted

By François Fournier, Gérant couvre-plancher, peinture et plomberie, Rona Mont-Tremblant.

The first thing to consider when choosing a paint finish is the expected performance of the product on the surface to be painted. One finish can appear more attractive to us than another, but it’s important never to compromise on the paint’s performance.

This is why, for some surfaces, we recommend using particular finishes.

When the surface to be painted will be washed and rubbed frequently (e.g. mouldings, children’s rooms, playrooms, etc.), it’s preferable to use specialized products having a slightly glossier finish, such as velvet, pearl and semi-gloss finishes which facilitate maintenance and are more resistant to dirt marks. The product performance is important in order to optimize maintenance and durability.

Rooms that are exposed to more humidity (e.g., bathrooms, laundry rooms, kitchens), require a covering that will resist surface mildew. In this case, we recommend specialized paints such as the eggshell finish paint for kitchens and bathrooms, which make maintenance easier.

To highlight certain architectural elements (e.g., woodwork and trim, mouldings, panelling and wainscoting) and bring out surface details, a pearl or semi-gloss finish is called for. On the other hand, if the goal is to conceal or disguise these elements, opt for the same finish and colour as is used for the walls.

For ceilings, a matte ceiling finish is most appropriate, because it diffuses the light rather than projecting it and disguises imperfections. If the ceiling will be washed frequently, we recommend a matte finish in a high-end formula.

Questions? Don’t hesitate to ask for advice from our specialists. They can guide you in choosing the best product for your project.