One of the most frequent questions I get from my exterior paint consultation clients is, “what sheen should I use for my exterior?” When it comes to painting the exterior of your home, selecting the right paint sheen is as important as choosing the perfect paint color. The sheen of your exterior paint can affect not only the look of your home but also its durability and maintenance requirements. In this blog post, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about exterior paint sheen, and explore the best options for different surfaces.
What is Exterior Paint Sheen?
In a nutshell, paint sheen refers to the level of shine or gloss in the paint. It ranges from flat or matte, which has no shine, to high-gloss, which is very shiny and reflective. Let’s talk about the most common sheens for exterior paint, and their pros and cons, so you can make the best choice for your home.
Flat/Matte
A low-luster matte or flat paint sheen has very little shine and is great for hiding imperfections on exterior walls. However, it’s not an ideal choice for outdoor use because it’s not very washable and will require frequent repainting or touch-up.
Flat and matte finishes have come a long way in recent years, with manufacturers offering more durable options for exteriors. However, you’ll likely have to repaint or touch-up your paint sooner than you would with higher sheen paints. If your home gets exposed to more extreme weather conditions, a flat finish is not your best option.
Pros: Velvety finish, helps hide flaws and imperfections, easy to touch up
Cons: Not very washable, less durable, needs more frequent touch-up, won’t hold up in harsh weather conditions
Eggshell
Eggshell paint has a very subtle sheen that is perfect for walls that need to be cleaned from time to time. It offers a step up in durability over a flat or matte finish, so it could be a good option for highly textured surfaces that still benefit from a low-level shine. Eggshell finishes are also a good choice for exterior trim and shutters, though eggshell is not always available in exterior paint products.
Pros: Easier to clean and more durable than flat/matte, the subtle sheen helps enhance the color of the paint
Cons: A bit more difficult to touch up than flat/matte, not as durable as satin or higher gloss sheens.
Satin
A satin sheen is a step up from eggshell on the shine meter, and it also comes with more durability. It’s a perfect choice for wood surfaces, siding, doors and shutters, and can even be used on metal surfaces. Satin paint is widely available and has great qualities for exteriors, making it a go-to choice for exterior paint sheens.
Pros: Durable finish, easy to clean, subtle shine that enhances color depth, works for wide range of exterior applications, widely available
Cons: Doesn’t hide imperfections, more difficult to touch up and apply evenly
Semi-Gloss
Semi-gloss paint has a good amount of shine, and is great for areas that need to be scrubbed more frequently, like doors and trim. However, because it’s more reflective, it will highlight any imperfections in your siding, so it’s not the best option to use on all of your exterior surfaces. Another thing to consider is that semi-gloss paint is often oil-based, rather than latex or acrylic. Oil-based paints often contain highly volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can be harmful to the environment.
Pros: very durable, easy to clean, good for high-traffic areas that get a lot of wear, provides rich color
Cons: shows imperfections, tougher to achieve a flawless finish, could produce glare in direct sunlight, may not be as environmentally friendly as lower-sheen finishes.
High-Gloss
High-gloss paint has major shine factor. It’s very washable and durable, so it can be a great choice for areas that are wiped down often, like doors. Its shiny quality makes a design statement, and can give your front door a glamorous look. However, high gloss paint is not the most popular choice today for exterior applications. It’s not easy to apply for a flawless finish, so I recommend leaving your high-gloss project to professional painters. It’s also highly reflective, showing every imperfection, so it should only be used on smooth surfaces.
Pros: Very hard and durable, super easy to clean, makes a bold design statement on doors
Cons: too glossy for most exterior surfaces, difficult to apply for a flawless finish, highlights every imperfection, too reflective to look at in direct sunlight, may not be environmentally friendly
What Sheen is Best for Exterior Paint?
The best sheen for exterior paint largely depends on the specific surface and the look you want to achieve. Based on my experience, and today’s trends, here are my recommendations:
- Siding (Wood, Vinyl, or Fiber Cement): Satin or low-lustre finishes are often the best choice for siding. They offer the best balance of durability and aesthetic appeal. Sherwin-Williams and Benjamin Moore both offer excellent satin finish paints for exteriors
- Stucco: A matte or flat sheen works best for highly textured surfaces like stucco. They help hide imperfections and provide a more uniform appearance.
- Trim and Doors: Satin or semi-gloss finishes are best for trim, doors, and shutters. These areas benefit from the added durability and easier cleaning of a glossier finish. If you like a little more shine, or need a little more durability, go with semi-gloss. Otherwise, satin gives a more subtle shine that is very popular today. Choose based on your personal preference, as both of these sheens will work great for trim and doors.
Is Matte or Satin Better for Exterior Paint?
Both matte and satin finishes have their advantages, but the choice ultimately depends on the specific requirements of your project:
- Matte: Matte or flat finishes are excellent for hiding surface imperfections and giving a smooth, consistent appearance. They are particularly good for stucco homes with a lot of surface texture.
- Satin: Satin finishes are more durable than matte and offer a slight sheen that adds a touch of elegance without being overly shiny. Satin is also easier to clean, making it a practical choice for most exterior surfaces. It can also be used on any surface, from siding to doors and trim, so it’s a great all-around paint sheen.
Is Satin Too Shiny for Exteriors?
A satin sheen has a low to medium shine, which many homeowners find just right. Satin finishes provide great durability and washability, without being too reflective. That’s probably why satin is such a popular choice for siding and trim today, because it offers the perfect balance of great looks and practicality.
Wrap-Up
Choosing the right exterior paint sheen is crucial for achieving the best possible look for your exterior, and ensuring the longevity of your paint job. By understanding the characteristics of different sheens and considering the specific needs of your home, you’re now well-prepared to make an informed decision for your home exterior.
To summarize, for siding and trim, a satin sheen is the best choice for all-around versatility and durability. Matte or flat sheens are great for stucco because of their ability to hide imperfections. Semi-gloss is a good option for trim and doors, when you need a bit more washability or prefer more shine. High-gloss finishes should only be used for front doors, when you want to make a specific design statement.
Need some help choosing exterior paint colors?
If you’re getting ready to paint your exterior, chances are you’ve been spending a lot of time seeking out the best colors for your home. Here are a few of our posts that can help:
- Tips for Choosing Exterior Paint Colors
- The Best Sherwin Williams Exterior Paint Colors
- The Best Benjamin Moore Exterior Paint Colors
Or, hit the easy button and grab one of our expertly-curated Exterior Paint Color Palettes. You’ll get pre-selected Benjamin Moore and Sherwin Williams colors that can give your home a modern look, and make your home a neighborhood standout.
