Shiny, Shiny Walls - Oh MY!

[Ivyleigh]

Help! We have hand-troweled walls that we painted with a latex, semi-gloss base paint and rubbed an oil-based stain over it. I have a sample that my decorator did and it has a soft sheen to it.... mine is ultra shiny. My decorator is having a baby and I can't reach her at the moment. Did I do something wrong? Should I use a flat paint? Do you think her sample has aged and dulled because it is 1 1/2 years old? Any assistance you can give me would be really appreciated. My painter is ready but I'm saying "WAIT."

[Annette]

we painted with a latex, semi-gloss base paint and rubbed an oil-based stain over it

is that the exact way your decorator told you she did her sample?

if so, then i'd say her sample has just worn down to a lower sheen from being carted around for a year and a half.

otherwise, i'd just call her "to congratulate her on her new baby" and slip in a question about this!!!

she's the only one who will know for sure!

however, you could try scuffing down the sheen with a scotchbrite pad - try it on a sample first.

[prowallguy]

Sheen levels will sometimes take a while to 'dull down' to what they are supposeed to be. If its brand-new, give it a chance to cure. If you still don't like it, re-do with a satin or matte.