Can you paint walls with flat paint

Normally walls and flat paints do not go together in the same sentence. Most wall paints need to be durable and cleanable if marked or lightly scuffed.

Some issues with using low sheen paints on walls is they can show a multitude of sins in the plaster work or previous paint coatings.  Other occasions where low sheen paints can be an issue is large walls that are hard to keep a wet edge over while rolling.  Things like stairwells, two story internal walls and large walls running down to bright light coming in through windows can all be a problem. Painting Matt of low sheen can have it’s issues in these areas.

After starting to use Resene paints we found a totally flat paint that has the durability of a low sheen paint, its washable, and feels great.  Being able to use a flat waterborne enamel on walls can be such a blessing when your trying to get the best look form a hard to paint wall.

So the answer is yes you can use flat paint on interior walls, you just have to choose the right product.  I have even used this product on my own home walls.

Here is the extract from their product data sheet for people who like detail.  Here is the link to their site for Spacecoat range of products. http://www.resene.com.au/comn/whtsnew/SpaceCote_Flat_enamel.htm

Resene SpaceCote Flat Cool Colour waterborne enamel Resene SpaceCote Flat is designed to bring enamel style toughness to broadwall areas,  llowing you to get a desirable flat finish without sacrificing durability.Very adaptable, it can also be used on interior wet areas and joinery and trim. Resene Cool Colour technology perform soptimally on dark colours that are the most susceptible to heat buildup.

Vehicle type Pigmentation Solvent Finish Colour Dry time (minimum) Recoat time (minimum) Serviceable within Primer required Theoretical coverage Dry film thickness Usual no. of coats Abrasion resistance Chemical resistance Heat resistance Solvent resistance Durability Thinning and clean up VOC Physical properties New generation acrylic Titanium dioxide Water Flat Selected Resene Total Colour System, including BS5252, Multi-Finish, Whites & Neutrals and The Range 45 minutes at 18°C 2 hours 12-48 hours depending on film thickness, tinter levels and drying conditions Yes 11 sq. metres per litre 37 microns at 11 sq. metres per litre 2 Very good Fair Good Good Excellentm Water, in hot dry conditions may be thinned with up to 5% Resene Hot Weather Additive c. 55 grams per litre (see Resene VOC Summary) exterior Performance and limitations Typical uses

•  Block and brickwork
• Concrete
• Fibre cement
•  G.R.C. panels
• Primed timber
• Solid plaster

Performance

• Reflects heat improving the life of paint finish and substrate and improving interior conditions inside the painted structure.
• Flat finish minimises the appearance of minor surface defects.
• Very durable, abrasion-resistant finish that can be easily cleaned. Ideal for GIB® ToughZoneareas.
• Non-yellowing.
• May be used wherever solvent-borne enamels have traditionally been used.
• Resene SpaceCote Flat may be applied overResene Quick Dry (see Data Sheet D45) or directly over sound, clean old enamel surfaces.
• Clean, spatter-free application.
• An Environmental Choice-approved product. Please ensure the current Data Sheet and Safety Data Sheet are consulted prior to specification or application of product. If in doubt contact Resene.Flat finish minimi

Limitations

• Do not apply at temperatures below 10°C or when it is liable to drop below 10°C during the drying period.
• Ensure the correct primers and/or sealers are used.
• Due to waxes used in fibre and particle board itis essential that Resene Quick Dry (see DataSheet D45) is used as the first coat on these substrates.
• Although serviceable within 12-48 hours, full print and solvent resistance takes 30 days to develop. Please ensure the current Data Sheet is consulted prior to specification or application of Resene products.If the surface you propose to coat is not referred to by this Data Sheet, please contact Resene for clarification.

In Australia

PO Box 785, Ashmore City, Queensland 4214 Call 1800 738 383, visit www.resene.com.au
or email advice@resene.com.au In New Zealand PO Box 38242, Wellington Mail Centre, Lower Hutt 5045 Call 0800 RESENE (737 363), visit www.resene.co.nz or email advice@resene.co.nz Printed on environmentally responsible paper, which complies with the requirements of environmental management systems EMAS and ISO14001. Please recycle.
SpaceCote Flat CoolColourTMvwaterborne enamel Surface preparation Clean down thoroughly to remove all dirt, dust and loose material. Ensure surface is free from oil, grease, mould and release agents. Any timber that has been exposed to weather for more than one week requires thorough sanding of the surface or treatment with Resene TimberLock (see Data Sheet D48).
If moss and mould are present, treat with Resene Moss & Mould Killer (see Data Sheet D80). Waterblasting at 21,000 kps (3000 psi) is the best surface preparation method prior to painting weathered cementitious surfaces or galvanised steel.

Prime as per the following:

Exterior timber Resene Wood Primer (see Data Sheet D40) then a coat of Resene Quick Dry (see Data Sheet D45) for optimal CoolColour effect.Fibre board, particle board, Matai, Spotted Gum, Totara Resene Quick Dry (see Data Sheet D45).
G.R.C, glossy concrete Resene Quick Dry (see Data Sheet D45).
Leaking blockwork Resene X-200 CoolColour (see Data Sheet D62C).
Sanding dust from old lead or chromate based paints or old building materials containing asbestos may be injurious to the health if inhaled or ingested. Seek expert advice if the presence of these materials is suspected.

Application Apply by brush, speed brush, synthetic fibre roller (Resene No.1 roller) or spray. Thin with up to 5% ReseneHot Weather Additive in hot, dry conditions to slow drying.

New

• Prepare and prime as above.
• Apply two coats of Resene SpaceCote Flat CoolColour in required colour allowing at least two hours between coats. Some colours may require a third coat.

Repaint

•  Prepare surface and spot prime as above.
• Apply two coats of Resene SpaceCote Flat CoolColour in required colour allowing at least two hours between coats. Some colours may require a third coat.

Precautions

• the correct primer and/or sealer is used.
• Stop all nailholes and cracked timber after priming.
• Allow putty to thoroughly harden before painting.
• Allow Resene SpaceCote Flat CoolColour sufficient drying before putting into full service.
• Serviceable within 12-48 hours depending on film thickness, tinter level and drying conditions.