The Scoop on Matte Finishes

Gretchen's Seashell Matte Finish is her magnum opus, inspired by the look and feel of Bainbridge clams, ancient Caribbean forts, and shallow ocean beds. This gives her masterful color harmonies a visual and visceral energy that resonates deep in our bones. It offers a flawless, beautiful look and feel of limestone in an exclusive acrylic-latex formula that is livable and seamless touch-up ability. 

Here is the scoop on all matte-finishes!

Curing Time for Matte Wall Finishes

• Water-based/latex matte paint: 14 to 30 days
• Factors: Temperature, humidity, and air circulation can impact curing time.
• Paint Application: Thicker coats of paint will take longer to cure than thinner coats.

Matte Wall Finish Considerations

• Dry vs. Cure: Paint may feel dry to the touch within hours, but this doesn't mean it's fully cured.
• Usability: While the paint may be dry enough for light use after 24 hours, it's best to avoid placing objects directly against the wall or hanging heavy items for at least 5-10 days.
• Full Hardness: The paint reaches its maximum hardness and durability only after the full curing period.
• Remember that while the paint may feel dry within hours, it's crucial to allow the full curing time for optimal durability and performance of your matte wall paint.

Advantages of Matte Finishes

• Conceals Imperfections: Matte finishes are excellent at hiding surface flaws like bumps, cracks, and uneven textures due to their non-reflective nature. This makes them ideal for older homes or walls with minor imperfections.
• Elegant Appearance: Matte finishes provide a sophisticated, understated elegance that can enhance the overall aesthetic of a space. They offer a clean, modern look that works well in various design styles.
• Rich Color Depth: Matte paints tend to showcase colors with exceptional depth and richness, as they absorb light rather than reflecting it. This allows the true color to shine through without interference from glare or shine.
• Easy Touch-Ups: Matte finishes are forgiving when it comes to touch-ups, as they blend well with existing paint without leaving noticeable marks or streaks.
• Reduced Glare: The low-sheen nature of matte finishes helps minimize glare and create a more comfortable visual experience, especially in brightly lit environments.
• Cleaning: This type of finish is difficult to clean, which is one reason it requires frequent touching up. The good news is that flat paint is easy to touch up. Dilute white vinegar as mentioned earlier and apply to the affected area. Leave it on for 5-10 minutes, then gently scrub with a microfibre cloth and rinse with warm water. Dry thoroughly.

Disadvantages of Matte Finishes

• Less Durable: Matte finishes are more susceptible to damage and wear compared to glossier options. They are prone to scuffing, staining, and marks from cleaning, making them less suitable for high-traffic areas.
• Difficult to Clean: Cleaning matte surfaces can be challenging, as they tend to absorb stains and marks. Aggressive cleaning methods may cause the finish to fade or become damaged.
• Limited Moisture Resistance: Matte finishes are not as moisture-resistant as glossier alternatives, making them unsuitable for areas prone to humidity or moisture exposure, such as bathrooms and kitchen.
• Potential for Etching: Matte surfaces, especially on countertops, can be prone to etching over time with spills and cleaning.
  
• Requires Special Care: Matte finishes often need specialized cleaning products and gentle maintenance to preserve their appearance and prevent damage.

When choosing any MATTE FINISH FOR WALLS, it's essential to consider the specific application, location, and maintenance requirements to determine if it's the best option for your needs.

Our Color Promise

Gretchen Schauffler understands the role of color density, reflection, and harmony in creating somatic atmospheres that feel better even than they look. Her color harmonies and Colorwright paint formulas are always on pitch, never off-key. By personally creating, shaking, and testing the reflection, illumination, and density of each color on walls before they go on yours, she delivers colorful environments that feel greater than the sum of its parts, created through personal design choices that are emotionally, financially, and physically sustainable over the years.

Discover how Gretchen Schauffler's Colorwright process produces unmatchable color harmonies that enhance your home and happiness (here).