If you’ve been thinking about having the exterior of your home painted in the near future, there are many decisions to make! As a matter of fact, if you haven’t had your house painted for several years, the options that are currently on the market may have changed from what you last remember. Today’s paint manufacturers are always developing and releasing brand new product lines that are better than what was previously available.
One of the things you’ll need to figure out is what paint sheen is right for the outside of your home. While there is not only one correct choice, some options are certainly better than others in this regard. As you read the remainder of this guide, you’ll discover details about various paint sheen options and how they typically fare when they are used for outdoor projects.
Flat or Matte Paint Finishes
Flat paint — sometimes referred to as matte paint by manufacturers — has a non-reflective finish that both looks and feels chalky. Sometimes, homeowners are immediately drawn to using flat paint for exterior projects because sunlight isn’t reflected means that imperfections on wood siding are not noticeable. Another perk of this type of paint is that both brush marks and paint roller marks are next-to-invisible when flat paint is used. It also has a beautiful, contemporary aesthetic — at first.
This brings us to the cons of matte paint for the outside of your home. The primary issue is that flat paint cannot be scrubbed. Think about erasing a chalkboard — generally, the chalk is smeared around more than completely removed. People who have flat exterior finishes typically have to repaint their houses much more frequently than those who choose glossier paint sheens.
Satin or Eggshell Paint Finishes
Satin paint — sometimes referred to as eggshell paint by manufacturers — is a middle-ground in regard to shininess and is the most popular choice for exterior paint jobs. Satin paint strikes a balance between having enough gloss to be easily washable but not showing every imperfection or dent a home’s cladding might have.
The only real downsides of using satin paint are that brush marks may be visible — this is less of an issue if you hire professional painters who have a good reputation in your area of the Carolinas — and the fact that sheen is occasionally uneven if the paint can is not shaken properly — again, this is easily remedied by going to a high-quality paint store.
High-Gloss Paint Finish
Typically paints with a gloss finish are only used for trim and doors that might require frequent scrubbing. Although high-gloss paint products are very durable and long-lasting, they show even the smallest imperfections and reflect a great deal of light. It is extremely uncommon to see a home painted with glossy paint.
Contact Hatch Homes for questions about any exterior renovation in North Carolina or South Carolina. We look forward to helping you understand more about the services we offer and hope to work with you soon!