How to Choose an Exterior Paint Sheen

CT Exterior Painting ServicesSelecting paints for your home involves two primary tasks: deciding on the color you want, and determining the level of sheen you desire in various painted surfaces. In this article, we’ll focus on how to choose an exterior paint sheen that looks great on your home.

Think of sheen as shine, as in how shiny a paint will look when applied properly. As you can imagine, paints come in a number of sheen intensities, ranging from flat to high gloss. Choosing the right combination of sheens for an exterior painting job can make all the difference in the finished product.

Flat paints

These types of paints have a non-reflective matte appearance and are the most common paints used on exterior walls. After application and drying, flat paints present a subtle or calming look and are great for concealing imperfections on surfaces.

Satin enamel paints

Paints with a satin enamel sheen are also good choices for large areas such as walls and can be very attractive when used for trim areas like around windows and doors. Satin enamel paints produce a pearl-like sheen that’s not overpowering but definitely stands out.

Semi-gloss enamel paints

Here’s a paint that has a sleek and vibrant appearance. It’s perfect for all trim areas, comes in an endless variety of colors, is easy to clean and does a good job in bringing out surface details.

High-gloss enamel paints

If you’re after a really shiny, glass-like appearance, paints with a high-gloss sheen are your answer. High-gloss enamel paints are very durable and are particularly well-suited to objects that move and are handled regularly such as doors and shutters.

Remember: when painting with semi- and high-gloss paints, apply in several smooth and thin coats rather than one thick coat.

Paints for exterior floors/decking

For these jobs, always use a paint or stain that is specifically formulated for outdoor durability. Paint manufacturers such as Sherwin Williams and Benjamin Moore have a good selection of sturdy, weather-resistant paints and stains for all surfaces that will experience foot traffic.

The general rule of thumb, then, is to use a low-gloss paint for the exterior walls of your home and accent them with trim paints that provide a higher sheen. But even within these guidelines, there are choices to make. A Sherwin-Williams and Benjamin Moore paint retailers can help out with advice and color-matching technology to make sure your end result is just what you envisioned.

Professional House Painting - CTIf you’re considering an exterior painting project and would prefer to turn it over to professionals who are skilled in all aspects of paint selection and paint application, count on Franklin Painting of Connecticut to get the job done right. Check out our website to learn about all the services we offer to homeowners. If you would like to speak with a paint expert, call us at (877) 646-7774.

 

Franklin Painting LLC – Call us Toll Free at 877-646-7774
or at our main office number 860-678-7701
160 Brickyard Road, Farmington, CT 06032

Exterior House Painting in CT towns like farmington, ct 06032 – avon, ct 06001 – simsbury, ct 06070 – west simsbury, ct 06092 – canton, ct 06019 – burlington, ct 06013 – bloomfield, ct 06002 – unionville, ct 06085 – weatogue, ct 06089 – suffield, ct 06078 – windsor, ct 06095 – granby, ct 06035 – collinsville, ct 06022 – west hartford, ct 06110 – 06117 – 06119 – 06127 – 06133 – 06137 / bristol, ct 06010 – new britain, ct – 06050 – 06051 – 06052 – 06053 / newington, ct 06111 – wethersfield, ct 06109 – cromwell, ct 06416 – rocky hill, ct 06067- berlin, ct 06037 – kensington, ct 06037 – portland, ct 06480 – middletown, ct 06547 – meriden, ct 06450 – middlefield, ct 06455 – east hampton, ct 06424 – chesire, ct 06410 – southington, ct 06489 – glastonbury, ct 06033 – south glastonbury, ct 06073- south windsor, ct 06074 – elllington, ct – east windsor, ct 06088 – hebron, ct 06248 – marlborough, ct 06447 – manchester, ct 06040 – 06042 – 06045 – bolton, ct 06043 – colchester, ct 06415 – tolland, ct 06084 and more!

Scroll to Top