Flat paint is a suitable choice for novice DIY painters, as it is easy to apply and adhere well to surfaces. There are four basic levels of paint sheens: flat, satin enamel, semi-gloss enamel, and hi-gloss enamel. When choosing a paint finish, consider the exterior surface you are painting, as well as your surroundings.
For traditional-style homes, a satin sheen may be the best choice, as it provides a classic, timeless look. For multi-family properties, higher sheen paints are often used for trim, doors, and accents. There is no one “best” sheen for exterior paint projects; it depends on the look you want, the material you’re painting, and the surface condition. A satin or eggshell finish is preferable for the exterior of a home, as it satisfies basic maintenance.
The exterior sheen is the level of gloss in the paint, with higher sheens being more reflective. The best sheen for exterior paint is satin, as flat sheens quickly lose their color and are more prone to damage. Semi-gloss sheens can become sticky and develop, while matte has the lowest light reflection and helps hide unwanted imperfections.
Expert advice on choosing the best paint formulations for your siding type, selecting eye-catching colors, and getting long-lasting results is available in this blog post. By understanding the factors, pros, cons, and expert tips to enhance curb appeal, you can choose the best paint finish for your next project.
📹 Which Exterior Paint Finish Should YOU Use? | Paint Sheens Explained
Do designers use flat or eggshell paint?
Eggshell is a popular paint finish among interior designers due to its flat appearance and luster. Perfect Eggshell Wall Paint offers a rich color with a soft sheen and is durable enough to clean up easily. It is mildew-resistant, making it suitable for high-moisture areas like bathrooms. Eggshell is suitable for any room in your home and can be used for any surface with a pristine look. To create depth and visual interest, it is recommended to paint everything in one finish. A semi-gloss trim can create a layered look, making it interior designer-approved.
Is low sheen good for exterior paint?
Wattyl Solagard Low Sheen is a low-reflective finish suitable for cladding or rendering walls. It offers a slight sheen that conceals imperfections and facilitates thorough cleansing. This product strikes a balance between aesthetic appeal, dirt resistance, and flexibility.
What is the most weather resistant exterior paint?
Acrylic paints are characterized by durability and resistance to blistering, flaking, and sun damage. These paints retain color for an extended period of time, dry rapidly, are simple to clean, and offer flexibility. However, they are often more expensive and may not adhere as well to rough surfaces. Furthermore, they are flexible and can be readily cleaned with water.
What sheen of paint do builders use?
Matte paint is a less durable paint finish that is easy to touch up. It is suitable for use in new construction, on drywall, on ceilings, and in low-traffic areas such as adult bedrooms and dining rooms. It requires fewer coats than other paint finishes.
What is the best paint sheen for a whole house?
Eggshell is a popular and durable finish choice due to its ease of cleaning and light reflection properties. This versatile finish may be employed in a multitude of rooms, including family rooms, hallways, and bedrooms. In contrast, satin paint is characterized by a lustrous and resilient quality, displaying a pearl-like lustre and a subtle sheen. It is a versatile option for wall surfaces due to its adaptability.
What sheen is best for exterior house paint?
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.
How do I know what sheen of paint to use?
The selection of a flat paint sheen is contingent upon the anticipated level of traffic. This low-sheen, non-reflective paint is efficacious in covering minor surface imperfections, rendering it an optimal choice for interior walls and ceilings.
Is semi-gloss good for the exterior of a house?
Shiny semi-gloss paint is ideal for exterior trim, architectural details, and doors due to its durability and luminous finish. It ranges from 40 to 85 reflectiveness and is easy to clean, making it suitable for high-traffic doors and shutters. However, it’s not suitable for covering entire siding as it shows bumps and blemishes, and applying it can be difficult. Additionally, it can cause too strong glare in direct sunlight. Oil-based paints, which are more common than latex or acrylic-based paints, emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can harm people, pets, and the environment, making it a less suitable choice.
What sheen do professional painters use?
Eggshell sheen is a popular choice for medium to low traffic areas, as it is easy to wash and conceal imperfections. It is the most common sheen for interior walls, making it a good middle ground between aesthetics and longevity. Eggshell is suitable for bedrooms, dining rooms, and living rooms.
Flat/Matte finishes are ideal for ceilings or smooth walls with blemishes, as they reflect less light and help hide imperfections. They are best used in areas that won’t require frequent abuse or scrubbing. Using flat paint on ceilings is recommended due to their uniform appearance and pleasing appearance. Traditionally, flat or matte finishes don’t clean up as well, but some manufacturers claim their newer low sheen paint formulas perform as well as higher sheen counterparts.
Should exterior paint be flat or glossy?
Paint sheen is a crucial factor in exterior paint selection, as it affects the paint’s strength and ability to withstand stressors like rain, snow, UV rays, and physical wear. The recommended paint sheens for exterior paint are satin/eggshell, semi-gloss, and gloss. Paint sheen is a reflection of the paint’s appearance and performance. A glossy sheen reflects light, while a flat or matte sheen absorbs light. Other degrees of sheen include eggshell and satin.
High-gloss paint is ideal for high-impact or wet applications, while dull sheens are less durable and attract dirt. Paint with a higher sheen contains more solids, creating a solid barrier on the outside of the house.
Is high gloss paint good for exterior?
High-gloss paint is ideal for accenting exterior surfaces, but it’s crucial to choose flat and in good condition surfaces. It can amplify flaws and make them stand out more. Avoid overdoing it on accents like door frames, window trims, shutters, and metal surfaces. For larger surfaces like garage doors and yard fencing, consider a semi-gloss finish. Surface preparation is essential when applying glossy paint, as even the slightest flaws can be exposed. Damaged or uneven surfaces can heighten these effects. Shoreline High Gloss offers a semi-gloss finish for larger accent surfaces.
📹 Exterior Paint Sheens Explained in 6 Minutes
Exterior paint sheens can be confusing. Jeremy unlocks the mysteries behind the exterior sheens and so you can the right paint …
Sure wish t would have seen this before painting my 100 year old cedar shake garage. We went with Benjamin Moore regal select in low luster at the advice of the salesman. We find it too shiny! We have been told that the sheen will lessen over time. Is this true? How long? What prep work would we need to do to repaint the garage with flat paint?
Firstly, love your articles. Secondly, our old colonial house’s exterior is being painted this summer. Our painter uses Benjamin Moore and has advised us to use flat for the siding to hide all the imperfections. But it seems that low lustre would be more durable. Any other thoughts on how to make this decision?
I live in a big house in the middle of a field. We went with a gray and every gray comes out blue for some reason. We did 2 coats of different grays with satin and it both came out blue.. So we are thinking the sky is reflecting off from the sheen causing it to look blue. So we are doing a 3rd coat but using flat instead of satin thinking the sky will no longer reflect off the sheen. Is it fine to switch from satin to flat on the final coat?
I understand you prefer to paint both trim and front door in the same sheen but IF you wanted more “pop” (as an accent on) ONLY the front door would it be OK to do high gloss – or would it “clash” with the less-shiny trim? And what do you think of using OIL-based (old style oil, not modern alkyd hybrid) on the front door (to eliminate the brush / roller marks) – I know it’s a hassle and smelly etc…but maybe it could work? Your thoughts…?
We just painted our 100 year old cedar shake garage with BM regal select low lustre and find it too shiny. We have been told the sheen will lessen/ mellow with time. Is this true? How long will this take? We are contemplating repainting with their flat finish. What prep work would we need to do if we wish to put the flat over low lustre. Please help and thank you for your time.
What sheen do you recommend for porch floors or decks? A well-known paint company recently sold me a “low sheen” porch and floor paint for my front porch. I asked for a higher sheen so that rain would roll off and it would be easier to clean, but they said it would be too slippery for a porch. After applying it I found it scratched off easily leaving the primer showing.