Questions about paint

[BrokeEF]

I know this is kind of a trivial topic, but just wanted some opinions from you guys. We are getting the walls finished and painted in the next week or two. I am planning on a single color to make life easier. First up, interior or exterior grade? I was assuming interior since the garage is temp controlled to some extent, but then again the door gets opened so it will swing in temp. Next up what finish should I go with? I feel like gloss or high gloss would look weird, but then again it would clean easier and reflect more. Last up is color. Again I had pretty much planned on white, but I saw some things about doing light grey instead. Helps hide dirt, and still plenty bright.

Lets hear what you guys did, and what you like/don't like about it.


Thanks,
Sean

 

[3Series]

White on top, red strip, dark gray bottom, black trim. Exterior paint, satin finish

 

[MrNiceGuy!]

Redoing mine now using the same color scheme as 3Series.

 

[3Series]

I thought about semi-gloss on the bottom for protection. Then I figured anything that I would do to the wall that would require protection, paint isn't going to protect it.

 

[BPJOOP93]

I used semi gloss. Reflects light and cleans easy

 

[ford33]

Interior wall preparation is important. Sand and smooth the walls. Use a quality primer so everything is one base color before applying finish color.

Then select a name brand quality interior latex paint. I prefer egg shell or semi-gloss finish. Consider a gloss on the trim. You will need two coats as you always miss spots and have different color depths.

A gray or gray based white color will tone down the harshness of a pure white wall and also hide dirt. A contrasting color on trim and maybe an accent color on a wall would add a nice feature.

The selection of a quality paint is important. It will wear well, apply easily and have a uniform appearance across the wall in different lighting. I prefer a Benjamin Moore or SW product in the $25 - $40 per gallon price range. You will likely paint only once so do it well. If you are painting it yourself, the material is a good place to add extra quality.

Good luck.

 

[Stuart in MN]

The more gloss there is, the more it will show off any and all imperfections in the wall. I'd stay with a matte finish. I'd go with white, but not pure white - the paint manufacturers sell about a zillion shades of off white, go to the store and take a look at the color charts to find one you like. I agree with ford33, don't be afraid of spending money on quality paint. I like Benjamin Moore but Sherwin-Williams and other name brands are good, too.

 

[BrokeEF]

Thanks for the pointers guys! Like I said I am doing a single color, nothing fancy. I am having the walls finished, primed, and painted by someone else. I will probably go with Sherwin Williams paint since we have always had good luck with it.

So stay with Semi Gloss, and possibly gloss for trim. I am kind of leaning toward a very light grey on the walls, and a medium grey for the trim just to give it a bit of contrast. Should I go with interior or exterior paint?


Thanks again,
Sean

 

[LXCam]

Semi gloss is a good choice or no less than a eggshell. A flat is the worst thing in the world for a dirt dusty place. Even cleaning off spider webs is a disaster.

 

[Done That]

Should I go with interior or exterior paint?

Thanks again,
Sean

I worked for Sherwin-Williams years ago. We were told the basic formulations were pretty much the same, but the quantity of pigmentation added for exterior is much more basically to account for UV/color fading. Same reason some of the reds and yellows aren't made available, fade too fast outside.

Suspect you'd be fine with Satin finish indoor paint.

 

[lakelandcat]

Flat white ceiling, gray semi gloss trim, easy to clean, lighter gray for the walls, satin to match the floor. It's a shop for christ sake, if I wanted a fashion statement I'd ask my wife. I'm not one that can throw a pillow on the couch and it lands perfect, but for the man cave its all about accessories i.e. a well placed workbench, drill press, table saw, tool box, peg board in just the right spot, you get the point. The first person that comes in and says "ew I don't like that color" gets hit with a stick.

 

[PhysicsDude]

Most workshops you can barely see the walls after its fully stocked, so its really not something you need to worry too much over.

I recommend semi-gloss paint. Semi-gloss and gloss paint cleans easier and stays clean easier than flatter paints. Definitely do NOT do flat, and I wouldn't recommend eggshell either.

A light shade of gray would be my choice if you're just doing 1 color.

Interior latex paint is what I would recommend. As long as you use a good primer, it will be very durable, and latex paint is very good at repelling water/liquids if you have a good thick coat.

 

[jetnow1]

As you get older lighting becomes even more important, I put in lots of lighting, and painted every wall with white semi gloss, ceiling is flat white. Would not change it so
I guess it is the right choice for me.

 

[n20junkie]

I use gloss white exterior.

Cleans the easiest, looks great and imperfections are fine once you add machines, benches, shelves, ceiling light fixtures..........

For the one or two remaining spots that bug you, add a banner, sticker, neon light......

 

[taumac]

I’m definitely a fan of basic semi gloss white paint and Ill used exterior grade. I would pick up a 5 gallon bucket to do garage and to have some left over for touch ups down the road.