There are five different paint sheens available for interior walls and trim: flat, eggshell, satin, semi-gloss, and high gloss. Flat is good for hiding wall imperfections but can be hard to keep clean. Eggshell has more gloss than flat, making it a good choice for areas that sticky fingers will touch, such as cabinets, trim, and doors.
There are many paint sheen options available, from low to high shine. High gloss sheens are good for areas that sticky fingers will touch, such as cabinets, trim, and doors. However, high gloss is too much shine for most. Flat, eggshell, and satin paint are generally best for interior walls, while semi-gloss and gloss paint are best for trim and woodwork.
Choosing the right paint finish depends on how much wear and if you want them slightly different from the walls. For example, if you use satin on the walls, use semi-gloss on the trim, or vice versa. Sheen means less for durability than type of finish does.
The most common and best sheen for interior trim is a satin or semi-gloss finish. Satin paint finishes have a medium sheen and are durable and easy to clean. For trim and interior doors, a satin sheen stands out just enough to highlight your beautiful trim and disguising minor flaws better than a semi-gloss paint would. Semi-gloss sheen is a sleek, radiant appearance that works great when used on cabinets, trim, and high moisture areas.
High gloss sheens are recommended for interior doors, trim, baseboards, and exterior doors. Even if you apply the same type color in two different sheens in a room, satin will look good on walls and semi-gloss will be better for the trims.
📹 What Color Should You Paint Your Trim? | 3 Ways To Select Paint for Your Trim vs Your Walls
Have you wondered what color you should paint your trim? Have you ever struggled with selecting paint for your trim vs your walls …
Should trim be a different sheen than walls?
Court-Hampton Painting Inc. provides guidance on the application of a uniform colour scheme to trim and walls in Toronto residences. To achieve an elegant aesthetic, it is recommended to utilise a variety of glosses to create contrast, and to consider painting the ceiling in a colour that is consistent with that of the walls and trim. Such an approach will ensure a seamless paint job and create a visually appealing space.
What looks better semi gloss or satin?
To choose a semi-gloss finish for a room, consider its purpose, aesthetic preferences, maintenance, and lighting. High-traffic areas or moisture-prone areas like kitchens and bathrooms are better suited for semi-gloss finishes. Satin offers a softer, elegant look, while semi-gloss provides a lustrous, reflective appearance. Semi-gloss is practical for easy cleaning and maintenance, especially for surfaces prone to spills or splatters.
What is the best sheen for interior doors?
The paint finish on your door can significantly influence its appearance. Satin and semi-gloss finishes are popular due to their shine and easy-to-clean properties. Glossy finishes can highlight imperfections but can be more striking. The paint color can transform your space, so choose a color that complements your style and room design. Lighting also plays a role in the paint color’s appearance. Choose between latex (water-based) and oil-based paints, each with its pros and cons. Latex is easy to work with and clean, while oil offers a smooth, durable finish.
Should interior doors match trim or walls?
Historically, white has been the most prevalent hue for interior doors. However, recent observations have documented a shift towards a practice known as “color drenching,” whereby doors are painted to align with the color of the walls. This trend is influenced by the desired effect, and the decision to paint doors either lighter or darker than walls should be based on the desired color scheme.
Do baseboards and door trim need to match?
Painting all window and door trim, crown molding, and baseboards the same color provides consistency but is not a rule. For example, only black baseboards anchor a room, while black crown moulding frames the ceiling and draws attention. White is popular for ceilings and trim because it is classic, highlights any color, and focuses attention on walls and furniture. However, paint is the most inexpensive way to get creative in a space. Trim and moulding are functional and visually appealing, creating a finished look and framing doors and windows like a picture. Different colors provide a different effect on a room.
What is the most popular sheen for interior paint?
The eggshell finish is a popular wall paint with a low sheen and soft, smooth texture, which lends itself well to low- to mid-traffic areas such as hallways, living rooms, entryways, and family rooms.
What paint should I use for interior trim?
To apply True Value EasyCare Ultra Premium Interior Paint, choose from a variety of colors and finishes, including flat, flat enamel, eggshell, satin, semi-gloss, and high-gloss. These paints are easy to apply and clean up. Semi-gloss and high-gloss are best for trim and molding, while high-gloss is ideal for frequently washed trim areas. Latex-based paint can be applied on top of acrylic or oil-based primer.
Choose high-quality enamel or varnish brushes with flagged tips and tapered edges for easy application and paint retention. Small, angular-tipped brushes are suitable for molding, doorframes, baseboards, and hard-to-reach areas, while larger brushes are suitable for wainscoting, paneling, and doors.
Should house trim be flat or satin?
For low-traffic areas like bedrooms, opt for flat or eggshell finishes for elegance and minimal shine. For high-traffic areas like hallways or kitchens, satin or semi-gloss paints are ideal due to their durability and ease of cleaning. Flat paint is suitable for bedrooms, living rooms, and dining rooms, while eggshell paint offers a subtle sheen. Satin paint is better suited for children’s rooms, hallways, and kitchens, and semi-gloss is the most durable option due to its moisture resistance and easy-to-clean nature.
When choosing paint’s sheen level, consider room type, traffic levels, and surface imperfections. Lower-sheen paints hide blemishes better, while higher-sheens highlight them. Proper preparation, including sanding uneven surfaces, is crucial for a smooth, drip-free coat. Quality materials and tools are essential for a smooth finish.
Should trim be lighter or darker than walls?
Light trim colors are ideal for classic or traditional homes with robust architectural features, adding elegance and brightness to the space. White is often the universally acceptable choice for trim, especially for dark walls, as it makes the room feel lighter and brightens windows and doorways. The bright colors of light trim reflect light, making darker rooms appear more inviting. If you have a lighter room and want light moulding, white trim can still add brightness and cohesiveness.
For contemporary homes, choosing a trim color that is the same color or tinted similarly to the walls can create an open, airy feel. Warm-colored walls complement warmer paints, while cold-colored walls look best with cool-toned trim in the same shade or hues. Making the trim the same color as the walls or very close to it helps bring the room together and gives it a smooth, almost seamless finish.
What sheen of paint for interior trim?
The paint sheen used for interior trim affects the level of light reflected off the finish. The most common and best sheen is a satin or semi-gloss finish. Satin paints have a medium sheen and are durable and easy to clean, while semi-gloss paints have a higher sheen and stand out in a room. If you prefer a lower sheen or want to paint walls and trim the same color and sheen, use a satin paint finish. This is especially recommended for areas with imperfections in drywall. A full skim coat or “Level 5” finish can be done, but it can be expensive and not suitable for most applications.
Should trim be satin or semigloss?
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.
📹 Color Handbook Sheen | Benjamin Moore
Add a subtle design element to your space by giving some thought to paint finishes. Learn more about different levels of sheen …
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