Which Paint Is Better For An External Wall: Satin Or Flat?

Satin and flat finishes are two popular paint sheens for exterior paint, with satin offering a polished appearance with enhanced durability and easier maintenance. Satin paint is more durable and washable than flat paint, making it suitable for exterior surfaces that need to withstand weathering and wear and tear. It is also easier to clean and maintain than flat paint.

When choosing a paint sheen, consider the exterior surface you are painting, as there are types of sheens including flat, satin enamel, semi-gloss enamel, and hi-gloss enamel. Satin exterior paint is usually better due to their resistance to weather changes, ease of cleaning, and ability to highlight architectural details. In areas with high humidity, rain, or extreme weather conditions, satin paint is often preferred for its better resistance to moisture and mildew, as well as fading under constant sun exposure.

Flat paint absorbs more sunlight, while satin reflects in and lasts longer. Semi-gloss and satin are often recommended due to their balance between aesthetics and durability. Satin paints are easy to wipe clean and are more resistant to the elements, making them generally last longer.

For the best appearance, use a flat paint, while a satin finish is ideal for easier cleaning. If a masonry type of paint is available, it may be a good option. Burke and Crew recommend a satin finish for the exterior of most homes, as it satisfies basic upkeep objectives while providing a pleasant appearance.

What is the most popular exterior paint type?

Water-based exterior paints are popular due to their ease of application, quick drying time, and durability. Acrylic paints, a type of latex paint, offer excellent resistance to fading, mildew, and cracking and come in various colors. Oil-based paints, on the other hand, are more expensive, have a strong odor, and require mineral spirits for cleanup. They take longer to dry and may not be environmentally friendly.

Choosing the right exterior paint depends on your project’s needs. Acrylic latex paint is the most versatile and user-friendly option, offering excellent durability, adhesion, and resistance to fading, mildew, and cracking. Alkyd paints balance the durability of oil-based paints with the ease of use of latex paints, making them ideal for high-traffic areas, trim, and doors. However, they can have a strong odor and require mineral spirits for cleanup.

Stucco paint is specifically designed for stucco surfaces, providing excellent breathability and preventing mold growth. Masonry paint is formulated for brick, concrete, and other masonry surfaces, offering durability and resistance to moisture penetration, mildew, and efflorescence. Elastomeric paint is known for its flexibility, making it ideal for surfaces that expand and contract with temperature changes, such as stucco and wood siding.

What is the best exterior paint for a house?

Sherwin-Williams is a renowned brand known for its high-quality exterior paints, including their popular Duration line. This line is known for its durability and color retention, and offers a lifetime guarantee against chipping or cracking when applied by a professional. Sherwin-Williams has multiple locations in the Greater Lexington area, making it easy to find and return for additional paint.

Behr is another well-known paint brand with a variety of exterior paints, including their Marquee line, which offers one-coat coverage and fade-resistant colors. They also provide an online Color Studio tool to visualize different colors on your home’s exterior. Behr is a popular choice for DIY painters due to its affordability and availability at Home Depot.

Benjamin Moore is known for its high-quality exterior paints, including the Aura line, which offers exceptional durability and weather resistance. They have a wide selection of colors to choose from, making it easier to find the perfect shade for your home. There are only a few Benjamin Moore stores in the Lexington area, but you can find them online.

What sheen is best for exterior walls?

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.

Is flat paint good for the exterior?

Flat paint finishes, once popular, are no longer widely used on exteriors due to their matte, porous nature and susceptibility to fading and mildew issues. However, flat paint can be a suitable option for disguising flaws on older homes, especially if the home has older wooden siding or needs to conceal siding imperfections. It is recommended for exterior walls and not frequently touched areas like doors, railings, or windows.

On the other hand, eggshell paint is the most popular exterior paint finish for the home body due to its durability, easy washing, and ability to hide imperfections on older wood or stucco divots. It also offers protection against precipitation and seasonal weather changes, as it lays down smoothly, preventing visible brush strokes, roller edges, or spray marks after application. Both flat and eggshell paints are suitable for different types of homes and can be used to cover imperfections on older homes.

What finish is best for outdoor 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 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.

Is exterior paint flat or satin Sherwin Williams?

The best exterior paint finish is typically satin or eg-shel, but matte finishes can help hide blemishes. Durable gloss or semi-gloss finishes are ideal for exposed exterior trim. Choosing a paint finish is crucial for the final look and durability of your project. Popular sheens and their benefits can help you make the best choice, as it determines the overall appearance and longevity of your project.

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.

Should I paint the exterior of my house flat or satin?

Satin paints are generally considered better than gloss paints for homeowners due to their ease of use, resistance to elements, and cleanability. They provide a modern look with occasional touch-ups, while high gloss paint is suitable for homes with heavy wear and tear or strong design statements. It’s important to choose a paint that suits your home’s needs and meets your vision. For more information on choosing paints and how to use them, visit Encore Painting and get a free painting estimate. For more information on exterior home painting in Toronto, visit Exterior Home Painting Toronto.

Is eggshell better than satin for exterior paint?

The difference between eggshell and satin paint is that satin paint offers higher gloss and better stain resistance and durability than lower sheens, such as eggshell. To enhance the look of a painted surface, choose a paint finish that enhances its gloss. Benjamin Moore offers a variety of paint finishes, including flat, matte, eggshell, pearl, satin, semi-gloss, and high gloss. Sheen is a measure of how much light reflects off a painted surface, and Benjamin Moore’s legacy of innovation ensures premium performance across the sheen spectrum.

What finish is better for exterior paint?

Paint sheen is a crucial factor in exterior paint selection, as it affects the paint’s strength and ability to withstand stressors like rain, snow, UV rays, and physical wear. The recommended paint sheens for exterior paint are satin/eggshell, semi-gloss, and gloss. Paint sheen is a reflection of the paint’s appearance and performance. A glossy sheen reflects light, while a flat or matte sheen absorbs light. Other degrees of sheen include eggshell and satin.

High-gloss paint is ideal for high-impact or wet applications, while dull sheens are less durable and attract dirt. Paint with a higher sheen contains more solids, creating a solid barrier on the outside of the house.