Which type of interior paint and paint finish is right for you and your tenants to both help with maintenance and be attractive to get new tenants?
Be sure you are protecting your investment and income as well as keeping your tenants happy..
Paint is an important consideration when getting a rental unit ready for the market.
Potential renters can be easily turned on or off by the color and finish of the paint.
Recently, Zillow published a guideline for choosing the paint color to optimize the sale prices of homes. There are some other factors to consider for rental properties given that the renter’s mindset is different than that of potential homeowners.
Color isn’t the only consideration when planning for rental properties. The finish can have a profound impact on the look and will also determine how vivid details appear and how easy the surface will be to clean. Here are some finishes to choose from.
5 paint finishes to consider for your rental properties
Usually, paint finishes range from flat or matte to high-gloss.
The gloss of a paint can change the way color is perceived, how durable the paint is, and how easily it is to hide imperfections or to clean.
No. 1 – A flat or matte paint finish – pros and cons
This is a low-sheen paint with a non-reflective finish that touches up well and conceals surface flaws or imperfections.
For walls that have patches or are cracking, picking a flat, or matte, finish might be the best choice. It’s ideal for low traffic areas such as bedrooms interior walls and ceilings.
The main disadvantage to this paint finish is that its porous surface easily absorbs stains and can’t be washed.
No. 2 – An eggshell finish
This is not glossy, but subdued with a soft, velvety appearance.
It holds up better with cleaning than a flat finish paint.
This is the preferred choice for moderate traffic areas such as baths, children’s bedrooms, living areas and in sun rooms or enclosed porches.
This may highlight some surface flaws and even show roller marks.
No. 3 – Satin finishes
These are a little shinier than the eggshell finished paints.
It is ideal if you desire a pearl-like appearance, and are painting moderate to high traffic areas or areas that have some exposure to moisture, such as kitchens.
It is practical and easy to maintain; its biggest flaw is it reveals application flaws, such as roller or brush strokes.
No. 4 – Semi-Gloss finishes
These are well known for their durability and washability.
If you desire a sleek, radiant sheen that is easy to wash, it is well suited to moderate and high-traffic locations and high-moisture areas.
It can be used to paint woodwork, trims, moldings, doors, windows, kitchens, and baths.
No. 5 – Hi-Gloss finishes
These create a brilliant, ultra-shiny appearance.
It is the most durable and easiest to clean of all paint sheens.
High-gloss paint is hard, and light-reflecting with a glass-like finish. This is great for high-use surfaces.
Food splatter or even crayon marks can be cleaned up easily on a high-gloss finish.
Also see another recent maintenance post:
Is The Outdoor Faucet At Your Rental Property Winter-Proof?