Semi-gloss paint is widely used in high-traffic areas because its higher sheen makes it easier to clean. But if you’re considering using semi-gloss for your walls, you may be wondering how easy it is to touch up.
Semi-gloss paints are hard to touch up, as the glossy finish makes it difficult to seamlessly blend in a repaired area. If you touch up a spot in semi-gloss paint, the new area will be much more reflective and glossy than the surrounding area. This can create an uneven, patchy look when viewed close up.
In this article, you will learn about:
- The factors that affect touch-up results
- How semi-gloss compares to other finishes
- The best practices for touching-up semi-gloss paint
The 7 Factors That Affect Touch-up Results on Semi-Gloss Paint
Although semi-gloss isn’t the easiest paint finish to touch up, there are a number of things you can do to improve your chances of obtaining a professional finish. Let’s take a look.
Lighting
The lighting in the room can impact how well touch-up paint blends in with existing paint. Natural light and artificial light can make colors appear differently, so it’s important to view touch-ups under different lighting conditions
Age of the paint
The age of the existing paint on your walls can affect how well touch-up paint blends in. If the original paint has faded or yellowed over time, it may be difficult to find an exact match for touch-ups.
Application technique
The application technique can also play a role in how well touch-up paint blends in. Proper preparation and painting techniques are key to achieving the best results possible.
Gloss level
The gloss level of the original paint and touch-up paint can also influence how well the two blend together. When choosing a touch-up paint, make sure it is the same sheen as the existing paint.
Previous paint job
If the original paint job was not done well, it may be particularly challenging to touch up or blend in new paint. Poorly blended edges, inadequately covered surfaces, or fading can all make touch-ups more difficult.
Environment
The environment in which the touch-up is applied can also affect how well the paint blends. Temperature and humidity levels, as well as air movement speed and direction, are all factors that can impact how well a touch-up will blend in with existing paint.
Paint color
Finally, the color of the paint itself can affect how well touch-up paint blends in. If you’re having trouble finding an exact match for your existing paint color, consider mixing two different colors together to create a custom shade.
Touch-up Comparison With Other Paint Finishes
Flat
Flat paint is non-reflective and has zero sheen, so it is often used in bedrooms, ceilings, and low-traffic areas. Flat paint is the easiest finish to touch up. It’s far more forgiving when compared to semi-gloss paint.
Unlike semi-gloss’s mid-sheen, flat paint doesn’t reflect light, making it less likely to highlight any imperfections in the wall surface or touch-up areas.
Matte
Matte paint is a popular choice for its smooth, velvety finish and ability to hide imperfections. However, when it comes to touch-up, it is easier compared to semi-gloss paint. Matte paint has less sheen, making it easier to match with the existing paint.
Eggshell
Eggshell paint is the go-to option for interior designers and homeowners for its low sheen and durability. Its finish is less glossy than semi-gloss paint, making eggshell easier to touch up. The low-reflective nature of the paint helps hide any imperfections that may occur during the touch-up process.
Satin
Satin paint is a popular choice for walls, ceilings, and trim because of its mid-sheen. While it is less reflective than semi-gloss paint, touch-ups are still difficult with satin. Its mid-level sheen reflects light, so any imperfections can be easily highlighted.
High-gloss
High-gloss paint is very reflective and often used in areas that require frequent cleaning. While it is suitable for high-traffic areas, touch-ups can be challenging since the paint’s finish reflects light and highlights any imperfections.
Best practices for touching up semi-gloss paint
Need to give semi-gloss paint on your interior walls a touch-up? Don’t fret. Here are some of the best practices that will help you create an immaculate finish:
Clean the area
Before touching up semi-gloss paint, it’s important to prep the wall. Start by cleaning the area with mild detergent and warm water.
Make sure there is no dust or debris left on the wall in order for the touch-up paint to adhere properly.
Prepare the surface
If there are any pops or cracks in the wall, fill them in with spackling paste before applying any paint. This will help create an even surface and make touch-ups easier.
Sand the area
Once the area is clean and prepped, use fine-grit sandpaper to lightly sand the wall. This will also help ensure a smooth finish when it comes time to apply the touch-up paint.
Apply primer
When using a semi-gloss touch-up paint to cover a surface that has already been painted, it’s especially important to use a primer.
This is because touch-up paint can have a slightly different texture and finish than the existing paint, making it more noticeable when applied.
Using a primer before applying touch-up paint helps ensure a more even finish and blend in the new paint with the existing color. It can also help the paint last longer and resist peeling or flaking.
Match sheen and paint color
The paint used for touch-ups should be the same sheen as the existing semi-gloss paint, and it should also be a close match to the original color. If you can’t find an exact match, consider mixing two shades together to create your custom hue.
Use a small brush or weenie roller
When applying your touch-ups, it’s important to use a small brush or weenie roller. This will help ensure that the paint is applied evenly and with precision.
Touch up in layers
Applying touch-up paint in thin layers helps build up the color gradually, making it easier for the new paint to blend in with the existing coat. Continue adding thin layers until the desired level of coverage is achieved.
Feather out edges
Feather out any edges, this will help create a smooth finish and make it easier for the touch-ups to blend in with the existing paint.
Let the touch-up paint dry completely before checking how well it blended in with the existing paint. If you don’t like the results, simply repeat these steps until you get the desired level of coverage.