Selecting the right exterior paint finish for your home is just as important as picking the right color. Beyond impacting curb appeal, paint finish also plays a key role in determining how the coat will stand the test of weather, wear, and time.
With so many paint finishes available, choosing one for your residential painting project can be daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. In this guide, we share expert tips and considerations to help you find the best option for your home.
Considerations for Choosing an Exterior Paint Finish
Before we dive into the types of finishes available, it’s helpful to understand some key considerations that may influence your choice. Below are some factors to help you narrow down your decision.
Appearance
Sheen refers to how glossy or reflective the paint appears. Glossier finishes tend to be more durable and easier to clean but may highlight flaws, while less reflective options offer a subtle, more natural look that’s better at hiding imperfections. Each sheen has a distinct appearance that may look different depending on the location and climate.
Longevity
Each type of paint finish varies in durability. While appearance can definitely be a priority, you should also think about which finish will last the longest in your specific area.
For example, higher gloss usually means the paint is more waterproof, which could suit rainy areas with a lot of moisture. On the other hand, if you live in a dry or desert climate, moisture resistance may not be as critical, allowing you to prioritize other factors like appearance.
Surface Type
The type of material or surface you’re painting on also matters. High-traffic areas like exterior trim, doors, and shutters make great focal points and might benefit from the durability of glossier finishes. Meanwhile, stucco, masonry, or wood siding often looks best with flatter finishes that hide imperfections and minimize texture inconsistencies.
Maintenance
Some exterior paint finishes are easier to clean and maintain than others. Glossier finishes tend to be the easiest to clean, while flatter options are more porous and may break down easier if scrubbed frequently.
Which Exterior Paint Finish is Best for Homes?
There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to picking an exterior paint finish, but each one has unique attributes and advantages to consider. Below, we break down each type of paint sheen to help you choose the best option for your home.
Flat/Matte Paint
Flat paint has no sheen at all, giving it a soft, natural, and subtle look. It’s ideal for hiding texture imperfections, especially for older homes with visible wear. However, it’s also the least durable option and may need more frequent touchups. Flat paint is best for dry climates, older homes, wood, or stucco exteriors where texture and charm matter more than visibility.
Eggshell Paint
Eggshell paint has a very light sheen, just enough to catch light and give your exterior some dimension without looking glossy. It’s more durable than matte paint but it’s still subtle enough to mask mild surface imperfections. Eggshell paint is best for homes in mild climates, or if you want a touch of sheen and durability while still minimizing texture flaws.
Satin Paint
As the Goldilocks of sheens, satin paint gives your home a noticeable (but not shiny) glow. This is one of the most popular paint finishes for exteriors because of its versatility, easy upkeep, and resistance to mildew and fading. It works great for most surfaces in every climate.
Semi-Gloss Paint
Semi-gloss paint is noticeably reflective with more durability and weather-resistant qualities, making it ideal for high-traffic details like trim, doors, and railings. It’s very easy to clean and excellent at repelling moisture and stains. It’s long-lasting with minimal maintenance requirements, but highlights more imperfections and may look too glossy on larger surface areas.
High-Gloss Paint
High-gloss paint is the toughest and glossiest of all finishes, with a shiny appearance that almost has a “wet” quality to it. It’s highly reflective, especially during brighter hours of the day. It’s not typically used for large surface areas since it tends to accentuate every scratch, bump, and imperfection—but it’s a great choice for doors, trim, shutters, and other high-traffic spots that need extra durability.
Contact Sonoma County’s Expert Home Painters
Choosing the best paint finish for your home is all about striking a balance between looks and longevity. If you’re unsure where to start or just want to make sure the job is done right, our team of professional painters is here to help.
At Timmins Painting, we have years of experience helping homeowners all over Sonoma County with expert residential painting services. From choosing the right finish to meticulous prep and cleanup, our team is ready to take care of every step of the process and deliver flawless results.