Flat paint is a popular choice for novice DIY painters, as it is easy to apply and adhere well to surfaces. The eggshell/satin sheen is the most universal exterior paint sheen, providing added durability and richness to the color. When choosing a paint sheen, consider the exterior surface you are painting, including flat, satin enamel, semi-gloss enamel, and hi-gloss enamel.
The best sheen for exterior paint is any paint that is glossers, as flat paint is the least durable and least recommended. About 85 of our client’s homes have a satin finish, and their trim (fascia, soffit) is also a satin finish. Different levels or categories of sheen exist, with flat having no shine and gloss being the shiniest.
The three most common sheens are matte, satin, and gloss. Each has its own unique characteristics and can be used to achieve different effects. Satin paints are taking over glossier finishes as the go-to choice for exterior paint sheens due to their modern moisture-resistant, durable formulas.
When choosing a paint sheen, consider the exterior surface you are painting, such as flat, satin enamel, semi-gloss enamel, and hi-gloss. Satin finishes offer a slight sheen and are popular for exterior siding, as they are low-reflective and good at hiding patchwork.
In general, we recommend a satin finish for Sherwin Williams’ exterior products and a low-luster finish with Benjamin Moore’s Aura. The most common paint sheens for the exterior are flat, satin, and gloss. Some products may come in eggshell or semi-gloss. Semi-gloss or high gloss finishes are preferred for trim and doors, as they offer more durability and highlight details.
📹 Which Exterior Paint Finish Should YOU Use? | Paint Sheens Explained
What is the best sheen for a whole house?
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.
What is the most weather resistant exterior paint?
Acrylic paints are characterized by durability and resistance to blistering, flaking, and sun damage. These paints retain color for an extended period of time, dry rapidly, are simple to clean, and offer flexibility. However, they are often more expensive and may not adhere as well to rough surfaces. Furthermore, they are flexible and can be readily cleaned with water.
Do exterior paints come in different sheens?
In selecting a paint sheen, it is essential to consider the exterior surface being painted. There are various types of sheens, including flat, satin, semi-gloss, and high-gloss enamel, each with its own distinctive characteristics and advantages. A comprehensive guide on sheens can be found at the Behr color display at The Home Depot. In the case of floors, it is necessary to use a paint that has been formulated for this particular purpose. An example of such a product is BEHR PREMIUM® Porch and Patio Floor Paint.
Is low sheen good for exterior paint?
Wattyl Solagard Low Sheen is a low-reflective finish suitable for cladding or rendering walls. It offers a slight sheen that conceals imperfections and facilitates thorough cleansing. This product strikes a balance between aesthetic appeal, dirt resistance, and flexibility.
Is gloss or semi-gloss better for exterior paint?
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.
What is the best sheen for exterior house paint?
Eggshell paint is a popular exterior paint finish that complements various siding types like HardiePlank, stucco, and horizontal wood. Choosing the right paint sheen is crucial for enhancing the look and durability of your home. Sheens are not universal and can vary across brands, making it difficult to compare products. At Kind Home Solutions, we use the best paint products available, such as Sherwin Williams and Benjamin Moore.
Choosing the right paint product is essential, as sheens are not universal and can vary from one company to another. We recommend choosing your paint product before determining the sheen. There are several options and price ranges to choose from, with most clients opting for top-of-the-line exterior paint. Sherwin Williams typically uses Emerald Exterior or Emerald Rain Refresh, while Benjamin Moore clients opt for Aura due to its fade-resistant technology and rich finish.
After determining the brand and paint product, you can begin experimenting with sheens to achieve the best exterior paint finish for your home.
Is eggshell or satin better for exterior paint?
Eggshell paint is the preferred finish for homeowners looking for a durable, attractive finish that conceals imperfections. Satin paint, with its more sheen, is more durable, easy to clean, and resistant to abrasion. Both satin and eggshell are popular exterior paint options, especially for trim and areas with high UV rays. Semi-gloss paint, with its higher shine, is ideal for surfaces that require frequent cleaning and upkeep.
It is easy to clean, protects against moisture, and is more durable than satin. However, the shinier the finish, the more imperfections it will reveal. Semi-gloss is suitable for trim, shutters, garage doors, railings, and window sills.
What sheen do professional painters use?
Eggshell sheen is a popular choice for medium to low traffic areas, as it is easy to wash and conceal imperfections. It is the most common sheen for interior walls, making it a good middle ground between aesthetics and longevity. Eggshell is suitable for bedrooms, dining rooms, and living rooms.
Flat/Matte finishes are ideal for ceilings or smooth walls with blemishes, as they reflect less light and help hide imperfections. They are best used in areas that won’t require frequent abuse or scrubbing. Using flat paint on ceilings is recommended due to their uniform appearance and pleasing appearance. Traditionally, flat or matte finishes don’t clean up as well, but some manufacturers claim their newer low sheen paint formulas perform as well as higher sheen counterparts.
Does satin exterior paint dull over time?
Satin/eggshell paints have unique strengths and considerations compared to flat finishes. They are rough but have an almost waxy feel, with a slight shine that gives the paint a lustre. Satin paints are more reflective than matte finishes and can hide imperfections. They are easy to wipe clean and more resistant to elements, making them generally last longer. However, they require more care than matte finishes, as the more shiny the paint, the more imperfections will stand out. Mixing the paint thoroughly before each session is essential to prevent resins and pigments from separating, resulting in uneven sheen.
High gloss paints are more reflective and resilient, but they are best for areas that will get a lot of wear, such as doors. They are also perfect for accenting features of your home, such as window frames or gutters. Painting the entire exterior with a rich, reflective high gloss paint is a bold design move, but it can highlight every imperfection if not properly done.
Can you paint flat over satin exterior?
To paint over existing satin paint with a flat finish, it requires careful preparation and attention to detail. The surface must be thoroughly cleaned and sanded to ensure proper adhesion of the new finish. A primer is also essential to create an even base for the new color. The first step is to clean the surface of dirt and debris with mild detergent and warm water, then rinse with clean water and let it dry completely. Lightly sand down glossy areas for better adhesion. Finally, apply a quality primer designed specifically for walls before applying the flat paint.
Should exterior house paint be flat or satin?
Satin finishes are often preferred for modern homes due to their slight sheen, while flat finishes are preferred for traditional or historical homes due to their matte appearance. Satin finishes are better suited for areas with high humidity, rain, or extreme weather conditions, as they are more resistant to moisture and mildew, and can withstand constant sun exposure. They are easier to clean and resistant to staining, making them ideal for areas that require frequent washing or dirt accumulation.
Aesthetic preferences also play a role in choosing the right paint finish. Satin offers a subtle glow, enhancing color richness, while flat provides a more subdued, classic appearance. Satin finishes typically offer better durability and longevity, especially in high-traffic areas or areas susceptible to wear and tear.
Color choice also plays a role in choosing a paint finish. Satin can make colors appear more vibrant, while flat finishes may give a more uniform color appearance. In conclusion, the choice between satin or flat finishes depends on the architectural style, surface condition, and personal maintenance and aesthetic preferences. By choosing the right paint finish, you can ensure your home looks stunning and provides a lasting impression. It is recommended to consult a professional painting contractor for more suggestions on selecting the best paint finish for your exterior house painting in Danville.
📹 Ask a HomCo Expert: What paint sheen should I use for the exterior of my house?
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