Flat Finish: Types of Paint Finishes For Exterior Home Painting
Flat Finish: Types of Paint Finishes For Exterior Home Painting
Flat Finish: Types of Paint Finishes For Exterior Home Painting
Whether you are building your new house or renovating this, please remember
this. Choosing the right finish is crucial. It’s just as important as other parts of your
project. Only the right finish can give you that smooth and perfect look you’ve been
looking for.
The good news is, exterior finishes is less confusing than its interior brother.
There are only 3 types of them: satin, flat, and gloss. In the following image, you can
see how each of them looks.
Wait, is just it? What about other exterior finishes? High-gloss finish, for example; is this
not one of them?
Well, it’s not that you’re wrong. It’s just a lack of information. You see, the other exterior
finishes are never meant to coexist with the 3. Never. These ‘extra’ finishes are only
meant as a replacement. For example, a high-gloss finish is usually used to replace flat
sheen. This is because both of them share a similar look. Try to apply it and you will
soon recognize the result to appear similar as flat sheen.
Still confused? You shouldn’t be. Just remember the 3 and you’re good to go.
They are the easiest, most efficient, and most practical options for your exterior house
painting. They can cover most outdoor objects, including trim, doors, walls, and many
other things.
Flat Finish
With its unique velvety appearance, the flat finish can help you to conceal
any blemishes on the surface while giving off a classical feel to the house. That’s why if
you want to fuse the classic feeling to your house, this paint will do the job.
There is a problem, though. Flat finish is quite porous. It works like a cardboard.
It quickly absorbs water and stains. Once the stain hits, it is almost impossible to clean
it. To avoid this, you should only apply this finish low-traffic areas.
You should also avoid applying this finish on your floors, railings, windows, and
doors. These are high-exposure areas and flat finish isn’t enough to cover them. You
may need a more durable option like satin or even gloss finish for this job.
We always recommend to re-applying the finish once in a couple of months or years to
maintain its look.
Satin Finish
Satin finish has grown its popularity among homeowners in the last few
decades. Its subtle sheen provides the perfect sheen for most exterior surfaces,
especially wall. Unlike flat finish, satin finish is relatively easy to maintain. You can use a
wet cloth to wipe off any stain or use pressure washing for a better result.
We do encounter some homeowners who apply satin finish on their exterior rim.
This is interesting because you rarely see 2 different sheens applied together. In this
case, they apply satin finish on top of a flat finish. Despite how rare it might be, the
result is amazing. The unique combination bears fruit to a classic look. The secret?
Always remember to apply 2 – 3 or even more different shades. This little secret will get
you to the beautiful look on your wall surface.
Satin paint is basically more durable than a flat finish, but don’t expect too much.
It is still not enough to cover high-exposure areas. Your doors, windows, railings, and
floors are still vulnerable to damage, especially weather and sunlight, even after you
applied this to them. The color is perfect, but it won’t last for long.
Is that it? What if after considering other finishes, you still can’t find a better color? Yes,
you find that gloss finish is the most durable of all, but the color ….. Mmm… it’s not your
style.
Well, in this case, you may want to listen to our small secret: deck and porch satin paint.
A deck and porch satin paint is the most durable satin finish we ever know. This paint
should be able to provide you with enough cover and durability, especially for your
high-traffic areas.
Gloss Finish
Out of the 3 finishes, I can’t recommend any paint finish better than gloss
paint. It is the toughest, yet easiest finish to maintain. This finish will cover your exterior
areas for years to come without a problem.
Perhaps, the only drawback is the color. Glossy finish easily reflects sunlight and
make the surface looks like plastic. That’s why we never recommend applying this finish
on a large area. However, we do realize that some manufacturers, like Inti Painting,
may have the solution for you. With its special mix, gloss paint finish from Inti Painting
can provide the gorgeous look and extended durability for your house.
You can use gloss paint finish to point out some interesting spots in your house.
Combine it with other colors or finishes and your house will look so amazing. What if
you don’t like to attract too many attentions? Don’t worry. You can still use this paint on
your door frames, handrails, exterior furniture, and door. You’ll be stunned by the result.
It’s quite easy, right? With only 3 types of paint finishes for your exterior home
painting, choosing the right one for your exterior shouldn’t be too hard. Just remember
to pick the one that matches the area you’re working on. Some finishes are best applied
on high-traffic areas, while others should be applied on low ones. It’s a good idea,
though, to map your exterior areas before purchasing the exterior finishes. This way,
you know how many paints you should buy and their types.