Choose the right paint and sheen when hiding wall imperfections.
Wall imperfections are difficult to avoid when building a home. Drywall seams often bulge out of walls, nails pop and other areas may not look smooth. By using certain paint finishes, you can disguise and hide any imperfections in your drywall. Don't forget texture finishes to cover up flaws.
Sheen
The lower the wall sheen, the better the paint will hide wall imperfections. Flat paint is the lowest sheen available and has a chalky finish. It is commonly referred to as a matte paint finish. If you are touching up a wall with flat sheen paint, the touched-up areas are generally not noticeable. Still, flat sheen paints attract dirt and grease and are generally considered difficult to clean, advises Painting Techniques and Decorating Ideas. Following flat paint is eggshell and then satin paint. Each will slightly show wall imperfections more but are slightly easier to clean.
Sheens to Avoid
Despite being easy to clean, avoid using very high-gloss finishes. The gloss will attract light and will make drywall imperfections even more noticeable. Semi-gloss and gloss paint sheens are also difficult to touch up. They often show brushstrokes or roller marks. In the past, most flat sheen paints were avoided because they attracted dirt. Be aware, many of the more recent flat paints on the market are now considered "scrub-able" -- another reason to use low sheen paints when hiding wall imperfections.
Oil Vs. Latex
Oil paint generally has slightly more sheen than latex paint, in the same sheen category. For example, an oil-based paint with an eggshell sheen will have slightly more gloss than a latex paint with an eggshell sheen. Oil paints are more intense in hue and color than latex; the colors seem bolder and richer versus latex paints with the same color. Determine if your priority is hiding wall imperfections or if color is important. Ask your local paint store for a sample of the same color in oil and latex paint to make a visual comparison.
Texture
Textured drywall is commonly found in new construction homes to hide imperfections. It is most often used on ceilings, where a perfectly smooth wall finish is difficult to achieve. Different textures include orange peel, which mimics the rind of the citrus fruit, and a knockdown texture, which is often hand applied with a drywall trowel. The texture has large pits and crevices covering the surface. Knockdown is very similar to stucco but is most often seen indoors. Both textures also work as an acoustical sound barrier.
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