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.
Hands down, satin is the most popular finish for any type of trims, doors and mouldings. Why is it so popular? It's washable without being overly glossy.
Semi-gloss finish: This is the best finish for your trims such as baseboards, mouldings and even cabinets and doors.
'Satin and eggshell finishes are the most popular for woodwork because they balance durability without being too shiny,' says Helen. 'A satin or eggshell has a light sheen that makes a surface feel solid without looking too shiny.
Paint Finish for Interior Doors
As such, the sheen you choose should stand up to the years and not show it. Semigloss is the best paint finish for interior doors and trim. The reason being, semi-gloss can take up quite an abuse and stand up to nicks and scrapes better than any other sheen, flat or eggshell finish.
As a general rule, use satin for interior walls and furniture and semi-gloss for small areas that need highlighting such as cabinets, mantels, stair rails, door and window frames.
Both satin and eggshell paints can be used on interior woodwork including doors, window and door frames, skirting boards, architraves, stair railings and other architectural details. Eggshell is better for a lower sheen with a matte emulsion feel while satin is glossier.
When it comes to trim, baseboards, doors, moldings, etc. a white paint color is the most popular choice. It provides a beautiful contrast to the wall color, really making it pop.
The glossier satin sheen translates to a slicker surface that's slightly quicker and easier to wipe clean of dust, dirt, mildew, and mold. Eggshell requires more elbow grease to get clean because it has more pigments, and the coarse pigment particles make for a rougher surface.
Satin finishes are the most commonly used paint for interior walls. They are easier to clean than flat and eggshell paints, which makes them a great choice for high-traffic areas like kitchens, bathrooms, family rooms, and playrooms.
Benjamin Moore ADVANCE is one of the best paints for interior doors and trim. It's durable and protective with a smooth finish, making it ideal for trim, moldings, doors and most interior projects.
What paint sheens should you use? The key to making this work well (at least in my book) is to use the same color, but change up the sheen depending on what you're painting. For walls, I like flat or eggshell, and then for the trim, semigloss.
Best Paint to Use for Baseboards
Oil-based (alkyd) paint tends to hold up well and requires only one coat, while water-based (latex) paint is less toxic and dries more quickly. For most DIYers, water-based is probably the better bet, as it'll be easier to clean up any errant paint.
The best paint finish for exterior walls is a toss-up between eggshell, satin, and semi-gloss paint. All three choices offer more durability than matte finishes while still hiding blemishes or imperfections on your home's exterior.
Tips. Paint molding one sheen higher than the walls. If your walls are eggshell, use semi-gloss. If your walls are semi-gloss, use gloss for all of the trim including crown, baseboards and other moldings.
Satin is more durable and shinier than eggshell and is ideal for a bathroom. It's also easy to clean. Use it for the walls, ceiling, and even the trim, because many satin finishes are tougher than they once were. Semi-gloss is even tougher and a cinch to clean.
Flat, eggshell and satin paint are best for interior walls, whereas semi-gloss and gloss paint are best for trim and woodwork. An eggshell finish has a subtler shine to it, so it's a great choice if you're not ready for satin.
In my opinion, satin paint is the best finish for interior trim and doors. It has such a sleek finish, it's still durable and easy to clean, and it's not going to show nearly as many imperfections as a high-gloss paint would.
From the perspective of a Color Designer/Consultant, I typically specify eggshell on walls for multiple reasons that benefit the people who are dwelling in the home. Eggshell paint cleans easier, covers better, wears better, and lasts longer than flat paint.
Joanna often uses Sherwin Williams Alabaster for her trim, and occasionally Sherwin Williams Pure White. Use one color for trim throughout your home and you'll have a home where rooms just flow from one into the next.
White reflects light well, making a room look and feel larger, says Liz Toombs, president of PDR Interiors, an interior decorating firm in Kentucky. Warm whites, in particular, can help soften darker hues and create the illusion of more space, she says.
Should my trim be lighter or darker than my walls? There are no set rules on whether your trim should be lighter or darker than your walls, it completely depends on your overall design and vision for your chosen space.
While satin is undoubtedly a more durable option, eggshell is a good all-around sheen for any room. If you like the eggshell look in your kitchen or bathroom, don't be afraid to use it. Just be aware that it may not have the longevity of satin.
A satin paint finish is slightly higher-gloss than eggshell while being less reflective than semi-gloss paint or high-gloss paint. A satin finish delivers higher durability than an eggshell finish.
Satin has a slightly higher sheen than eggshell, meaning that it is more reflective and durable.