As most people know, paint is available in several different finishes that range from flat/matte to high gloss. These finishes are categorized by their ability to reflect light. Flat/matte finishes tend to absorb light and offer the least amount of reflectance; high gloss finishes are highly reflective. In between are finishes that vary in their light-reflective qualities. From least reflective to most reflective, the most common finishes are: flat/matte, eggshell, satin, semi-gloss, and high gloss.
Paint Finish Durability
In general, the durability of the various paint finishes follows the reflective quality of the paint. That is, flat/matte finishes are less durable than high-gloss finishes. This is primarily due to the fact that flat/matte paint finishes are more likely to be damaged when cleaning. Paints with a glossier finish prevent dirt and other discoloring pollutants from becoming embedded in the paint thus making cleaning the paint as easy as wiping with a damp cloth. Flat/matte surfaces tend to absorb dirt and thus can’t be easily cleaned. Hence, on a house exterior, a flat/matte finish is more likely to become stained or discolored and can’t be easily cleaned.
Semi-Gloss and High-Gloss Paint Finishes
While semi-gloss and high-gloss paint finishes offer the highest durability they are not recommended for exterior wall paint application as their high level of reflectivity more readily reveals flaws in the surface to which the paint is applied or flaws in the application of the paint itself (e.g., brush strokes, etc.). Semi-gloss paints can and are typically used for trim areas on the exterior of a house as the greater reflectivity of light can accentuate and highlight featured areas.
Eggshell and Satin Paint Finishes
Eggshell and Satin are the two most popular paint finishes for painting a house exterior. Both provide a low-level sheen making for easy cleaning and provide high durability. Satin has slightly more luster to the finish than eggshell which makes it the more popular choice for exterior painting. At Ohio Painting and Pressure Wash, our standard choice of paint is Sherwin Williams Acrylic Super Paint Satin.