Will a color appear darker if a flat paint is used?

Question

I bought two color samples to try out before committing. The samples are only available in a semi-gloss. The samples have dried to a color that is lighter than what appears on the paint swatch. Will the color be darker, truer to the paint swatch if it's done in a flat base?

Answer 1

Yes, flat paint will be the most "true" of all the finishes. Good points about flat paint...designers love it because it does not change greatly dependant upon the lighting conditions, it is not affected by glare hot spots. It has a velvety finish which always looks rich. Down side, not appropriate for high traffic areas since it cannot be washed. It can however be touched up seamlessly...unlike other finishes which show a line of demarcation, flat paints touch up without a trace. Flat paints are not appropriate for high humidity areas such as bathrooms as condensate and splashing will leave watermarks. There is a dimension to flat paints which is intangeable yet perceptable. Can you tell that I really like them? LOL...I use them in my home because it is a low maintenance environment. If you don't mind being a slave to re-touch and you live in a high maintenance home, then flat can be for you...choose wisely. Some of the new eggshells are very low sheen but will give you washability.

Cheers,

Rodd

http://www.exterior-house-paint-colors.c...

Answer 2

Yes - it will absorb more light than a glossier surface, and within reason be nearer the paint chip you have been looking at, which is doubtless matt. Remember,  due to technical limitations of colour printing, paint charts are only really a fair approximation.