A paint’s finish describes the amount of light it reflects, and this is as important for your exterior paint as it is for your interior paint. However, because an exterior finish is subject to the weather, it’s important to choose the best finish for your climate. For the paint not just makes the outside of your home look good but protects it.

Besides the climate, considerations when it comes to what finish to choose depends on the type of home, the condition of your home’s siding or surface and how much maintenance the paint needs. Also, the shinier the paint finish is, the more skill it takes to apply. Here are three popular exterior finishes.

Gloss Finish

Painters mostly use the gloss finish on doors, window frames and other types of trim. This finish reflects a lot of light and makes whatever it’s on literally shine. Some professional painters claim that a gloss finish reflects back as much as 85 percent of the light that falls on it. This may not make it the best choice for your entire house. On top of making everything shiny, a gloss finish makes imperfections stand out. What’s good about a gloss finish is that it’s easy to clean, long-lasting and makes colors, even shades of white, particularly vibrant.

Semi-Gloss Finish

As its name says, semi-gloss finish is a bit less shiny than a gloss finish but shinier than eggshell. Semi-gloss finish is tough and resists moisture. However, like gloss paint, it will show imperfections. Make sure to smooth down, and repair any surface before applying a semi-gloss finish.

Satin/Eggshell Finish

A satin finish doesn’t reflect light as much as gloss or semi-gloss paint. An eggshell finish calls to mind the way light falls on a chicken’s egg. This lends a velvety look to the paint color. The satin/eggshell finish also hides dings and dents in your home’s siding. It’s also good for an exterior job because dirt can be easily washed off with your garden hose. Some drawbacks of a satin/eggshell finish are that it can look uneven if it’s not applied with some care and if the paint itself isn’t completely mixed. These drawbacks can lead to obvious lap marks. Another consideration is that satin/eggshell finish doesn’t work well on rough surfaces such as stucco, and touch-ups can be challenging.

Call Us for Exterior Painting

The type of finish you place on your home can improve its curb appeal while making maintenance tasks easier. If you think it’s time for exterior painting, call our professionals at Top Coat Painting of Fort Wayne, Indiana.