6Gloss or matt? The gloss level of the paint will affect how it looks. Matt surfaces absorb light and will appear darker than glossy reflective surfaces. Dark colours look velvety and rich in a matt finish – try Resene SpaceCote Flat. Light colours and glossy finishes help make a room appear larger, while darker colours, heavier textures and matt finishes help make the room seem cosier. Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen or Resene Zylone Sheen are normally recommended for walls while Resene Lustacryl gives a good tough, semi- gloss finish for trims. For more of a gloss contrast you can use Resene Enamacryl on trims. Like gloss level, the colour paint you use will also show surface defects to varying degrees. Darker colours accentuate surface imperfections, while lighter colours soften the effects of any surface irregularities by absorbing less light. Special paint effects or wallpaper can be used to hide minor surface defects. If you have painted a wall with paint and find the sheen level is too flat or glossy, you can apply Resene SpaceCote Clear (low sheen) or Resene Concrete Clear flat, satin or gloss to adjust the sheen level. Left: Blue is perennially popular. The main wall here is Resene Zinzan (try Resene Bunting for another option), the rear wall and sideboard are Resene Biscay (bottom) and Resene Half Dusted Blue. The floor is Resene Chalk Dust (try Resene Half Bianca for another option), the front of the cabinet is Resene Breathless and the coffee table is Resene Bunting. 8 |