Marcus Chen
When it comes to touching up painted walls, several factors come into play, including the paint colour, sheen, and texture. While it is challenging to find an exact colour match, especially for custom-mixed colours, the sheen of the paint also plays a crucial role in the ease of touch-ups. Flat or matte paints with low or no sheen are generally easier to touch up, as they blend seamlessly and don't require a perfectly matched shade. On the other hand, shiny paints, such as eggshell, semi-gloss, and high-gloss, are more difficult to work with due to their tendency to flash or show discrepancies in sheen when viewed from the side. Therefore, when considering touch-ups, opting for paints with less sheen can make the process more manageable and aesthetically pleasing.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ease of touch-up | Flat paints are the easiest to touch up without "flashing" (visible differences in sheen). Matte, satin, semi-gloss, eggshell, and high-gloss paints are more challenging to touch up and may require professional help. |
| Matching paint colour | It is important to use the original paint for touch-ups to ensure an exact colour match. If the original paint is unavailable, a new can of the same stock colour may be used, but custom-mixed colours may not match due to variations in tinting. |
| Matching sheen | When touching up paint, it is crucial to match the sheen of the original paint as closely as possible. |
| Matching surface texture | The paint application method (e.g., brush or roller) should be consistent between the original paint job and the touch-up to maintain a uniform surface texture. |
| Surface preparation | Before touching up paint, clean the surface and fix any small cracks or holes. If there is actual damage to the surface, priming may be necessary. |
| Application techniques | When touching up paint, apply a small amount of paint to the centre of the area and slowly move outward. Use a brush or roller to "feather" the edges, blending the new paint with the old. |
| Lighting and viewing angle | "Flashing" or visible discrepancies in sheen are more apparent when viewing a painted surface from the side or under certain lighting conditions. |
| Paint quality | Higher-quality paints generally provide easier touch-ups. |
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What You'll Learn
Flat paint is best for touch-ups
When touching up flat paint, it is important to use the original paint if possible, as even different batches of the same colour paint may not match exactly. If the original paint is not available, it is recommended to purchase a new can of the same colour, as custom-mixed colours are unlikely to match. Before touching up, it is also important to check that the paint is well mixed, as the chemicals that produce a sheen can settle at the bottom of the paint can.
When touching up, it is best to apply the paint to as small an area as possible, and then use a brush or small roller to "feather" the edges of the painted area, blending it with the older paint. If the touch-up is not blending well, you may need to repaint the entire wall, or use the "`break to break` method", where you paint from one break point (such as a corner) to another.
Shiny paints, including eggshell, semi-gloss, and high-gloss, as well as any oil or alkyd-based paints, are the most difficult to touch up. This is because any differences in sheen will be apparent, creating a "flashing" effect where the new paint does not match the old. Trim, moulding, and woodwork should be treated in the same way as shiny finishes, painting from one break point to another.
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Glossy paint is harder to touch up
Glossy paint finishes are harder to touch up than flat paint finishes. This is because of a phenomenon called "flashing", which refers to the obvious difference in finish that occurs when retouching old or shiny paints. Flashing is most obvious when viewing a surface from the side.
Shiny paints, including eggshell, semi-gloss, and high-gloss, as well as any oil or alkyd-based paints, are the most difficult to touch up. Even flat oil and alkyd will flash if touched up in the middle of a wall or ceiling. To avoid flashing, it is recommended to use the ""break to break" method, which involves painting from one break point to another, such as wall corners or trim molding.
The flatter the finish, the easier it is to touch up. Flat paint has no shine at all, making it a good choice for walls with imperfections or areas where reflection is not desired. It creates a cozy and soft atmosphere, but it can be harder to clean and is less durable than other types of paint.
When touching up paint, it is important to match the colour, sheen, and surface texture as closely as possible to the original. Using the original paint left over from the previous job is ideal, as even slight differences in tint can cause a mismatch. If the original paint is not available, it is best to purchase a new can of the same stock colour, as custom-mixed colours may not match.
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Matching sheen is crucial to a proper touch-up
Flat paints, also known as matte paints, have no sheen and are commonly used on interior walls, especially in older houses with imperfections. They are easy to touch up and blend with existing paint. However, they are more difficult to clean and may require frequent touch-ups. When touching up flat paints, it is important to use a small amount of paint and a brush or roller to feather the edges, blending the new paint with the older paint.
On the other hand, glossier finishes like semi-gloss and high-gloss can be more challenging to touch up due to their sheen. These finishes are often used in specific areas like trim, moldings, and woodwork, rather than walls, as imperfections are more visible. When touching up these finishes, it is recommended to use the ""break to break" method, painting from one break point to another, such as wall corners or trim breaks, to minimise the noticeable difference in the new finish.
Additionally, it is important to note that even if the same paint colour is used for touch-ups, the sheen may vary due to factors such as improper stirring, sunlight exposure, and paint age. UV exposure from sunlight can degrade the sheen over time, causing new touch-ups to flash or show discrepancies. Stirring the paint thoroughly before use can help reduce variations in sheen caused by the settling of sheen-producing chemicals.
When matching sheen for touch-ups, it is recommended to consult a professional painting company or retailer for advice and assistance in achieving the best results. They can help match the sheen and provide guidance on techniques, such as blending and feathering, to ensure a proper and seamless touch-up.
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Use the 'break to break' method for shiny paints
When touching up a painted wall, it is important to consider the sheen of the paint. Flat paint is generally easier to retouch without "flashing", which is the term used to describe the obvious difference in finish that occurs when retouching old or shiny paints. The glossier the finish, the more challenging it is to touch up.
Shiny paints, including eggshell, semi-gloss, and high-gloss, as well as any oil or alkyd-based paints, can be particularly tricky to touch up. Even flat oil and alkyd paints will flash if touched up in the middle of a wall or ceiling. To avoid flashing, it is recommended to use the "break to break" method.
The "break to break" method involves painting from one break in the wall to another. A break in a wall is typically a corner, but it can also be where trim molding stretches from baseboard to crown molding. These isolated sections can be repainted with a closely matching color, and the minor color difference will not be as noticeable since wall corners reflect light differently, making it harder to detect varying shades.
To use the "break to break" method effectively, follow these steps:
- Identify the breaks in the wall: Look for corners or trim molding that divide the wall into isolated sections.
- Prepare the paint: Ensure that your paint is well-mixed before starting. If you are using a new batch of paint, check for color matching by testing a small area and waiting for it to dry completely. Examine the finish by looking down the wall. If the new paint is noticeably different, proceed to the next step.
- Paint from break to break: Start painting from one break point to another. By painting isolated sections, you reduce the noticeable difference in the new finish, even if the color is not an exact match.
- Treat trim areas similarly: If you have trim areas with a shiny finish, apply the same "break to break" method. Paint these areas from one break point to another to minimize the appearance of flashing.
By following these steps and using the "break to break" method, you can effectively touch up shiny paints and minimize the visibility of any color discrepancies. Remember that using the original paint left over from the previous job is always ideal, as custom-mixed colors may not match the original paint due to variations in tinting.
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Sheen can dull over time
When it comes to touching up paint, it's important to remember that sheen can dull over time. Several factors contribute to this. Firstly, sunlight exposure can cause sheen to degrade over time. The ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun will affect the sheen, causing any new touch-up paint to "flash" or show a discrepancy. This is due to the fading of the old paint, which, even with a perfect colour match, will result in noticeable differences when viewed from the side.
Additionally, the age of the paint plays a role in sheen dulling. Older paint is more likely to have lost its original sheen, and touch-ups with new paint, even if it's the same colour, will often result in a mismatch. This is because, over time, the chemical that produces sheen in paint settles to the bottom of the paint bucket. Therefore, when paint is poured from the top, it may have a higher concentration of sheen chemical, resulting in a shinier finish.
Furthermore, the method of application can impact sheen consistency. Brushing paint onto a surface tends to produce a shinier finish compared to rolling it on, even if it's the same paint from the same can. This can result in touch-ups standing out from the original paint.
To mitigate the issue of sheen dulling over time, it's advisable to use flat or matte paints for touch-ups. These paints have little to no sheen, making them easier to retouch without noticeable differences. They are also better at hiding imperfections and are ideal for older houses or walls with many imperfections. However, it's worth noting that flat paints are more difficult to clean and may require more frequent touch-ups.
If you're dealing with a shiny finish, such as semi-gloss or high-gloss paint, the ""break to break" method is recommended. This involves painting from one break point to another, such as wall corners or trim moulding, to diminish the noticeable difference in the new finish. Ultimately, the best way to ensure a seamless touch-up is to use the original paint left over from the previous paint job.
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Frequently asked questions
Flat or matte paints with no sheen are easier to touch up than satin or semi-gloss paints.
Flat paints are easier to touch up because they do not reflect light, so any small imperfections or colour discrepancies are less noticeable.
It is important to use the original paint for touch-ups, as even the same shade of paint from a new can may not match exactly. If the original paint is not available, it is best to repaint the entire wall, especially if the touch-up is in a prominent location.
