Which Exterior Paint—Flat Or Semi-Gloss—Is Best?

Paint sheen refers to the appearance and performance of exterior paint, with different types including flat, satin enamel, semi-gloss enamel, and hi-gloss enamel. Semi-gloss paint offers visible shine on home exteriors and is ideal for surfaces that require frequent cleaning. It is more durable than satin, making it easier to clean. Satin paint has a low sheen and is ideal for smooth surfaces like siding or trim, offering a subtle finish that helps hide imperfections and is easy to clean.

Flat paint, also known as matte paint, absorbs light instead of reflecting it, giving walls a velvety vibe. It is great at hiding imperfections but not so much. When choosing exterior paint, there are several types: flat/matte, eggshell, satin, semi-gloss, and high gloss. Semi-gloss paint is recommended for trim work, as high-gloss paints highlight imperfections. For large areas covered by siding, less glossy paints are a better choice.

Semi-gloss paint has no gloss and is a low gloss finish with more shine than flat paint. The best sheen for exterior paint is satin, as flat sheens quickly lose their color and are more prone to damage. High gloss paints are more durable, better at resisting moisture and wear and tear, while duller paint sheens attract more dirt and are more susceptible to damage.

A semi-gloss finish is best for painting garage doors, front doors, exterior trim, gutters, shutters, metal lamp posts, railings, and window sills. Flat paint is great for masking bumps, cracks, or uneven spots on the exterior.

What kind of paint is best for outdoors?

Water-based exterior paint, also referred to as latex or acrylic paint, possesses the qualities of breathability, durability, and a reduced propensity for cracking or peeling in comparison to oil-based paint. The paint expands and contracts in conjunction with the house siding.

When to use flat paint?

Flat and matte paint is a popular choice for creating a smooth, simple appearance in low-traffic areas like bedrooms, study rooms, and formal living rooms. It doesn’t directly reflect light, making imperfections less noticeable. Eggshell and satin paints, named after the egg’s surface, bounce light around the room and resist stains and scuffs. Satin offers a slightly more reflective look and durability, making it suitable for family rooms, hallways, and kids’ spaces.

High-gloss and semigloss paints are bright and shiny, but they reveal any errant brushstrokes or flaws on walls. They are recommended for highlighting smaller details like trim, railings, shutters, and moldings. Semigloss is also great for giving wood furniture a new lease on life and is resistant to mildew, dirt, and stains, making it ideal for busy baths and kitchens. Hiring a professional is recommended for these finishes.

Which paint is better for exterior?

Acrylic paints are a versatile and durable option for exterior wall surfaces, offering excellent color retention, weather resistance, and ease of application.

Is flat paint good for outdoors?

Flat finish paints are a popular choice for exterior surfaces due to their initial appeal but are nearly impossible to clean. They are not suitable for surfaces frequently splashed by rainstorms or in damp, shaded areas where algae and mildew can grow. To avoid damaging the paint, it is recommended to purchase extra cans of the same color for touch-ups and future coats.

Satin finish paints, while not glossy, have a more reflective sheen, making them ideal for bright, vivid colors. However, they are less effective at hiding surface imperfections and are less forgiving to mistakes in application. Despite this, satin finish paints are easier to clean than flat finish paints, as they can be wiped or brushed down, allowing for the removal of mud and algae without the need for repainting. This is particularly beneficial for homes shaded by large trees, which can lead to excess moisture and algae growth.

Professional painters often opt for satin finish paints for their ease of cleaning, making them a popular choice for exterior painting. Each paint sheen has its own set of pros and cons, and more information on when to use flat vs satin exterior paint can be found at Fillo Painting.

What is the most common exterior finish?

The most prevalent exterior finish types in the United States are siding, stucco, and brick veneer.

Why do builders use flat paint?

The flat finish paint is often used by builders, sellers, or low-cost painters in newer homes or homes painted by the seller for sale or by a low-cost painter. This low-grade paint is often used because it is inexpensive, easy to touch up, and hides imperfections in drywall walls. Builders avoid using satin or eggshell paint because it is difficult to touch up and reveals drywall work imperfections, which are often rushed to finish the job on budget.

After the walls are painted, electricians, plumbers, cabinet and granite installers, and floor finishers must come in and complete the finish work and installations, causing dings and scuffs in the walls. This is not cost-effective for the general contractor, painters, or homeowners. Therefore, builders use builder-grade flat paint.

However, this flat finish wears badly, scuffs easily, is chalky, and cannot be cleaned or removed. The problem is not because the paint is a flat finish; it is because the low-grade cheap paint saves the builder, seller, or low-cost painter money, allowing them to give a low bid and get the place looking good for the short term. However, the paint will not last or look good a year or two later.

What is the best long lasting exterior paint?

Sherwin-Williams Duration is the top choice for durability in exterior paint, according to Consumer Reports. High-quality 100 acrylic latex paints like Sherwin-Williams Duration and Rhino Shield offer protection against fading, cracking, and peeling in harsh weather conditions. Lighter paint colors like beige, tan, light brown, light blues, white, and light green reflect sunlight and heat away from surfaces, reducing UV damage and keeping the building’s exterior looking fresh longer.

Elastomeric wall coatings provide a waterproof barrier, while products like Rhino Shield come with long-term warranties. Professional application by experienced services ensures maximum durability, and hiring experts like PPD Painting can lead to better protection and longer-lasting results. Regular maintenance, including cleaning surfaces, checking for damages, and applying sealants, is crucial for extending the longevity of exterior paint.

Is flat paint better than semi-gloss?

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. Ultra Flat paint has a velvety, matte look and is suitable for hiding wall imperfections. However, it is the least durable option and doesn’t stand up well to scrubbing. Although many paint formulas clean up easily with soap and water, people still prefer other sheens that are easier to care for. Semi-gloss and gloss paint are best for trim and woodwork. Overall, Ultra Flat paint is a smart choice for maintaining a beautiful and functional interior.

Which paint finish is best for the exterior?

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.

Should exterior paint be flat or semi-gloss?

Semi-gloss paint is a durable and glossy finish that provides visible shine on home exteriors and is ideal for surfaces that require frequent cleaning. It can withstand harsh weather conditions and excess moisture, but is not suitable for concealing cracks, chips, or other surface imperfections. It is best used for garage doors, front doors, exterior trim, gutters, shutters, metal lamp posts, railings, and window sills.

High-gloss paint is ideal for highlighting ornate architectural details, trim, and doors. It offers extreme durability and adds a richness to paint color, but it may not be suitable for all siding. Professional painters can paint exterior walls and siding with semi-gloss or satin paint to complement the high-gloss finish of the trim.

How long does flat exterior paint last?

Flat paint on exterior walls and surfaces can last 3-7 years before showing signs of wear and fading, depending on factors like climate, maintenance, and paint quality. Satin or eggshell finishes are slightly more durable and offer a subtle sheen, providing a soft, velvety appearance, adding depth to color, being more resistant to stains, easier to clean, and better durability in various weather conditions, making them suitable for exterior applications.