13th May 2008

Flat paint vs Glossy Paint

Some big mistakes that new flippers make come at the very end.  Specifically items like appliances, flooring, trim, cabinetry, tile, countertops, and paint are all huge factors in how quickly your flip will sell.  All of these factors must play well in your final product.  When it comes to painting it’s usually best to go neutral and choose no more than two colors.  However there is more to painting than meets the eye…  House flippers must also pick the best finish. 

Flat Paint

Flat paint gives off a dull (flat) finish.  Although this may sound unappealing, it’s actually the best choice for the majority of the house.  Flat paint does a better job at hiding imperfections, especially on new drywall.  It’s frequently used for all interior walls and also on the exterior of the house.  Two exceptions may be the bathrooms and kitchen areas, where more dirt tends to collect.   Historically flat finishes are difficult to clean, however there are newer washable flats that tout easy to clean surfaces with minimal cleansers required.

Glossy Paint

Glossy paint comes in several varieties such as satin, semi-gloss, high-gloss etc.  These paint finishes have bright, shiny surfaces.  They also are easier to clean which is why they are commonly used in kitchens and bathrooms.  The problem with them is that they do not hide the imperfections as well as flat paint.  Glossy paints are also used on trim work such as moldings, door jams, window trim, etc. 

The main priority for every house flipper is to sell.  The best choice for paint may be to use a washable flat paint everywhere except on your trim work.  This way you can hide imperfections but still give the new homeowner a washable surface.  Another thing to keep in mind is that the new owner will want to paint and decorate their new house themselves.  Keeping things neutral will allow potential buyers to use their own imagination while evaluating your product. 

This entry was posted on Tuesday, May 13th, 2008 at 11:29 am and is filed under Complete Rehabs, House Flipping, Tips. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

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