Best BM formula for flat interior finish in historic style house?

11 years ago

I think flat is the best for a historic lOok, but don't know which formula is best. Are any able to be scrubbed?--we have kids. Thanks.

Comments (11)

sombreuil_mongrel
11 years ago
In the early history of oil paint, there was no such thing as flat finish. It was all glossy, until it aged and got duller. Then, they brought in tung oil from the far east and "flatting oil" became an additive to reduce the shine.
Whitewash and calcimine paints were always a fairly flat sheen.
Casey
jessicaml
11 years ago
Casey always adds something interesting; however, since you probably don't want to paint with oil-based paint and let it age naturally, I recommend the Benjamin Moore Regal Select in Matte. It's a washable flat. For bathrooms, you could go up in sheen to Eggshell, or you could find a store selling BM Aura Bath & Spa Matte.
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A Magic Eraser taken to any paint film is going to remove some of the final finish. Magic Erasers are good for lots of things but should never be used on a painted wall IMO. When light hits the scrubbed spot just right, you can see how the Magic Eraser left an uneven finish behind. SuperPaint is honestly one of the best values on the paint market today. Value meaning you get a lot of good stuff in the can for what you pay. Including a perfectly lovely final finish/result. Especially if you hit it on a sale or have coupons. But Super Paint is not a top tier can of paint. The more upper tier, better grade of paint you go, the more durable. Usually. In general people take the notion of "scrubbable" too far with all tiers of paint. Better grades are going to be tougher, but they have limits. You can only clean within reason. There is a breakeven point where you have to objectively look at the ding or scuff and determine it needs to be touched-up, not scrubbed.
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Functionally, as long as you prep properly there shouldn't be any issue. Some older houses have layers of paint that are thicker than the actual plaster. (that's probably an exaggeration but ya know what I mean) If there's actually integrity issues with the plaster, you should post those details - maybe on another thread - to get feedback on what "proper prep" in that instance means. Aesthetically - and this is a personal note - modern paint formulas + old plaster walls aren't ideal partners. The final finish from a few Farrow & Ball products is a better fit for plaster. Paint is a film and the newer formulations look more "filmy" or "coating-like" than older formulas. The F&B example is pertinent because their final finishes don't have the same edge of "film" or "coating". Hope that makes sense. Just something to keep in mind when you're shopping for, selecting the aesthetic of the final finish you want to end up on the plaster walls.
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I'd describe the style of the renovations we're doing to our 1950's house as "transitional leaning towards modern", I think, and we chose 5-panel doors similar to your first pic, but without the raised panel or moulding at all. Here's an intertesting blurb from a door manufacturer about them: This five panel door style has shown a huge resurgence in popularity over the past few years, even appearing on a lot of tv programs and movies. Originally, it was probably created during the Victorian era with raised panels, and sometimes with flat panels, or almost flat panels. It has a simple, clean look, with five uniformly sized panels running horizontally across the door. With the flat panel version, it can evoke both arts and crafts, or mission style, as well as giving a contemporary feel. Just by changing the wood type, you can also change the whole feel of the door. For instance, oak may give you a grainier, more earthy feel, while a painted poplar may give you a crisp, contemporary feel, when combined with more contemporary moldings around the door.
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threeapples
Original Author
11 years ago
thanks to both of you, for the great history lesson and for the the good recommendations.
PRO
Lori A. Sawaya
11 years ago
Casey always adds something interesting

Agreed.
PRO
Christopher Nelson Wallcovering and Painting
11 years ago
I would go with the Aura
sombreuil_mongrel
11 years ago
I forgot to add, for an authentic-looking finish surface, you need to brush, not roll.
I'm hella boring in person, BTW.
Casey
threeapples
Original Author
11 years ago
but do people actually use a brush for large rooms with high ceilings?
Faron79
11 years ago
If your home is ACTUALLY in a Historic-District/Neighborhood, this may be something to pursue. Otherwise, the look is lost on anyone but you....

Painters could well charge a decent premium for a slower job like this, as would I!
It WON'T however look like old plaster...

Faron
kitchendetective
11 years ago
Some designers two coats of rolled on paint, followed by a brushed on coat. (Of course, some also spec 13 coats of high gloss with sanding in between, too.) Personally, I love the chalky, flat, velvety finish Farrow and Ball Estate Emulsion gives, but I wouldn't use in areas typically frequented by children or, in my case, the gallery hall with the corner on which my Great Pyrenees scratches his back, IYKWIM. ;)
kitchendetective
11 years ago
Once again, something disappears from preview--should be "some designers specify." Clutzy fingers?
And, yes, I find such fascinating historic perspective when Casey posts. He and Fun ought to do a column here.
sombreuil_mongrel
11 years ago
To brush out the walls in a room takes two people working in tandem, one to roll on as much paint as the roller will hold, and a second poor sap to brush out the finish and yell at the roller guy to slow down! I've had a total of two customers who insisted on brushed walls (for historical reasons). It's awful hard on the painters.
I admit to brushing the wall color in my own kitchen, for the unique appearance, but the expanse of plain wall (not covered by cabinets or wainscotting) was very small, no cursing necessary.
Casey

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Best BM formula for flat interior finish in historic style house?

Comments (11)

sombreuil_mongrel

jessicaml

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Best BM formula for flat interior finish in historic style house?

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