Which Sheen Is Ideal For Exterior Paint?

For novice DIY painters, flat paint is a wise choice for exterior paint, as it goes on easily and adheres well. The eggshell/satin sheen is the most universal exterior paint sheen, providing just the right amount of added durability and adding a richness to the color. The choice between low-luster or high-gloss depends on budget, skill, aesthetics, and material. Satin paint is a good option for wood surfaces and can also be used on metal.

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 enamel. Satin paint is ideal for areas with moisture, such as bathrooms, as it provides a slight sheen without overly impacting the texture. However, matte finishes can help hide blemishes on exterior surfaces. Durable gloss or semi-gloss finish are ideal for exterior trim that’s durable.

The best sheen for exterior paint largely depends on the specific surface and the look you want to achieve. Satin paints are taking over glossier finishes as the go-to choice for exterior paint sheens due to modern moisture-resistant, durable formulas. Sherwin Williams’ exterior products generally recommend a satin finish, while Benjamin Moore’s Aura offers a low-luster finish. Low Lustre is decent but is the better alternative to flat. Satin is def the best for longevity.

When choosing a paint sheen, think about the exterior surface you are painting. Types of sheens include flat, satin, and gloss. Some products do come in eggshell or semi-gloss. Satin or semi-gloss sheens provide a good balance of durability, protection, and aesthetic appeal. For exterior paint sheen and finish, we usually recommend satin or eggshell finish for home exteriors.

What is the most popular paint sheen?

The eggshell finish is a popular wall paint with a low sheen and soft, smooth texture, which lends itself well to low- to mid-traffic areas such as hallways, living rooms, entryways, and family rooms.

How to choose a sheen level?

The selection of a sheen level for a paint job is contingent upon the specific type of paint and the desired finish. The determination of an appropriate sheen level for a given surface is contingent upon a number of factors, including the anticipated level of foot traffic and the anticipated degree of surface wear and tear.

Should exterior paint be flat or satin?

A satin finish is a popular choice for exteriors due to its pearl-like sheen, making it ideal for high-traffic areas, kitchens, bathrooms, and window trims. It is durable, easier to clean, and can highlight surface imperfections. Satin paint offers an aesthetic appeal with a soft, pearl-like sheen, making it more lustrous than a flat finish but less glossy than semi-gloss. It also makes colors appear richer and more vibrant, enhancing the overall look of the home.

Is satin exterior paint too shiny?

Satin finish paints have a more reflective sheen than flat finish paints, making them ideal for bright, vivid colors on your home exterior. They reflect light and make colors pop, but they are less effective at hiding surface imperfections and are less forgiving of mistakes in application. Despite this, satin finish paint is easier to clean than flat finish paints, as it can be wiped or brushed down, allowing for easy removal of mud and algae without 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. Both satin and flat finishes can be used outdoors, but each paint sheen has its own set of pros and cons. For more information on when to use flat vs satin exterior paint, visit Fillo Painting.

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.

What sheen is best for exterior 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.

When should you not use eggshell paint?

Eggshell paint is recommended for interior designers due to its versatility and versatility in various areas of the home. However, it is not suitable for high-contact areas like door trim, baseboards, cabinetry, and doors. Instead, semi-gloss paint is recommended for these areas. Eggshell paint can be used on most interior walls, including bedrooms, living rooms, hallways, kitchens, and bathrooms. For high-contact surfaces like trim, semi-gloss paint is recommended.

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.

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.

How do I know what sheen of paint to use?

The selection of a flat paint sheen is contingent upon the anticipated level of traffic. This low-sheen, non-reflective paint is efficacious in covering minor surface imperfections, rendering it an optimal choice for interior walls and ceilings.

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.