HeyBub wrote:
Kate wrote:
My kitchen walls have a flat paint on them. I would like to paint
them so that if I get spaghetti sauce splashed on the walls, I can
simply wipe it off. Right now, a flat painted wall makes it
difficult.
What would be the best type of paint to use: Semi-Gloss or a
Satin paint? Also, would these two types of paint go right over the
flat paint and look right?

Thanks so much everyone.

It's not the "finish" (flat, satin, gloss, semi-gloss, etc.) that governs
washability so much as it is the durability of the surface. In general,

I disagree. In my experience, "washable" flat latex was far less
cleanable than semi alkyd. Some flat paints also lose some of the
"flatness" after cleaning. Good paint brand, mild cleaning agent.

"enamels" are much harder than non-enamels. Also, in general, enamels are
more glossy than non-enamels, but not always. And you're right - the
"shinier" the surface, the smoother it is and the easier to clean. Spagetti
sauce wipes off an enameled sink easier than it does your jeans.

When I think of "enamel" it is of glossy solvent-based paint. The few
times I have used it, it was very tough to get smoothe coat. IMO, it is
a good deal more difficult for a newby painter to get good results with
enamels. There can also be more glare, which makes the color appear
different.

In the past, "enamels" have almost always been oil-based, but latex enamels
are now available.

So, then, pick a finish - remember, kitchens should usually be brighter than
the rest of the house. Then go for a paint formulation designated as an
"enamel."