When To Apply Interior Semi-Gloss Paint?

Semi-gloss paint is a popular choice for areas where a little shine is desired but high gloss is not appropriate. It can highlight architectural details in a room, such as crown molding or baseboards, and is a popular choice for doors, trim, and cabinets. Gloss and high-gloss paints have a glass-like finish when dry, making them the opposite of flat and matte paint finishes.

Semi-gloss paint is ideal for rooms where moisture, drips, and grease stains often end up on the walls, like kitchen or bathroom. It’s durable and easy to clean, but it may reveal every imperfection in your walls, brushstrokes, and the frequent “orange-peel finish” of a roller. For kitchen cabinets, a durable and washable paint like semi-gloss or high-gloss is best.

Semi-gloss paints are ideal for surfaces and fittings, such as doors, trim, window casings, door frames, baseboards, and even retouching and retouching. Traditionally, gloss/semi-gloss is used for kitchen cabinets due to cleanability, while eggshell or similar is used for walls and flat/matte for ceilings. Flat, eggshell, and satin paint are best for interior walls, while semi-gloss and gloss paint are best for trim and woodwork.

Semi-gloss paint is perfect for rooms where moisture, drips, and grease stains often end up on the walls, like kitchen or bathroom. Semi-Gloss Enamel has a sleek, radiant appearance that is great for cabinets and trim, high-traffic areas, and high-moisture areas. As a general rule, use satin for interior walls and furniture and semi-gloss for small areas that need highlighting, such as cabinets, mantels, and baseboards.

Should interior doors be painted semi-gloss?

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.

Which is better, eggshell or semi-gloss?

Eggshell and semi-gloss finishes are primarily based on their sheen and durability. Eggshell finishes have a hint of shine, while semi-gloss is shinier and reflects light, giving the surface a polished look. Eggshell finishes are more durable than lower sheen finishes like flat and matte, and can be wiped down with a wet cloth. However, semi-gloss can withstand heavy cleaning and scrubbing, making it recommended for high-traffic areas like baseboards, trim, bathrooms, and front doors.

When choosing a paint finish, consider the room’s function, lighting, and the reflective glare of natural light. For example, if repainting a bedroom, eggshell is the preferred finish, while a kitchen makeover may require a semi-gloss finish.

Should I use semi-gloss paint on interior walls?

Gloss finishes are suitable for areas with grease, moisture, or dripping, but they highlight wall imperfections due to their reflective value. They are not recommended for interior painting and should be applied evenly and consistently. Gloss finishes are difficult to work with and do not “touch-up” the same as other sheens. If a spot needs to be touched up, it will stand out.

Satin finish is a popular choice for interior painting due to its luster and better cleaning properties. It is suitable for homes with children or pets or areas where frequent wall cleaning is needed. Satin can be used on walls and trim for a monochromatic sheen and is ideal for hallways, bedrooms, bathrooms, and kitchens.