Choosing the right paint sheen for your home’s exterior is crucial to get the look and protection you want. The paint sheen determines how light reflects off the painted surface, which affects its appearance, durability and ease of cleaning. With so many paint sheen options to choose from, it can be overwhelming to select the best one for your exterior surfaces. This article covers the 3 most popular and best paint sheens specifically for exterior house painting – satin, semi-gloss, and flat. We will compare the pros and cons of each sheen and offer tips on choosing the right finish for your particular exterior.
What is Paint Sheen?
Before we dive into the best sheens, let’s clarify what paint sheen actually means. Paint sheen (also called paint luster or paint finish) refers to the degree of light reflection a painted surface has. It ranges from high gloss which is very shiny and reflective, to matte which is flat and non-reflective.
Paint sheen is achieved by different blends of resin and flattening agents in the paint formulation. High gloss paint has minimal flattening agents, allowing the most light reflection. Matte is the opposite with lots of flattening agents to diffuse light reflection. In between are options like satin, eggshell and semi-gloss – offering varying degrees of light reflectivity and surface shine.
This ability to reflect light varies affects how the painted surface looks and performs:
- Appearance – A high gloss paint will have a bright, shiny, wet look. A matte paint will look flatter and more muted.
- Durability – Higher sheen paints are more durable and washable, while lower sheens can scuff and mark more easily.
- Stain resistance – The more light is reflected, the easier it is for dirt and stains to be cleaned off the surface.
- Touchups – Higher gloss paints can show touchups more. The flatter the sheen, the better it hides imperfections.
These factors need to be weighed carefully when selecting an exterior paint sheen. Keep reading to learn about the best sheen options for your home’s siding, trim, doors and other outdoor surfaces.
1. Satin – Ideal All-Purpose Exterior Sheen
Satin is a classic paint sheen for exterior surfaces, offering the perfect balance of aesthetics and performance. It is one of the most popular sheens for painting siding, doors, shutters, trim and other outdoor surfaces. Here’s an overview of its qualities:
Appearance
Satin has a low to mid-range light reflective quality. It has a smooth, velvety appearance that looks more interesting than flat paint, but less dramatic than a glossy sheen. The satin sheen nicely highlights architectural details and accents. It offers lively surface interest without being overly shiny.
Durability
Of the common exterior sheens, satin is the best combination of attractive look and resistant finish. The satin sheen is durable enough to stand up to weather while still looking beautiful. It resists fading, scuffing and yellowing better than flat. Satin also touches up easier than higher gloss.
Versatility
The versatility of satin’s subdued shine makes it work well on all different exterior surfaces – siding, doors, windows, shutters, trim, deck rails and furniture. It can coordinate nicely across many architectural features. Satin also works well in combination with other sheens. You can use it with semi-gloss on doors and flat on siding.
Light Reflection
Satin reflects just enough light to add color depth without too much shine. This makes it ideal for darker color schemes that need more dimension. Deep reds, greens and blues really come alive with a satin sheen. If you want a dark, saturated color that still has vibrancy, satin is an excellent choice.
Recommended Uses for Exterior Satin Paint
- Siding – fiber cement, vinyl, composite, wood
- Doors
- Windows
- Shutters
- Garage doors
- Trim
- Gutters
- Fences
- Furniture
Satin is versatile for many exterior surfaces and adds the perfect punch of color. Just avoid satin on surfaces needing maximum durability and stain resistance. For those, a semi-gloss is better.
2. Semi-Gloss – Most Durable and Washable Sheen
Semi-gloss is a great option when you need an extra durable and reflective paint finish. It’s ideal for areas that demand frequent cleaning, moisture resistance, and preparation for weather extremes. Here’s an overview:
Appearance
Semi-gloss has a medium to high light reflection, imparting a sleek, bright look. The eye catching sheen lets the paint color shine. Trim details are accented and defects less noticeable compared to lower sheens. Some may find the glossy look less attractive for siding. But used strategically on doors, railings and accents, it adds stylish drama.
Durability
Of all the exterior paint sheens, semi-gloss is the most durable, stain resistant and washable. The slick surface allows dirt, grime and stains to be scrubbed off easier. It better withstands moisture too. Semi-gloss paint mixed with exterior grade varnish offers extremely resilient protection. Use it anywhere you need a powerfully strong surface.
Areas to Use Semi-gloss Paint Outdoors:
- Doors
- Window frames
- Shutters
- Entryways
- Garage doors
- Railings
- Outdoor cabinetry & furniture
- Bathroom or kitchen exhaust vents
- Pipes
- High traffic areas
- Accent trim
Semi-gloss is the best performing sheen for heavy duty areas. Use it selectively where maximum toughness is needed.
Matching Sheens for Consistency
For a cohesive look, match the sheens on your home’s doors, railings, downspouts, frames and other semi-gloss accents. Similarly, use the same sheen on exterior kitchen, bath and laundry vents. Continuity of sheens looks crisp and purposeful. Consider using the same color in semi-gloss on window sashes and trim, with a coordinating satin or flat on walls. This adds stylish definition.
3. Flat – Great Low Sheen for Siding
Flat (also called matte) paint is a popular choice for siding, especially traditional styles like wood clapboard. The benefits of flat paint:
Appearance
Flat has a completely non-reflective, matte look. Without any sheen, it has a muted effect that elegantly lets the architecture and colors speak for themselves. Flat provides a smooth, seamless wall surface. Many homeowners find the understated elegance of flat more attractive for siding than glossier sheens.
Forgiving Finish
The lack of reflectivity helps hides surface imperfections better than any other sheen. Flat paint won’t accentuate cracked or warped siding, giving your home a flawlessly finished look. Touchups blend in undetectably. Flat is also excellent at hiding color variations from using different paint brands for touchups over time.
Traditional Aesthetic
For heritage homes, flat paint provides historical accuracy and authenticity. Before modern paints, traditional oil and whitewash house paints had a flat look. Flat paint maintains a classic, period appropriate appearance on antique homes.
More Pigment for Richer Color
The formula for flat exterior paint contains more pigment and less shine-creating resin. This denser pigment load allows for deeper, richer hues. Especially for darker shades, flat provides more color saturation.
Best Uses for Flat Exterior Paint
- Wood siding
- Stucco
- Concrete
- Masonry surfaces
- Asbestos shingles
- Walls or surfaces needing texture hidden
Flat paint works wonders to unify varied siding materials into a cohesive look. It also coordinates beautifully with semi-gloss trims and accents.
The only downside to flat is it’s less resistant to dirt, moisture and scrubbing. Use flat selectively and maintain it diligently. Apply flat paint only on easily reachable areas that can be frequently cleaned.
Choosing the Right Sheen – Factors to Consider
Now that you know the pros and cons of the 3 main exterior house paint sheens, here are some tips for selecting the right finish:
Architectural Style
Consider your architectural style. For traditional homes with wood siding, a classic flat has the most historically accurate look. More modern homes can pull off higher sheens on siding like satin for visual interest.
Color Selection
Lighter tints look best in flat or satin sheens to avoid appearing too glaringly bright. Deep, saturated shades like crimson, forest green and navy come alive in satin. Semi-gloss adds vibrancy to all colors.
Existing Conditions
Look at the current surface texture and condition. If flawlessly smooth, a higher sheen displays well. For heavily textured or cracked surfaces, flat hides imperfections best.
Type of Siding
Some siding types suit certain sheens. For example, composite materials like Hardieplank fiber cement boards look sharp in satin. Plywood, aluminum, and vinyl siding look better in low sheen flat.
Type of Trim
Use satin or semi-gloss to make trim details stand out against flat siding. Match the trim and siding sheens if you want an understated, blended look.
Level of Traffic / Wear-and-Tear
High contact areas need a durable semi-gloss. Gates, railings, doors, and corners get bumped and need maximum scuff and stain protection.
Exposure to Moisture
Ceilings, eaves, railings and bathroom vents deal with moisture. Use moisture resistant semi-gloss in these wet zones.
Evaluating all these factors specific to your home helps guide the selection of the optimal paint sheens.
Combining Different Exterior Paint Sheens
The right combination of sheens can create a lovely, harmonious look. Here are attractive sheen combos:
- Satin siding with semi-gloss trim – The satin walls look rich, while the glossy trim frames it elegantly. The sheen contrast adds definition.
- Flat siding and doors with a semi-gloss front door – Use eye catching gloss on your front door as a focal accent against subdued flat siding.
- Satin walls and flat accent clapboard – Adding flat white clapboard siding as an accent band complements a satin field color beautifully.
- Flat siding with satin window sash and sills – Frame flat walls with crisp satin windows for added depth.
Carefully planning the sheens together creates unity and dimension.
Top Tips for Exterior Paint Sheen Selection
Choosing exterior paint sheens made easy with these simple tips:
- For siding, stick with flat or satin. Semi-gloss can look too slick.
- Use satin on surfaces getting moderate wear like trim, doors, furniture, fencing.
- Reserve semi-gloss for high traffic areas needing maximum toughness.
- Make sure to use exterior grade paints rated for durability.
- Match sheens on related elements like windows, trim, sills and doors for coordination.
- On intricate architecture, satin and semi-gloss help details stand out.
- Flat works wonders at camouflaging imperfect textured or worn siding.
- For a crisp, clean look, use higher sheens like satin and semi-gloss.
- Don’t hesitate to combine sheens on exterior surfaces. This adds depth.
- Use semi-gloss white on storm doors and garage doors for a fresh look.
- When repainting, staying with the existing sheen helps maintain the original appearance.
FAQs About Exterior Paint Sheens
What is the most popular exterior paint sheen?
For siding, flat and satin are the most popular. Flat provides an elegant, matte look, while satin adds subtle luster and depth.
What sheen is best for exterior trim and doors?
Satin and semi-gloss are ideal sheens for exterior trim, doors, railings and accents. The hint of shine makes architectural details pop.
Can you use semi-gloss paint on exterior walls or siding?
You can use semi-gloss on siding, but it creates a very shiny, slick look that some homeowners dislike. Reserve semi-gloss for trim and accents instead of walls.
What sheen should white exterior paint be?
White siding and trim look best in satin or semi-gloss sheens. The touch of shine makes white pop without appearing too stark. Flat white can look dull.
What finish is best for exterior wood?
For vertical wood siding, a flat finish looks most natural and attractive. Satin works for wood trims and accents. Semi-gloss should be avoided on large wood surfaces, but can be used for doors.
What sheen is most durable for exterior paint?
Semi-gloss is the most durable and washable exterior sheen. It stands up to weather, resists stains, and cleans easily. Use it selectively on hard-wearing surfaces.
Can you mix sheens on exterior painting?
Absolutely! Combining sheens like flat siding with glossy trim often looks intentional and elegant. Just make sure to use exterior grade paints.
Conclusion
Choosing the right exterior paint sheen impacts durability, appearance and maintaining your home’s beauty. Satin, semi-gloss and flat all have advantages depending on needs. Flat provides a classic, understated look ideal for siding on many homes. Satin offers extra durability for trims, doors and furniture while still looking attractive. Semi-gloss is reserved for high contact areas needing supreme toughness. Consider sheen needs for each exterior surface and look for opportunities to combine them in complementary ways. With this guide’s tips in mind, you can confidently select interior paint sheens to get the perfect exterior finish.
Here is a summary of the key points:
- Paint sheen refers to the degree of light reflection. Options range from matte (flat) to high gloss.
- Sheen affects appearance, durability, stain resistance, and ease of touch up.
- Satin offers a versatile balance of aesthetics and performance for many exterior surfaces.
- Semi-gloss has a slick, shiny look that is most durable and washable. Use it for high wear areas.
- Flat has a non-reflective, matte look ideal for hiding imperfections on siding.
- Evaluate architectural style, color selection, surface conditions and type of materials when selecting sheen.
- Combine sheens like satin siding with semi-gloss trim for added dimension.
- Follow tips like using flat or satin on walls and reserving semi-gloss for accents.
- Match sheens of related elements like windows, trim and sills for a cohesive look.