Disadvantages of semi-gloss paint With less sheen, semi-gloss paints are often more difficult to clean than their glossy counterparts and may be more prone to stains, as well as being less reflective.
Semi-Gloss Paint
It's less shiny than high gloss but still offers good durability and cleanability, making it suitable for high-traffic areas. Similar to high gloss, semi-gloss paint can also accentuate surface flaws. The cost for semi-gloss paint ranges from $40-$60 per gallon.
Semi Gloss Paint Not as shiny as gloss but adds a little bit of luster. This finish is very useful in a different variety of spaces. This sheen is good for spaces that take lot of abuse, deal with moisture, or high traffic spaces. This is also ideal for trim, doors and furniture.
It is shinier than eggshell, satin, and pearl, yet flatter than high gloss. Semi-gloss is rarely used on walls. Because it reflects so much light, it shows every imperfection on the walls, highlights brushstrokes, and appears slightly darker than the same color would in a different finish.
Satin paint has a lower sheen level, which means it hides wall imperfections a bit better but is harder to clean. Semi-gloss paint is a bit more expensive, but it lasts longer before needing a refresh.
Go with a semi-gloss finish
Semi-gloss paint offers enhanced durability against wear-and-tear and harsh weather compared to flat or eggshell finishes, and it masks surface imperfections better than high-gloss. The glossiness also makes the door easier to clean as compared to flat or eggshell finishes.
The most common and best sheen for interior trim is a satin or semi-gloss finish. Satin paint finishes have a medium sheen and are durable and easy to clean. Semi-gloss paint finishes have a higher sheen and stand out in a room. They are easy to clean and stand up to dirt, stains, mold, and mildew.
For one level of sheen up from flat or matte, eggshell and satin are good choices. “Satin is slightly shinier, and both are easier to clean than flat or matte paint,” Handel says.
Exposure to moisture or condensation while drying. Temperature fluctuations during drying. Coating over a porous surface. Paint applied at uneven film thickness (i.e. lapping)
Eggshell is the most common paint sheen and the one I recommend for most painting projects. Think of the shine on an egg – that's the luster you can expect from an eggshell finish! It has a bit of shine to it, but not much. Eggshell is easy to clean and durable, which is why I think it's such a popular finish choice.
Woven roller covers are more shed-resistant, so they're better for gloss and semi-gloss finishes, which can highlight lint left over from the roller. For flat, eggshell, and satin finishes, knit roller covers do the job more efficiently.
Surface preparation – Proper preparation is more critical with semi-gloss surfaces than matte surfaces. The surface must be thoroughly cleaned and lightly sanded to create a texture for the new paint to grip. Skipping or inadequately performing this step can lead to poor paint adhesion.
The gloss finishes are also a choice of many for areas where grease, moisture, or dripping may occur. However, the gloss and semi-gloss sheens will highlight all wall imperfectinos due to their reflective value. These sheens are therefore not usually recommended for the interior painting of walls.
Which brand of exterior paint lasts the longest? Sherwin-Williams Duration is the longest-lasting exterior paint brand, according to Consumer Reports.
The disadvantages of the glossy finish
On the other hand, this type of finish is the one that allows more dirt to show through. Footprints are also more visible on this finish. Maintenance involves more regular cleaning; and for wood floors, more frequent sanding.
One of the most popular types of wall paint, eggshell finish provides a low sheen and a soft, smooth finish just like a true eggshell. Perfect for low- to mid-traffic areas like hallways, living rooms, entryways and family rooms.
The downside, according to Stevens, is that matte paint is harder to clean than glossy paint. So, for example, if you have matte finish walls in your dining room and accidentally drop a plate of food or spill a glass of wine, it's very important to take care of the mess right away.
The best paint finish for trim
Semi-gloss is a great choice for these areas. A semi-gloss paint finish will read "shinier" than an eggshell. The shinier finish gives it more durability - making it even easier to clean with a harder dried film that is tougher and can take more wear and tear, but there's a downside.
Avoid using eggshell paint in high-contact, high-traffic areas such as door and window trim, baseboards, cabinetry, and doors. It's best to use semi-gloss paint in these areas.
If you're looking for a paint that is durable and easy to clean, gloss paint may be the right choice for you. If you're looking for a paint that can help hide imperfections and create a soft and muted look in your home, satin paint may be the better option.
As we have mentioned, contrast is key when choosing the right color for your front door, so if your house has darker exterior walls, whether that be through sleek black wooden cladding or dark gray paint, opting for a lighter front door color will work well.
We recommend using a roller and a brush when painting a front door. A roller helps cover larger, flatter areas more quickly. Brushes are ideal for recessed and detailed areas that require more precise application, such as edges and curves on your door.