While there is a lot of talk about paint sheens for interior painting, many people forget that there are paint sheens to choose from on the exterior end of things as well. Each of them are great for different purposes. It is important you understand what sheens are used in certain applications so that you can make the right choice when it’s time to paint the exterior of your home. McKay’s Painting is here to talk about when and where you should use different exterior paint sheens.
Flat Paint Sheen
If you are painting a surface that isn’t perfect and has many blemishes on it, you may be better off using a flat exterior paint. For those of you that live in an old house that has years of wear and tear, flat paint is often the paint of choice to hide those imperfections. Similar to interior paint, it is a bit harder to clean when it is flat, but if you are purchasing high quality paint it is still durable. It won’t withstand rubbing and scrubbing like other finishes, but it is still a practical option for the exterior of your home.
Satin Paint Sheen
When it comes to the body of your home, satin paint or low lustre, is often the paint of choice. It provides a surface that is still fairly easy to keep clean and has just enough sheen to it that it offers a soft finish. It is important you use this paint on a surface that is in good shape. This is one of the reasons this is most chosen exterior paint among professionals.
Semi-Gloss/High Gloss Paint Sheen
You have to have extensive experience and training when you are dealing with any semi-gloss or high-gloss paint. If there are any imperfections found on the surface that you’re painting, these sheens will simply amplify it. The one thing they have going for them is the ease at which they can be cleaned. These paints are often chosen for trim and shutters where the surfaces are okay to stand out.
Stain Sheens
Just like paint, stains come in different sheens as well. Not only that, they also have different opacities as well: clear, semi-transparent and solid. If you are working with a beautiful wood, you may want to choose a clear stain so that the wood grain is visible. For those surfaces that are in need of a high level of coverage, solid stain can help to hide imperfections in the wood. Solid stains are a lot like paint as they can be tinted virtually any color and offer the highest amount of coverage.
Residential & Commercial Painting & More in Ventura, Ojai, Newbury Park, Westlake Village, Camarillo, Thousand Oaks, Agoura Hills & Santa Barbara California
At McKay’s Painting, we know how difficult it can be to choose the right paint for the outside of your home. Our color consultants will help you ever step of the way as we help you choose the paint that will help your home look its best. Call us today for your exterior painting needs!
