Tone it Down

Midst of remodel which has been a learning process; one of which, how to use, or not, the different sheens on interior walls. Just painted newly textured walls on a small bedroom using a semi gloss paint and after all the work and effort I am not that pleased with outcome. The remodel has been ongoing; consequently, I have taken an attitude 'it is what it is'; however, I would like to know if it's possible to change to sheen with favorable results, don't want to make it worse, and it not getting too involved?. Suggestions, input, appreciated!!

 

You can certainly recoat with a different sheen without problems. Depending on how good of a painter you are, it could be done in one coat.

Don't like seeing your reflection on the walls huh?

I'm guessing you would like satin.

 

The room is about 75% windows, after removing the masking paper, wow, reflections aint the word for it, I am thinking flat.

 

Bedrooms are normally a flat or eggshell. We've used a semi-gloss for accent areas...but I think it would be too shiny for a full bedroom. Satin, semi and gloss are reserved mostly for bathrooms and utility areas around here.

 

So if I understand correctly, the room can be repainted using an eggshell, or flat base paint. If so, if the flats have a greater pigmentation than the other sheens any opinion whether I should go with a flat to reduce any posssible of the shinny sheen bleeding thru? Oh, really appreciate the input. thank you!!

 

Not a Pro painter...but I think as long as you get good coverage...the sheen won't "bleed" through if you use the same color.

Sort of like if you take a shiny piece of glass and put a matte sandblasted piece over it...you won't see the glossy piece at all.

We did a gloss sponge finish on a wall in a bedroom at our last house. When it was time to sell and repaint...we just painted over it with an eggshell and it was gone.

 

I like a satin finish on my walls, we use eggshell on all of the walls in our rental units. Personally, flat is a little too dull for me.

 

Although eager to complete this never ending remodel I am very pleased to find out it only requires a coat or two of paint. Probly wait couple days to determine if I can get use to the semi gloss sheen. I am certain the flat will not be on the shopping list. Decided to go with either the satin, or eggshell, most likely eggshell because of the amount of light. The windows are recessed, or framed with sheetrock and then textured. I am considering leaving the semi gloss on the recess portion of the window, it would eliminate 2-3 hours of masking. Again, can't thank everyone enough for the comments.

 

Happy to help and please let us know how this turns out for you.

 

For the most part, eggshell and satin have the same sheen. There is no industry standard for sheen levels so it can vary a little between brands. There is no reason a quality satin/eggshell enamel in the same color won't cover the semi-gloss in one coat..... provided an even coat is applied. The underlying semi-gloss will slow the drying time down a little but it's not a big deal.

I'm not a big fan of using tape when painting with a brush/roller. It's more hassle than it's worth and there is always the chance that paint will seep under it and/or the paint will peel when you remove the tape - especially if the tape is applied over new paint! It always pays to use quality brushes/rollers. Even with all my years of experience, it would be difficult for me to do a nice paint job with inferior tools.

 

I certainly will!!

 

Very pleased with the outcome, added a coat of the Eggshell and what a difference, certainly toned down the sheen. Now having a discussion with myself whether to add another coat, most likely will since already prepped. For all the professional painters out there, don't know how you do it, I do not have the patience.

 

For me, painting's easy but stick me in an office all day or behind a machine in a factory
Painting like anything else becomes easier the more you do it. Remember the old saying practice makes perfect Glad the eggshell worked out for you

 

I'm with you - I hate painting. Since everything is already set up, I'd add another coat on the idea it may delay when you need to paint again.