What Paint Kind Should Be Used On Outside Trim?

When shopping for exterior trim paint, consider the following factors: sheen, oil-based or water-based formulations, additives, and color palettes. Oil-based paints are generally more durable and easy to clean, while water-based paints may be more messy. The most beneficial additive is a mildewcide, found in many high-quality products.

Most exterior surfaces look best in a satin or eggshell finish, but matte paint can help hide blemishes. Durable gloss or semi-gloss finishes are ideal for exterior trim that’s prone to sun damage. Oil-based paints are particularly useful for doors, wrought iron, and trim details that require a high-gloss, durable finish.

Semi-gloss and glossy finishes provide the most durability and are easiest to clean, making them ideal for trim, doors, and other high-touch areas. Semi-gloss is the most popular and offers the best protection for exterior trim. For interior trim, satin is preferred, but flat sheens quickly lose their color and are more prone to damage. Semi-gloss sheens can become sticky and develop.

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. For exterior paint sheen and finish, we usually recommend satin or eggshell finish for home exteriors. Semi-gloss paint is typically the best choice for trim work, as high-gloss paints highlight imperfections.

Is satin or gloss better for exterior paint?

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.

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 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.

What is the most popular paint finish for 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.

Is oil based paint better for exterior trim?

Oil-based paints are durable and suitable for mouldings and trims due to their ability to withstand routine contact. To determine if a paint is oil-based, dip a cotton ball or pad in denatured alcohol and rub it over a small area. If the paint doesn’t rub off, it’s oil-based and requires priming. If it comes off, it’s water or latex-based and can be painted with any type of paint. Oil-based paints can be natural (linseed) or synthetic (alkyd) oil, with the alkyd base being more common due to its lower price and higher strength. Both types are tough and durable, making them suitable for exterior house painting, interior doors, bathroom or kitchen cabinets, and trim.

Should trim paint be gloss or satin?

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.

Can you use gloss paint on exterior trim?

The selection of an appropriate paint for exterior wood projects is dependent upon the surface in question and the desired finish. In the majority of cases, high-gloss paint is employed for doors, trims, and windows.

What paint finish is best for exterior trim?

A solid exterior paint on a front door can increase a home’s value by up to $6, 000. However, the paint finish must be semi-gloss, as it provides a smoother surface and a visual contrast. Semi-gloss finishes are easy to clean and will last for years, according to Richard Handel, a test engineer at Consumer Reports. He also recommends a semi-gloss finish for porch railings and porch-and-patio paint for the floor and stairs.

Spring and autumn are ideal times for repainting doors and trim due to warm weather and less disruptive rainstorms. Daytime temperatures between 50° F and 90° F with minimal wind are generally best for exterior paint jobs.

What is the most common sheen for exterior paint?

Eggshell paint is a popular exterior paint finish for homes due to its low-reflective nature and ability to hide imperfections on various siding types like HardiePlank, stucco, and horizontal wood. It offers durability and can be easily washed with occasional power washing. It is ideal for repainting house siding and concealing minor imperfections, and can protect the home from precipitation and seasonal weather changes.

Satin paint, on the other hand, is highly durable and stretchy, resisting peeling and mildew. It is suitable for use on various trim areas such as eaves, soffits, overhangs, trim boards, porch ceilings/trim, door frames, and window sills. However, it magnifies imperfections like dents, dings, cratering, and ridges in older wood trim and wood siding.

In summary, eggshell paint is a popular choice for repainting house siding and is suitable for concealing minor imperfections and subtly bringing out trim details.

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.

Should I use latex or oil-based paint for trim?

Acrylic latex paint is a popular choice for interior trim, but it doesn’t match the toughness of oil-based paint. Acrylic-alkyd hybrid paints, which have been available to contractors for some time, are still relatively unknown to most homeowners. A list of 12 trim paints was compiled after tests and consultation with pro painters and industry experts. The editors and experts handpick every product featured, and the goal is to find the best paint for your trim, regardless of brand, sheen, or color. The goal is to help homeowners find the best trim paint for their home.