That no two paint jobs are the same is an indisputable fact. Choosing the correct paint finish for any project, therefore, depends on several factors including surface types, customer expectations, budget and even variations in natural and artificial lighting among others.

While most interiors don’t have a one-paint-fits-all solution, ROCKCOTE makes your job easier with a range of non-toxic, low VOC paints to give you the best finish on any surface.

This short guide from Rockcote Enterprises is designed to provide better understanding of different styles of paints and applications, and how to choose paints according to the room, location and lighting orientation.

While gloss and matte are the two primary styles of paint, ROCKCOTE offers two further options for each style.

Gloss | EcoStyle Gloss

A timeless classic, EcoStyle Gloss is ideal for traditional-style brick or timber Queenslander residences, with the durable high-gloss finish highlighting window and door frames, architraves and skirting boards. As older buildings tend to offer less window frontage, this gloss finish highlights and maximises natural lighting, giving an extra source of illumination to an otherwise dim atmosphere.

Traditionally, these areas of increased contact and climatic distress require regular repainting and tend to dull, soil and peel over time. Thanks to ROCKCOTE’s refined formula, the quick-drying finish can be scrubbed clean, resists stains, and repels mould and fungus while being non-toxic and low VOC in formulation.

Gloss | EcoStyle Satin

Gloss paint is recommended for enhancing conventional timber window and door frames, as well as interior features such as recesses and archways. However, a high sheen can sometimes increase glare and reflection, detracting from the room’s ambience.

A satin finish highlights these interior features without the highly reflective sheen of high gloss paint.

Hard-wearing, washable and durable, EcoStyle Satin is the perfect finish for built-in shelving, accentuating features and complementing picture frames, vases and other displayed objects without detracting from them with an overly-shiny surface.

Matte | EcoStyle Low Sheen

Gloss paints are usually limited to frames and architraves, but sometimes you require their vibrant touch throughout your room or property. A low-sheen paint gives larger surfaces, particularly walls, a radiance, enhancing natural lighting and offering a warm glow to artificial light. Smaller, poorly-lit rooms can be given a more expansive feel with a low-sheen treatment, while in larger rooms, the brighter surfaces can accentuate feature windows throughout the day, create a natural flow from interior to exterior areas such as patios, and provide warmth and cosiness in the evening without adding a claustrophobic effect.

This can also be a huge benefit to internal corridors, refracting light along the length of a property and creating expansion in an otherwise narrow space. Non-toxic EcoStyle Low Sheen is ideally suited for family living spaces or nurseries and can bring a natural glow to any interior.

Matte | Flat

Modern properties often take advantage of views, natural lighting and orientation, inviting panoramic scenery into the property. Minimalist interiors offer large, airy spaces and exaggerate the internal dimensions of a home or building.

While this is desirable and beneficial in many circumstances, it can also become overbearing; with the wrong choice of paint, you may find yourself needing to offer guests sunglasses even on a gloomy day inside.

A flat matte paint finish absorbs excess reflective light, both natural and artificial, without compromising on modern design features. Clean, shear surfaces become tactile and subtle and even large, split-level façades will dissolve into the background or offer a seamless transition to the scenery beyond.

Making the right paint choices to fit each application can elevate your property and bring life to dull interior spaces. It can reduce electricity expenses by utilising and enhancing natural light, and even bring greater appeal and value to your property.

By choosing wisely, you can transform any room from a dull box into the warm and vibrant heart of your home.

View the range of ROCKCOTE EcoStyle Interior paints today and bring some brightness to your next project.