How to Choose the Right Sheen for Your Exterior Paint: Matte, Satin, or Gloss?

Are you wondering which exterior paint sheen you should choose for your house? Choosing the right exterior paint color and sheen is important for achieving a beautiful, long-lasting finish. The three most common sheens are matte, satin, and gloss. Each has its own unique characteristics and can be used to achieve different effects.

Here’s a guide to help you choose the right sheen for your exterior paint project.

how to choose the right sheen for your exterior painting project

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Matte Sheen

Matte sheen is also known as flat finish. This sheen has no shine to it and is best suited for surfaces with imperfections, such as stucco or textured surfaces. Matte sheen will not highlight imperfections and will provide a smooth, even finish. It is also good at hiding surface stains and dirt. Matte sheen is a flat, non-reflective finish that is ideal for hiding imperfections and creating a subtle, understated look. It’s a great choice for older homes or those with a lot of texture. However, matte sheen is not as durable as other finishes and can be more challenging to clean. It’s best used on areas that don’t receive much direct sunlight or heavy foot traffic.

Satin Sheen

Satin sheen has a slight shine to it and is best suited for surfaces that are in good condition. It provides a smooth and durable finish, and it’s easy to clean. Satin sheen is a soft, velvety finish that provides a low-to-moderate sheen. It’s a popular choice for exterior paint because it offers a nice balance between durability and aesthetics. Satin sheen is easier to clean than matte sheen and can stand up to moisture, making it a good choice for areas like porches, trim, and doors.

Gloss Sheen

Gloss sheen has the highest level of shine and is best suited for surfaces that are in excellent condition. It is ideal for surfaces such as metal doors or railings, where a high level of durability is needed. Gloss sheen is also great at repelling water, making it an excellent choice for exterior surfaces that are exposed to the elements. Satin sheen is a soft, velvety finish that provides a low-to-moderate sheen. It’s a popular choice for exterior paint because it offers a nice balance between durability and aesthetics. Satin sheen is easier to clean than matte sheen and can stand up to moisture, making it a good choice for areas like porches, trim, and doors.

Consider Your Surroundings

Your home’s style can also influence your sheen choice. If you have a traditional-style home, a satin sheen may be the best choice, as it provides a classic, timeless look. If you have a modern or contemporary home, a gloss sheen may work better, as it can provide a sleek, modern finish.

Let us Help You Choose the Right Sheen for Your House

With the right sheen, your exterior paint job will look great and stand up to the test of time.Still not sure how to choose the right sheen for your house? The experts at Atherton Painting can help! When you hire our team  of professional painting contractors, we can guide you in the right direction.

Contact us today for a free consultation. Call or text 518-415-4845.