Choosing Your Exterior Paint Sheen: The Ultimate Guide for a Lasting Finish

When repainting your home's exterior, selecting the right paint color is only part of the equation. The sheen, or gloss level, you choose can dramatically affect not just the look but also the durability and maintenance of your paint job. A paint's sheen is determined by the ratio of resins and binders to pigments—the higher the ratio, the glossier the finish. From classic matte to high-gloss, understanding the pros and cons of each option is key to making the right choice for your home.

Flat/matte finish

This finish has the lowest level of reflectivity and offers a smooth, non-reflective look that absorbs sunlight instead of bouncing it back.

Best for:

• Hiding imperfections: Its low-sheen surface makes it excellent for camouflaging blemishes on older, textured, or uneven surfaces, such as stucco, brick, or older wood siding.

• Vintage or historic homes: It provides a classic, subtle appearance that works well with traditional architectural styles.

• Large surface areas: On modern, well-maintained siding, a flat finish can offer a clean, uniform look.

Drawbacks:

• Less durable: Flat paint is the least durable finish and is more porous, making it susceptible to staining and harder to clean.

• Less fade-resistant: It may not stand up as well to harsh weather, meaning it might need to be repainted sooner than glossier finishes.

Eggshell/low lustre finish

Eggshell (or "low lustre," as some brands like Benjamin Moore call it) offers a soft, velvety appearance with a slight sheen that is more durable than flat paint.

Best for:

• Balancing durability and appearance: It is a good choice for most exterior surfaces, including siding in good condition, offering good weather resistance and easy cleaning.

• Moderately hiding imperfections: While not as forgiving as flat, it still conceals minor flaws better than glossier sheens.

• General siding: It is often recommended by professionals as the go-to for the main body of a house.

Drawbacks:

• More noticeable application marks: This finish can show lap marks or brush strokes more easily than a flat finish, so careful application is required.

• Not as durable as glossier options: It offers less protection against scuffs and moisture than semi-gloss and gloss.

Satin finish

Satin is a highly versatile and popular exterior paint sheen that offers a soft glow and is very easy to maintain.

Best for:

• High-traffic areas and exterior siding: It is more durable and washable than eggshell, making it an excellent choice for doors, trim, shutters, and siding.

• Resistance to dirt and mildew: Its superior moisture and UV resistance help it stand up to the elements and stay clean longer.

• Creating subtle contrast: Many professional painters use a satin finish on the main body of the house, reserving a higher sheen for trim and accents.

Drawbacks:

• Highlights imperfections: While still reasonably forgiving, a satin finish will show more surface imperfections than flat or eggshell.

• More prone to visible brushstrokes: It can show brush and roller marks if not applied carefully.

Semi-gloss/gloss finish

These finishes offer a noticeable shine and are known for their exceptional durability and easy cleaning.

Best for:

• Trim, doors, and architectural details: The high shine accentuates these features and creates a beautiful contrast against a lower-sheen body paint.

• High-traffic surfaces: The smooth, durable surface is ideal for areas that are frequently touched, like railings and doors.

• Easy cleaning: The high resin content makes semi-gloss and gloss paints easy to wipe down and highly resistant to moisture.

Drawbacks:

• Magnifies imperfections: Because they are highly reflective, these finishes highlight every bump, dent, and flaw on the surface.

• Requires meticulous surface preparation: Any surface you paint with a high-sheen paint must be perfectly smooth and prepped.

• Shows application mistakes: Brush strokes and lap marks are more visible with these finishes.

How to choose the right sheen for your home

To find the perfect sheen for your exterior, consider the following:

• Surface condition: If your siding is older, weathered, or has a lot of texture, a flat or eggshell finish will be more forgiving. If your surfaces are smooth and well-maintained, higher sheens will highlight their quality.

• Architectural style: Traditional homes often suit the soft, understated look of lower-sheen paint, while modern homes can pull off the sleek, bold statement of semi-gloss.

• Level of maintenance: If your home is in a high-traffic or high-moisture area, or you simply prefer easier cleaning, a satin or semi-gloss finish is a more practical choice.

• DIY vs. pro: Higher-sheen paints require more careful application to avoid mistakes. If you're a DIYer, lower sheens are often easier to work with, but a professional painter can achieve a flawless finish with any sheen.

• Create contrast: A popular technique is to use a lower-sheen paint (like satin) on the main body of the house and a higher-sheen paint (semi-gloss or gloss) on the trim and doors to add visual interest and emphasize architectural details.