Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum banner
1 - 20 of 41 Posts

Traditions

· Registered
Joined
·
309 Posts
Discussion starter · #1 ·
what do you all use more of. I have been doing basically new construction the last few years. I always recommend an eggshell. However, most new homes I go into have flat in them. I did a huge staircase with a monster window behind it in eggshell this past week. I had a hell of a time with it. Kept seeing my marks. Would most people use a flat in this situation. I like the look of eggshell. Just seems like most contractors are putting flat in their homes to cover crap up.
 
Matte is just another name for flat... right?
like blanco is spanish for white?

Always use flat when possible, especially in new construction. The difference is that when you fix anything with mud or caulk it will flash
when painted with eggshell, unless you prime first (adding more work)
with flat you do not have to. Also when painting with eggshell you must keep a wet edge and roll each wall as it's cut in...before it dries otherwise you will have lines or marks (or flashing). Also some new self primeing products like super hide ben moore is not recomended to be top coated with any sheen level. And if not for all that.... flat can be touched up
when eggshell.. the whole wall must be painted again.
 
Mostly re paints here and most women want eggshell. I have a disclaimer in my proposals that states, using eggshell (or shinier) paints may cause imperfections that weren't previously noticed to become visible (most builders flat hides bad taping on large walls) and I am not responsible for them. I can charge to fix them, charge them to repaint in flat etc...

I try talking them into flat or matte. Most damn interior decorators that I have worked with on jobs even architects spec eggshell or even pearl! Please stop doing that ! (just tell people to control there kids and not touch the damn walls all the time.);)

Also the eggshell I use from P&L says aqua matte on it (red Seal) it is not as shiny as BM's velvet and some others out there.
 
The past few years it's been a trend toward eggshell
I'd say it's at the point now where I paint more walls eggshell then flat

I'm sure most builders prefer and use flat
But with re-paints, I do what the customer wants
 
Discussion starter · #10 ·
with scrubbable flats it should be easier to convince. I would rather have flat in my own house. If i scuff the wall with eggshell I have to reroll the whole wall. If i scuff flat I can simply touch it up. Paint with more sheen isn;t exactly scrubbable in my opinion. Sometimes when you try to scrub a eggshell, satin, or semi, it leaves a smudge. With flat it usually dries flat or you can just touch it up.
 
I'm sure you are right George. But BM Matte painted next to flat has a slight sheen compared to the flat. If its got a sheen....it aint flat..IMO.

I remember being up in Cold Lake Alberta for a month and the first time I went grocery shopping I was pissed cause I couldnt read the labels. Then I realized you just turn the can around and its written in English.
 
I'm sure you are right George. But BM Matte painted next to flat has a slight sheen compared to the flat. If its got a sheen....it aint flat..IMO.

I remember being up in Cold Lake Alberta for a month and the first time I went grocery shopping I was pissed cause I couldnt read the labels. Then I realized you just turn the can around and its written in English.
I had an older Scottish Painter working for me years ago.
He only poured the paint and wiped his brush on the French side of the can. :laughing:
 
with scrubbable flats it should be easier to convince. I would rather have flat in my own house. If i scuff the wall with eggshell I have to reroll the whole wall. If i scuff flat I can simply touch it up. Paint with more sheen isn;t exactly scrubbable in my opinion. Sometimes when you try to scrub a eggshell, satin, or semi, it leaves a smudge. With flat it usually dries flat or you can just touch it up.
Ever try and wash the so called washable paints .....remember Ever Clean from SW.....Now its Ben Moore Matte finish for 30 dollars a gallon

Pro Mar 200 or Super Spec from ben moore cover just as well and wash as well.

Super Spec Egg from Ben Moore is a nice product. I will take flat in hallways anyday......baths and kitchens egg......:whistling
 
1 - 20 of 41 Posts