Exterior Paint Sheen Types
There’s nothing more cost-effective and transformative than adding a fresh coat of paint. When selecting the right shade of green for your bathroom or the right ivory tone for your kitchen, the paint’s sheen may not even cross your mind. Although your color choice is important, paint sheen will determine your painted space’s finished look and durability. Let’s look at the different paint sheen types and how to pick the right one for your project.
WHAT IS EXTERIOR PAINT SHEEN?
A paint sheen is the way the surface looks when your paint dries. If it’s shiny and mirror-like, it’s called a glossy sheen. If, on the other hand, the color looks dull and absorbs light, it’s considered flat or matte. There are several different paint sheens, from glossy to matte, and the sheen you choose will directly affect the durability of your paint.
EXTERIOR PAINT FINISH TYPES
When you’re gearing up to paint, you spend a lot of time picking the perfect color — but the paint finish is just as important. It directly affects the look and longevity of your paint, so you want to pick a finish that makes your space look great and last for years. Luckily, there are several different paint finishes to choose from.
FLAT OR MATTE FINISH PAINT
Chalky and modern looking, a matte finish is easy to apply and hides imperfections very well. This non-reflective look is very attractive but can be difficult to manage. Cleaning the surface is difficult, and it often leaves smears and smudges. Unfortunately, it’s also the least durable finish. You’ll probably have to apply another coat when it shows wear. Professionals at Robo painting have years of experience helping customers like yourself apply all types of paint to their homes.
EGGSHELL FINISH PAINT
The eggshell finish is fairly flat without a shine, much like the look of a chicken’s eggshell. It hides imperfections well and still has the chalky feel of a matte finish, but it’s more durable. The eggshell finish is best used in interior rooms where the walls aren’t scuffed often, including dining rooms and living rooms.
SATIN FINISH PAINT
Satin finish paint has a hint of a shine, which makes the color look rich and luxurious. It’s much easier to clean than a matte finish, making it a better choice for high-traffic areas like hallways, children’s bedrooms, and family rooms. Paint with a satin finish must be applied with a wet edge or you can leave lap marks if you’re not careful.
SEMI-GLOSS FINISH PAINT
The semi-gloss finish is shiny, and the same paint color looks much richer than a matte finish. It’s perfect for rooms that see a lot of moisture and grease stains, like kitchens and bathrooms, and it’s incredibly durable, so you won’t need to reapply as often. This type of paint needs to be applied correctly so the sheen is evenly distributed and the pigments are mixed well.
HIGH-GLOSS FINISH PAINT
High gloss is the most durable finish, and it’s often used on trim, doors, and kitchen cabinets. This reflective finish is typically not used for interior walls since it’s very shiny and notorious for showing every imperfection.
CONTACT THE PHOENIX HOUSE PAINTING PROS
If you’re thinking about updating your home’s look but are unsure what paint sheen to choose, contact us at Robo Painting. We offer various services to customers throughout the Phoenix area, including painting, drywall, staining, and refinishing. We’ve got decades of experience in the industry and high standards for our team. Call today.
Image Credit: Michelle Lee Photography / Shutterstock