Choosing The Right Finish For External Wood Trim?

The article provides tips on choosing the right paint sheen for exterior wood surfaces, including flat, satin, semi-gloss, and high gloss. Paint sheen is related to a home’s strength and ability to withstand major stresses such as rain, snow, UV rays, and physical wear. Five paint sheens are discussed: flat, eggshell, satin, semi-gloss, and high gloss.

The best sheen for exterior paint depends on the specific surface and the desired look. Satin paint has a nice sheen and is ideal for exterior trim areas that are used or touched often. It is highly durable, and shiny semi-gloss paint is the best choice for durability and definition. Eggshell is great for garage and front doors, while satin or semi-gloss is recommended for trim.

When choosing a paint sheen, consider the exterior surface you are painting. Types of sheens include flat, satin enamel, semi-gloss enamel, and hi-gloss. Low lustre/satin or semi gloss is recommended for exterior trim, while low lustre/satin is used on the body of the house.

In summary, the best paint sheen for exterior paint depends on the specific surface and the desired look. The recommended paint sheens for exterior trim include satin/eggshell, semi-gloss, and gloss. Semi-gloss or high-gloss is the preferred choice for exterior siding. When choosing a paint sheen, consider the exterior surface you are painting and use low lustre/satin or semi-gloss on exterior trim and low lustre/satin or semi-gloss on the body of the house.

Is satin good for exterior trim?

Satin paint is a durable, stretchy finish suitable for frequently touched exterior trim areas like eaves, soffits, overhangs, trim boards, porch ceilings, door frames, and window sills. It is ideal for hot, sunny climates as it contains more UV protectant to prevent fading. Semi-gloss paint offers visible shine on home exteriors and is ideal for surfaces that require frequent cleaning. Its glossier sheen makes it more durable than satin, making it easier to clean.

Semi-gloss paint can endure harsh weather conditions and excess moisture, but it is not suitable for concealing cracks, chips, or other surface imperfections. It is best used when a beautiful sheen is desired without being too shiny.

Is low sheen or semi-gloss better for fascia?

The best exterior paint sheen is any glosser paint, with flat being the least durable and least recommended. About 85 of our client’s homes have a satin finish, and trim is usually semi-gloss or satin. Sheen is the finish or luster of the paint, with different levels of glossiness affecting the overall look. Flat sheen is popular for hiding flaws on older houses or uneven surfaces, while satin is preferred for a subtle shine and is suitable for high-traffic areas. Understanding different types of sheen helps make wise decisions during painting.

What is the best paint for exterior wood trim?

Latex paint is a popular choice for exterior wood trim due to its ease of use, rapid drying time, and resistance to fading or yellowing. Oil-based paint is more durable, but it may chip or crack over time, is difficult to work with, and has a strong odor. Alkyd paint is analogous to oil-based paint in that it is more straightforward to utilise and has a less pronounced odour.

What sheen for exterior fascia?

The exterior trim of a house should have a satin or gloss finish, as a flat matt finish is considered too dull. To paint fascias and soffits, you need the right tools, such as a dust sheet, paint brush and roller, 120-grit sandpaper, suitable paint, primer (if needed), masking tape, and a stiff brush or scraper. Preparation is the most important aspect of any project, and it is essential to take time during the preparation stage to achieve the best results. The process of painting gutters and fascias requires the right tools and preparation.

What sheen is best for outside?

The optimal exterior paint sheen is satin, as flat sheens are susceptible to color loss and damage. Semi-gloss sheens have been observed to become sticky and to possess an unpleasant texture. The application of satin sheen enhances the durability and retention of paint color without unduly affecting the texture. French Roast is one of the most optimal brown paint colors for domestic exterior applications. One of the most frequently asked questions in the field of exterior home maintenance is whether it is preferable to paint or stain wood siding.

What sheen is best for wood?

The satin floor finish is a popular choice for hardwood floors due to its 40 luster and easy maintenance. It disperses light and doesn’t show imperfections or dirt, making it a classic or formal look without heavy maintenance. This finish tends to look newer longer than other higher glosses. Semi-gloss hardwood floor gloss floors require higher upkeep but have a shinier look with a 55 luster. They are not as impractical as wood floor gloss finishes but are not commonly used in homes. Gloss hardwood floors are often used for gym floors and bowling alleys.

Is satin too shiny for the exterior?

To achieve a glossy exterior paint finish, avoid using Sherwin Williams’ satin finish or Benjamin Moore’s Aura. These sheens are designed to provide protection and create a low-reflective finish, making them ideal for the exterior of your home. Eggshell paint is the most popular exterior paint finish, as it is not dull or shiny, making it suitable for various siding types.

A flat sheen may not provide added protection, potentially leading to premature paint failure and costing time and money. If you are concerned about the shine, consider Benjamin Moore’s Aura, which can be done in low luster. This option is slightly less shiny than Sherwin Williams satin, making it a worthwhile upgrade. However, the initial shine may fade over the first year or two, so it’s important to keep this in mind.

In summary, choosing the right exterior paint finish depends on your home’s needs and preferences. A satin finish from Sherwin Williams is recommended, while Benjamin Moore’s Aura is a low-luster option that may be worth upgrading to if shine is a concern.

Should exterior trim be flat or satin?

A satin finish is versatile and suitable for exterior surfaces like siding, doors, and trim, offering a balance of aesthetic appeal with durability and easy maintenance. Flat finish, often less discussed than glossier finishes, offers unique appeal and practical advantages. It provides a non-reflective, matte finish, giving the exterior a classic, sophisticated look, especially suitable for historical or traditional-style homes. Flat paint maintains a consistent color tone under different lighting conditions, ensuring a uniform appearance across the exterior.

Is gloss or satin better for exterior woodwork?

Satin paint is characterized by a low reflection coefficient, which renders it an effective coating for the concealment of imperfections on exterior surfaces. In contrast, high-gloss paint is more durable and can withstand frequent washing, rendering it an appropriate choice for frequently washed surfaces. Both paints are suitable for application to exterior surfaces.

What sheen for exterior wood trim?

Eggshell and Satin are excellent finishes for trim and exterior doors, including garage doors. Eggshell is suitable for garage and front doors, while Satin or Semi-gloss are suitable for trim. Semi-gloss is the most washable but also the most sheen finish, while Satin is between the two. It makes the color feel more saturated. It is recommended to sample and test paint colors before committing, considering factors like natural lighting, undertones, and property’s fixed elements.

Samplize offers extra-large peel-and-stick paint samples for exteriors. For masonry surfaces like brick, Satin works well, making it easy to clean. Eggshell has a more appealing look but is slightly more difficult to clean. Partnering with a painter can help with ideation and design rendering.

Is satin too shiny for exterior?

To achieve a glossy exterior paint finish, avoid using Sherwin Williams’ satin finish or Benjamin Moore’s Aura. These sheens are designed to provide protection and create a low-reflective finish, making them ideal for the exterior of your home. Eggshell paint is the most popular exterior paint finish, as it is not dull or shiny, making it suitable for various siding types.

A flat sheen may not provide added protection, potentially leading to premature paint failure and costing time and money. If you are concerned about the shine, consider Benjamin Moore’s Aura, which can be done in low luster. This option is slightly less shiny than Sherwin Williams satin, making it a worthwhile upgrade. However, the initial shine may fade over the first year or two, so it’s important to keep this in mind.

In summary, choosing the right exterior paint finish depends on your home’s needs and preferences. A satin finish from Sherwin Williams is recommended, while Benjamin Moore’s Aura is a low-luster option that may be worth upgrading to if shine is a concern.