How to Use Flat Latex Paint

Flat latex paint can minimize flaws in your walls.

Flat latex paint is a type of paint that does not reflect light, therefore lending a flat or matte appearance to the painted surface. There is no difference between application techniques for flat paint as opposed to eggshell, satin and other finishes. However, flat latex paint has different characteristics that are best put to use on certain types of surfaces. Its non-reflective qualities allow it to help hide flaws in your walls, ceilings and other surfaces that may not have been constructed or joined as smoothly as you would like.

Things You'll Need

• Flashlight
• Flat acrylic paint
• Stir stick
• Synthetic bristle paintbrush
• Paint roller
• Roller pad
• Roller tray

Instructions

1. Determine how smooth the surfaces you want to paint are by shutting off the lights in the room and holding a flashlight against the wall or ceiling so it shines across the surface at the lowest angle possible. Any irregularities in the wall's surface, such as nail holes, dents or improperly applied drywall tape, will show up as shadows in the light's beam. If you have multiple shadows as you place the light in various places along the wall or ceiling, it is a good candidate for flat paint.

2. Consider whether the area you are painting is exposed to a lot of dirt and moisture, such as a kitchen, bath area or child's room. If it is, consider using a paint finish other than flat, as flat acrylic paint is not very mildew-resistant and is harder to clean than glossier finishes.

3. Open your acrylic flat paint and stir the paint thoroughly with a stick. Even if the can was shaken at the store, the color will settle on the drive home, so always re-stir it manually.

4. Apply the paint to the edges and corners of your wall or ceiling with a synthetic-bristled brush. Synthetic bristles are the best type for latex paints, while natural bristles work well for oil-based paints.

5. Place a roller pad on your paint roller and thoroughly coat its surface with paint, then roll off the excess paint along the roller tray or a grate in your paint bucket and roll it onto the wall in smooth motions, overlapping the edges of the area you just painted each time you stop to add more paint to the roller.

6. Keep painting until you complete a wall, as allowing paint to dry before continuing on the same surface will cause differences in color to show where the wet and dry paint overlapped.

References

• Home Depot: Interior Paints: Selecting a Sheen
• Dutch Boy: Planning Tools: Sheen Guide
• Artsparx: Paint and Varnish Sheens