The Paint and Paper Library

Paint is probably the easiest, cheapest and fastest way to transform your home! 

We choose Haymes and Resene Paints because your home deserves nothing less than the best. 

To see for yourself, try their websites at:
www.haymespaint.com.au
www.resene.com 

Sheen levels
There are several different sheen levels available in paint – flat, matt, low sheen, satin, semi gloss, high gloss. Each brand of paint will have differences in their sheen levels, and may call them by different names. 

Flat or matt paint has a ‘chalky’ looking finish, with little or no shine to it. This means it is very hard to clean; if you rub too hard, you end up with a shiny patch. That’s because, if you magnified the surface, you’d see this: 

Flat paint is mostly used for ceilings, as it hides imperfections, and cleaning is not (usually) a problem. 

The standard finish for walls is Low Sheen. As the name implies, it has a low level of shine, so it’s not too bright, but it is washable, making it the most practical option. Darker colours will tend to be a little shinier, due to the higher proportion of tinters. 

Semi Gloss and High Gloss are often used for trims, including doors, windows, skirtings and architraves. They accentuate these features and provide a resilient finish against the extra wear. With a surface that looks like this: 

they are easy to clean. Keep in mind that semi gloss is a lower maintenance option – high gloss will show every scratch and ding! 

Preparation
Preparation can have a huge effect on the finished result of your painting. 

You might be reluctant to try it yourself, when you think of washing down the walls, sanding, filling and undercoating, not to mention cleaning up the rollers and brushes afterwards, but we carry an extensive range of products and equipment to make things easier, and we can pass on a few of the painters tips and tricks too.