How to Pick the Right Exterior Color Sheen

You’ve finally decided it’s time to paint the outside of your house. The paint has faded so far you can’t remember what color it used to be and it has started to flake everywhere the sun touches. Picking a color is a challenge in itself but after all that how do you know which paint sheen you want to use? 

It’s not like you’ve ever really noticed it much on anyone else’s house; is it really important? Getting the right finish will not make or break the house but it is an important factor nonetheless. Let’s take a look at 3 of the choices.

Flat paint is the least flashy choice of all the sheens but it is a common and safe choice for the body of the house. It hides minor blemishes and gives the house a softer look. The cons of a flat sheen is its lack of washability. Power washing or scrubbing might not be enough to clean the surface imperfections that can happen to the house over time and you could find yourself repainting areas instead.

Low Lustre offers a slight shine to the house that will allow some washability and can help your house stand out. Low Lustre can also be used on trim, window frames, and shutters, but you’ll likely want to paint the body of your house with a  flat finish so your trim can be more noticeable.

Soft Gloss will give the maximum cleanability. This finish is most desirable on trim, windows, and doors so they can stand out against the wall for a more appealing look on your home’s exterior. Soft gloss makes it difficult for dirt and grime to grab hold of those areas. It also works well on overhangs as bees will have a harder time holding onto this slippery surface.

Choosing a paint finish for your exterior should not be a decision that puts your project on hold or adds any stress for you. As long as you follow the simple rule of keeping your walls at least one step down on gloss then your trim and doors on your house will look stunning for years to come!

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