Bought semi-gloss instead of matte. Can I cut in with the gloss, then finish matte?

Question

Ack, I'm living in Germany and don't speak German. Painting the foyer red. Accidentally bought the semi-gloss paint and didn't realize it until the paint I was cutting in with started to dry. Will it be a mess if I finish cutting in with the semi-gloss and then roll with matte tomorrow? Or should I stick with the semi-gloss? The foyer is small and not terribly bright--maybe it will reflect the light and look good, rather than frighteningly garish? The walls are a rather porous material, so the paint is soaking in rather than sitting on top. But it does have a sheen to it.

The wall isn't metal--it's a porous drywall-type surface. I've never seen it before--not as rough as stucco, more like a lineny paper. The semi-gloss is drying on it to look like eggshell, so we hope the mistake will turn out all right.

Answer 1

If you cut with one type and roll with another; you will surely see the difference in sheen. Probly not the good look you were looking for, unfortunately.
If you carry on painting the entire space with a semi gloss, this is fine provided you realize one caveat that most people find out: Semi gloss paint will show every flaw and mark/dent/scrape/gouge in the pre-existing wall finish. Having said that, some folks like the irregularities and use Semi to accentuate it (like on a stucco wall). Most want a smooth satin/flat appearance of the finish and thus avoid semi for all but trim and bathroom/kitchen ceilings.
Yours being a metal wall (tough for me to visualize the finish) it might look neat with marks in the finish. I never use flat paint (kids fingerprints are tougher to wash off and rubbing the wall leaves a mark for sure) but prefer an "eggshell finish" which is a bit shinier that a flat but nothing like a semi. Good for scrubbing marks off and keeping good-looking for many years.
Good luck!

Answer 2

I'd just keep on with the semi-gloss. The walls will be shiny, for sure, but in a foyer the semi-gloss might make it easier to clean if you have pets or kids coming and going. The blending thing might work, but I have my doubts. Since you say the walls are porous and if you have the energy and money just do a complete second coat in the matte. Good luck--I paint, but I'm not a pro, so it's just an opinion.

Answer 3

If you cut in with the gloss, I suggest you paint with the gloss as well. You will be able to see the difference otherwise, and it will look strange if you have shining door frames and windows and flat walls.

Answer 4

you will notice a differnce the gloss will stick out like a sore thumb. i would stick with the semi-gloss all the way it will add light to your dimmly lit foyer.