Is Interior Trim Best Suited For High Gloss?

Trim paint serves a decorative purpose, and the best paint for trim should accentuate details. Popular choices include satin, semi-gloss, gloss, and high gloss. Oil-based paint has a thicker consistency and longer drying time compared to water-based latex or acrylic paint, making it suitable for filling small scratches, divots, or minor imperfections.

Trim paint is formulated specifically for use on trim, with a satin, semi-gloss, gloss, or high gloss sheen. Higher sheens offer more durability, increased stain resistance, and a better shine. Semi-gloss is also more durable and easier to clean than satin, as the high gloss content makes it easier to clean off fingerprints, filth, and smudges.

For high-traffic areas like hallways and kitchens, it is recommended to use a satin or semi-gloss finish for house trims. Satin finishes are also suitable for bathrooms. A satin finish paint dulls down heavy, ornate trim features, giving a more contemporary, up-to-date look while still being cleanable. High-gloss paint might be the most durable option, but it doesn’t mean it’s ideal for painting trim.

Semi-gloss paint is always best for trim, doors, and cabinetry because it’s easy to wipe clean. You can also choose gloss paint because it’s also so easy to clean. Benjamin Moore® ADVANCE® Interior is a go-to trim paint that cures to a hard, furniture-quality finish. If you want your interior trim to be extra shiny and glossy and visually pop off the walls, opt for a semi-gloss or high-gloss paint finish. They will be easy to clean, but they will show more imperfections due to their high sheen and level of light reflectivity.

High gloss paint can add interest to simple, plain surfaces, but it’s best when it’s not satin or matte like pre-painted trim at Home Depot. Satin and semi-gloss are both good options, but be sure to sand and clean well when painting over previously painted trim.

In summary, the best paint for trim should accentuate details, and satin, semi-gloss, gloss, and high gloss paints are suitable for different purposes. Oil-based paint is recommended for high-traffic areas, while high-gloss paint is suitable for high-used surfaces. It’s important to consider factors such as the desired finish, sanding, and cleaning before applying the paint to your home’s trim.

Is interior trim satin or semi-gloss?

In comparison to satin, semi-gloss is a superior option for wood trims and window trims, yet less suitable for interior walls and furniture. The higher gloss offered by semi-gloss paint provides a more natural appearance, though it is slightly more expensive than satin due to the enhanced level of protection and durability it offers. This is due to the fact that the paint provides superior protection and durability, thereby offering a more cost-effective solution for homeowners.

What is the difference between gloss and high gloss?

Gloss coatings contain the most resin, enhancing surface imperfections but making them more durable and resistant to abrasion. The gloss level is directly related to the PVC (pigment volume concentration) of the product, with higher gloss levels indicating a higher percentage of pigment.

Flat coatings diffuse light and help hide surface imperfections, but are more prone to dirt pickup and staining due to the scattering of light. They are easily abraded away when washed and can be easily touched up. Typically used in areas not exposed to high dirt or staining compounds, flat products reduce cleaning requirements and extend the coating’s life. The percentage of pigment in a coating directly impacts the gloss level.

Can you use high gloss for trim?

In order to achieve a shiny and glossy interior trim, it is recommended that a semi-gloss or high-gloss paint finish be considered. These paints are relatively simple to clean, but they may display more imperfections due to their high sheen and light reflectivity. For further information on the various paint finishes and sheens, please refer to the blog posts on the optimal paint sheen for interior walls and bathrooms.

What is the best paint for interior trim?

The composition of a paint product determines its consistency, adhesive properties, longevity, fumes, dry time, cleanability, and more. Two types of paint are optimized for painting interior doors and trim: alkyd/oil-based and acrylic latex/enamel. Oil-based paints offer a smooth finish with virtually zero brush marks due to their thick consistency, but they have longer dry times and increased emissions. Acrylic paints are water-based, reducing fumes and odors but drying faster but resulting in more noticeable brush marks and a brittle surface.

Four finishes to choose from for interior trim and doors include matte (matte) and high gloss (high gloss). Glossier paints are tougher and easier to clean than flatter paints, and since interior trim and doors are likely to be used over time, hardier (and therefore shinier) paint finishes are recommended. The four home interior painting finishes to consider for trim and similar features are:

1. Matte: This paint is flat and easy to clean, while satin paint is smooth and glossy.

Is high gloss good for interior doors?

For interior doors, avoid satin finishes and opt for glossier finishes for durability and easy cleaning. Semi-gloss and high-gloss sheens are best due to high-traffic exposure and potential damage. Sherwin-Williams Semi-Gloss Pro Classic is the top recommendation for interior paint due to its durability, ease of application, and long-lasting finish. This high-quality paint product provides a visually appealing look and is easy to apply, making it a durable and easy-to-clean option.

What is the best gloss level for trim?

Designer-approved guidelines offer two paint finishes for everyday spaces: eggshell finish, suitable for bedrooms, bathrooms, living rooms, and kitchens, and semi-gloss finish, ideal for trims, cabinets, and doors in highly trafficked areas like mudrooms. Eggshell finish is more forgiving, durable, and easy to clean, while semi-gloss finish offers maximum durability, stain and scuff resistance, and is easier to clean. To choose the right paint color, refer to The 1 Secret to Choosing a Paint Color.

Is high gloss paint good for interior walls?

Interior painting is crucial for maintaining and protecting your investment. The choice of paint and finish is equally important. High gloss is ideal for high-traffic areas like entryways, kitchens, and cabinets. Hire a professional painting contractor like Brush and Roll Painting for a quality and durable interior paint job. With over 20 years of experience, Brush and Roll Painting is one of Omaha’s most experienced residential painting contractors. Book a free estimate or give them a call to get started.

What do professionals use to paint trim?

The most durable paint for trim and baseboards is acrylic enamel or oil-based paint. Oil-based paints are smelly and hard to work with, while acrylic enamels like Insl-x are more expensive but harder to clean and durable. Insl-x Cabinet Coat has been a reliable choice for its ability to harden to a nice finish, resisting chipping, scuffing, food stains, grease, and water. It is available in a wide range of colors and two sheens, and has excellent flow and self-leveling properties. It can be dry to touch in 1 hour and can be recoat in 6 hours.

What is the best paint finish for interior walls?

Ultra Flat paint is ideal for interior walls due to its exceptional durability, washability, and stain resistance. It is suitable for high-traffic areas and has a smooth application process. Flat paint, with its velvety, matte look, is suitable for hiding wall imperfections but is less durable and doesn’t stand up well to scrubbing. Although many paint formulas clean up easily with soap and water, people still prefer other sheens for easier care. Semi-gloss and gloss paint are best for trim and woodwork.

Does high gloss paint show imperfections?

Gloss paints are a contemporary, tough, durable, and stain-resistant finish used in kitchens, bathrooms, and doors and cabinets exposed to fingerprints and grime. They are easier to clean than lower gloss paints and are commonly used in kitchens, bathrooms, trim, and some woodwork. High gloss paints have the highest reflective appearance and are the toughest, most durable, and most stain-resistant of all finishes. They are typically used on doors and cabinets exposed to dirt and oil, and can highlight surface imperfections. Gloss may be affected by texture, porosity, and atmospheric conditions.

Is high gloss good for bedroom?

Gloss paint, with its high sheen and high reflective properties, is a durable and easy-to-clean surface. However, it can be an inconvenient choice for bedrooms due to its shiny surface and glaring light reflection.