What is the best paint sheen for trim paint? That would be semi-gloss paint sheen. Most typically a semi-gloss paint sheen is used for trim paint because it contrasts well with surrounding paint sheens on walls and ceilings. Walls and ceilings are generally flatter paint sheens, and semi-gloss shows well to contrast the sheen with these surfaces. Other reasons include durability and the ability to get a clean uniform finish, especially with white paint. Semi-gloss overall offers a clean durable finish.
Why semi-gloss is chosen for trim paint?
In general, semi-gloss is a great choice for a paint sheen for paint for trim. Trim is often uniform color and sheen throughout a home or interior of a property. Walls, ceilings, and bulkheads, or even accent walls, are frequently a flatter sheen. These flatter sheens include for eggshell, flat, or matte sheens.
Up the scale on the sheen or gloss factor, includes for satin, gloss, and semi-gloss. A semi-gloss offers a nice level of light reflection in contrast with the less light reflection that is provided by normal sheen walls and ceilings. This contrast, in addition to the contrast with the color, provides a unique design aesthetic that is popularly desired by homeowners and property owners alike.
Another reason for semi-gloss is the increased durability that it brings. Increased durability for paint sheen comes with the additives that are provided within the paint to achieve the glossier finish. Because trim is subject to a bit more wear and tear than typical walls, such as baseboard trim, a semi-gloss paint finish provides a bit more resistance to scuffs and scrapes and an overall more uniform level of finish.
When in doubt, trust the services of a professional interior painting specialist for sheen and color selection for your interior trim painting requirements.
Benefits of Semi-Gloss Paint
- Semi-gloss paint is highly durable and can stand up to scuffs and scrapes.
- Only really has a lower gloss finish than high gloss paints.
- Great durability for use with trims, baseboards, window casings, ceiling moldings and ceiling trim.
- Provides a high level of visual contrast with sheen.
- Resistance to moisture, stains, and general wear.
- Less likely to fade or discolor over time when compared to flatter paint finishes.
Drawbacks of Semi-Gloss Paint
- Application method of semi-gloss paint requires suitable preparation to avoid showing imperfections.
- For trim it is best to keep a uniform color/sheen throughout an entire home or building for general design consistency.
- Reflect surface imperfections like dents, patch marks, and brush strokes.
- Not always suitable for walls, painting ceilings, or other larger swathes of painting.
- Not ideal for frequent touch-up needs.
Photo Above: Semi-gloss paint is selected frequently for painting baseboards, millwork, door jambs, door trim, window casings, ceiling trim, mouldings, cornice work and more.
Other Paint Sheen Selections for Trim
In other words, paint sheen selections like high-gloss, satin, or even eggshell can also be used for trim paint.
However they will not provide the same level of contrast that would be typical of a selection of semi-gloss. Generally the best choice for color of a trim is a white paint. White is commonly selected for painting trim because it contrasts well with all sorts of colors, and with semi-gloss application, contrasts well with surrounding matte or even eggshell finishes.
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