What Sheen Should I Paint The Exterior Of My House?

The sheen of the paint you use when considering exterior painting is important. With higher levels of gloss comes increased durability and wash-ability.

Many exteriors are painted with flat siding paint and satin trim paint. These homes look great when they are painted. The flat paint hides imperfections in the siding and the increased gloss of the trim makes it stand out.

However, over time the exterior of the house will naturally collect dirt, debris and mildew. This can make a relatively new paint job look old and grimy. It is especially bothersome in high traffic areas like your front porch and the siding surrounding your deck or patio. When this happens it’s nice to be able to wipe down these areas with a damp towel or hose. Surfaces painted with a flat paint make this extremely difficult.

This is why I recommend painting both the siding and the trim with a satin sheen. Not only will it be easier to clean but it will also hold up better to Michigan’s severe weather. The idea of snow sitting on flat paint makes me cringe a little.

Higher levels of gloss are even more durable but it usually looks funny in residential exterior applications. High gloss is often used in commercial applications where the look doesn’t matter like safety bollards at a gas station.

At the end of the day, it’s personal preference. I always recommend putting up test samples to make sure you like the color & sheen in different areas of the house and letting your subconscious swell on it.

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