Choosing The Right Gloss Level For Exterior Paint Finishes

When painting the exterior of a house, there are several factors to consider, such as colour, brand, and cost. However, one crucial aspect that should not be overlooked is the paint sheen or gloss level. The paint sheen not only affects the aesthetic of the exterior but also its durability and maintenance requirements.

Paint sheen refers to the amount of light reflected from the painted surface, ranging from a flat or matte finish with minimal reflectivity to a high-gloss finish that is highly reflective. The choice of sheen level depends on the desired effect, the surface being painted, and the level of durability and maintenance required.

For exterior walls, a low-sheen or satin finish is often recommended as it provides a balance between appearance and protection, while also being able to hide imperfections and offering good cleanability. On the other hand, for exterior trim, such as windowsills and doors, a semi-gloss or high-gloss finish is usually preferred as these areas require more frequent washing and benefit from the added durability of glossier paints.

Ultimately, the choice of gloss level for exterior paint depends on the specific needs and preferences of the homeowner, as well as the conditions and characteristics of the surface being painted.

Flat paint is non-reflective, chalky, and good for hiding bumps and scratches

When choosing a paint for your home's exterior, you must consider the paint sheen or gloss. The exterior of a home is exposed to various elements, including rain, snow, UV rays, and physical wear. Paint sheen is related to the paint's strength and its ability to withstand these conditions.

Flat paint, also known as matte paint, has a non-reflective finish, giving it a slightly chalky and rough texture. This type of paint is effective at hiding bumps, scratches, and other imperfections due to its low reflectiveness. It produces no overlap marks and provides a contemporary and modern look.

However, flat paint has some drawbacks. The surface may become chalky over time due to weather conditions, requiring more frequent repainting. Additionally, flat paint is less durable and prone to flaking or chipping compared to glossier options. Cleaning flat paint can be challenging, as it tends to smear rather than come clean. For these reasons, flat paint is generally not recommended for most home exteriors.

Despite this, there are certain instances where flat paint is desirable. For example, if you are looking for a quick fix or need to resell your home quickly, flat paint offers a short-term aesthetic appeal and a faster curing time. It is also simple to apply, making it a good choice for DIY projects. If your exterior has texture-related blemishes, flat paint can help conceal these defects.

When deciding whether to use flat paint or a glossier option for your exterior, consider the condition of your siding and the level of wear and tear it is likely to endure. While flat paint excels at hiding imperfections, it may not be the best choice if you are seeking long-term durability and ease of maintenance.

Low sheen is a good option for cladding and render walls, and is easy to clean

When it comes to choosing the right gloss level for exterior paint, there are several factors to consider, including the desired look, the material being painted, surface conditions, and budget. While there isn't one "best" sheen for exterior paint jobs, low sheen is an excellent option for cladding and render walls, offering both aesthetic appeal and functionality.

Cladding and render walls can benefit from a low-sheen finish, which strikes a perfect balance between appearance and performance. Low sheen paints have a slight gloss, typically ranging from 3% to 19% reflectiveness. This subtle sheen helps to hide imperfections and blemishes on the wall surface, making it a great choice for those seeking a flawless finish. At the same time, low sheen paints are known for their ease of cleaning, making them ideal for maintaining the exterior of your home.

The Wattyl Solagard Low Sheen, for instance, provides an optimal balance between appearance, dirt resistance, and flexibility, resulting in enhanced protection for your walls. This type of finish is particularly well-suited for cladding, which is commonly used to protect and decorate a structure. Whether you opt for natural or man-made cladding materials, a low-sheen paint job can enhance the overall aesthetic while also providing a layer of defence against the elements.

Additionally, low sheen paints are versatile and can be used on various surfaces, including timber, concrete, and plaster finishes. They are a popular choice for interior spaces like living rooms, hallways, and bedrooms, where a slight sheen can complement the décor while also offering good cleaning properties.

If you're considering a paint job for your cladding and render walls, low sheen is definitely worth considering. It provides a subtle sheen that enhances the look of your home, hides imperfections, and makes maintenance a breeze. So, if you're looking for a combination of style and functionality, low sheen exterior paint could be the perfect choice.

Satin/semi-gloss is extra durable and washable, making it a good choice for wood trim

When choosing a paint sheen for the exterior of a house, it's important to consider factors such as the paint colour, brand, cost, and sheen or gloss. The exterior of a home is exposed to various elements, including rain, snow, UV rays, and physical wear, which can affect the paint's longevity and appearance. Paint sheen is related to the paint's strength and its ability to withstand these external factors.

Satin/semi-gloss paint is a great option for exterior wood trim due to its extra durability and washability. This paint type adds a subtle shine to the surface, enhancing the appearance of the wood trim. Satin paint is known for its stain resistance, making it easy to clean and maintain, especially in areas that require frequent cleaning. Its low reflective finish also helps to conceal minor imperfections on the wood surface, providing a smooth and elegant look.

Compared to flat or matte finishes, satin/semi-gloss paint offers better protection against chipping and flaking caused by outdoor elements. It is a versatile paint sheen that can be applied to various surfaces, including walls, doors, and exterior walls. Satin paint is commonly used in bathrooms, kitchens, dining rooms, and children's bedrooms due to its ease of cleaning and ability to withstand frequent washing.

Additionally, satin/semi-gloss paint is ideal for exterior trim as it can withstand the wear and tear of daily use. It is a popular choice for eaves, soffits, overhangs, trim boards, porch ceilings, door frames, and window sills. The paint's durability and stretchiness make it resistant to peeling and mildew, ensuring a long-lasting finish. Satin paint is also recommended for homes in hot, sunny climates as it contains more UV protectant to prevent fading.

When choosing between satin and semi-gloss, it's important to consider their differences. While satin paint is known for its subtle shine and ability to hide imperfections, semi-gloss provides a brighter and shinier finish. Semi-gloss is more durable and easier to clean than satin, making it suitable for surfaces that require frequent cleaning. However, it is important to note that semi-gloss can emphasise imperfections, brush strokes, and surface irregularities.

Gloss can bring out the richness of a colour, but will also highlight imperfections

Gloss paint can bring out the richness of a colour, but it will also highlight any surface imperfections. This is because gloss paint has a highly reflective, mirror-like finish. The more light that is reflected off a surface, the more visible any bumps, cracks or gouges become. Therefore, it is recommended to reserve gloss paint for trim areas such as windowsills and doors, or surfaces that are washed frequently.

If you want to hide imperfections, flat or matte paint is a better option. This type of paint has a non-reflective finish, so it will not highlight any flaws in the surface underneath. It also has a contemporary, modern look and is good at hiding overlap marks. However, flat paint may chip more easily and is harder to clean.

If you are looking for a happy medium, satin or eggshell paint could be the answer. These paints have a slight sheen, so they will hide some imperfections while still providing a rich colour. They are also easier to clean than flat paints and are suitable for a range of surfaces, including drywall, plaster and wood.

In summary, if you want a rich colour and a flawless finish, it is best to opt for a flat or satin paint. Gloss paint will bring out the colour but it will also draw attention to any surface imperfections.

High-gloss is ideal for hardwearing finishes, such as doors, windows, and trims

When it comes to choosing the right paint sheen for the exterior of your home, there are several factors to consider, including the level of desired gloss, durability, and ease of maintenance. High-gloss paint is ideal for creating a sophisticated and elegant look while also providing benefits such as moisture resistance and ease of cleaning. This makes it a popular choice for exterior doors, windows, and trims that are exposed to various weather conditions and high-traffic areas.

High-gloss paint is known for its smooth and reflective surface, which can make a bold statement on exterior finishes. It is commonly used on front doors, adding a touch of sophistication and elegance to the entrance of your home. The glossy finish is not only aesthetically pleasing but also practical, as it can withstand the elements and is easier to maintain. The smooth surface of high-gloss paint resists moisture and is simpler to clean than flatter finishes, making it ideal for exterior doors that are frequently exposed to rain, snow, or other weather conditions.

Windows and window sills are another area where high-gloss paint can be advantageous. The glossy finish can enhance the richness of the colour chosen for the window frames, adding a touch of elegance to the exterior of your home. Additionally, high-gloss paint is durable and can withstand the wear and tear that windows may experience over time. It is also a good choice for areas that need to be washed frequently, as it can handle regular cleaning without losing its shine.

Exterior trims, such as doors, windowsills, and other decorative elements, often benefit from a high-gloss finish. The glossiness of the paint adds a touch of sophistication and can make even unconventional colours appear intentional and sophisticated. High-gloss paint is also an excellent choice for trims because of its durability. It can withstand frequent handling, such as opening and closing doors or windows, without chipping or flaking easily. The glossy finish also makes it easier to clean and maintain, ensuring that your trims always look their best.

Frequently asked questions