Paint Burnishing - Causes & Solutions

Paint burnishing is a common problem with paint, and is caused by a number of circumstances. No matter what the cause, there is an unwanted sheen from constant traffic of some kind.
 

Causes

Any use of flat paint in high traffic areas can create an increased shine on walls where higher sheen levels in paint prove more durable. Frequent washing or scrubbing of surfaces painted with flat paint can also create this glossy effect. If a piece of heavy furniture, such as a couch or an entertainment center, rubs against a flat painted wall, it can create the same shine. Flat paint is better suited for areas of wall or ceiling that do not see much traffic.
 

Solutions

The simplest solution to paint burnishing is to prevent the problem in the areas where regular cleaning is required. By using semi-gloss or gloss finish paints that are more durable to consistent scrubbing, you can prevent the burnishing of flat paints. To prevent any further damage, and to insure that the gloss or semi-gloss paint does not burnish or fade, it is wise to wait two full weeks before washing the dry paint. You can use a simple multi-purpose cleaning solution and a soft rag or sponge to remove stains and dirt from your painted areas.
 

Products that can eliminate the this problem where it starts

You can use any satin, semi-gloss, or gloss finish paint to prevent this problem. Sherwin Williams, Valspar, Benjamin Moore and Behr are just a few of the leading paint producers that carry the necessary paints for high traffic areas such as bathroom, kitchen and living room walls. Chomp Multi-Surface Painted Wall Cleaner is superb for cleaning stains off of painted walls. Windex Multi-Purpose cleaners, Fabuloso, Method and many more cleaners are used on walls for satisfying results.

Despite the multiple causes of paint burnishing, there is one easy way to solve the problem; repaint! All it takes it a layer or two of a durable heavy paint, and you can clean as much as desired without the unwanted shiny side effect.
 

 Primers and Finishes

Priming is essential for better adhesion, sheen uniformity, mildew control and durability. 
Select a top quality interior paint in the color and sheen of your choice. 

Substrates, Primers

Substrate: Drywall 
Primer: 971 Acry-Prime Latex Primer/Sealer 
Finish Coats: 1610 Sat-N-Sheen Int. Low Sheen Finish 
1650 Acry-Plex Interior Latex Semi-Gloss 
1685 Dura-Poxy + Int./Ext. Semi-Gloss Acrylic En. 
1680 Dura-Poxy + Int./Ext. Gloss Acrylic En. 

Substrate: Masonry 
Primer: 247 Chem-Guard Acrylic Primer 
Finish Coats: 1610 Sat-N-Sheen Int. Low Sheen Finish 
1650 Acry-Plex Interior Latex Semi-Gloss 
1685 Dura-Poxy + Int./Ext. Semi-Gloss Acrylic En. 
1680 Dura-Poxy + Int./Ext. Gloss Acrylic En. 

Substrate: Metal 
Primer: 1725 Kel-Guard Acrylic Metal Primer 
Finish Coats: 1610 Sat-N-Sheen Int. Low Sheen Finish 
1650 Acry-Plex Interior Latex Semi-Gloss 
1685 Dura-Poxy + Int./Ext. Semi-Gloss Acrylic En. 
1680 Dura-Poxy + Int./Ext. Gloss Acrylic En.