Exterior Paint Finishes: Which One Is Best For Your Home?

Exterior Paint Finishes: Which One Is Best For Your Home?

When it comes to exterior paint, figuring out what type of finish to invest in is a tricky topic. Painters often have preferences based on their experience, but homeowners may have a very specific look in mind. The paint sheen you select has a huge impact on the overall appearance of your home, so you should choose carefully. 

Here’s what you need to know about paint sheens and how to choose the right one: 

Satin Paint or Eggshell Paint

Both satin paint and eggshell paint are going to have a more flat or matte finish compared to high-gloss paint. Still, they will have a little bit of a sheen to them that can make cleaning a little easier than traditional flat paint. 

The benefit of satin finish paint is that it can help hide imperfections in the siding. You don’t need to be an expert painter to apply a more matte paint because it’s not as reflective with the light, masking imperfections. 

Another key point to note about satin or eggshell paint is that it tends to be a long-lasting paint compared to other types. 

Semi-Gloss Paint

When you want a paint finish with a little more shine, you may want to cover your exterior surfaces with semi-gloss. This exterior paint sheen tends to be more easily cleaned, especially when compared to flat or matte paint. 

Other bonuses of this type of paint sheen for exterior walls include added durability and moisture resistance. 

Most homeowners who enlist help with their exterior painting will use semi-gloss paint on areas of the home that must stand up to more wear and tear. For example, it’s often used on trim work. 

High-Gloss Paints

A high-gloss paint might be extremely eye-catching, so it can be quite tempting to choose this sheen for a fresh paint job; it offers beautiful depth to the colour that you select and can be easily cleaned. That being said, it also highlights every imperfection in your siding and needs to be applied with care and caution. 

Most homeowners will want to limit their use of high-gloss paint finishes. It may not be the best option for an all-over application due to the way it emphasizes imperfections. Instead, you may consider using it sparingly on exterior trim, shutters, and/or door frames. 

Let the Experts Help You Choose

Selecting the right paint finish for your home is a complex process. You need someone who can help you look at your existing paint finish and make recommendations about what will look and function best now and for future wear. There are no right or wrong answers here. Instead, it will depend on your personal preferences. 

If you’re looking for exterior painting in Winnipeg, hire the experts at Pinnacle Painting. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you choose the perfect paint finish for your home!