If you’re giving your home’s interior or exterior a makeover, you might be wondering how to pick the right type of paint sheen.
Traditionally, people tend to use lower gloss levels on the walls and higher gloss levels in high traffic areas and to draw attention to details such as window frames, door frames and skirting.
Why? Well, the higher the sheen the more it will shine (and show imperfections). Whereas, lower gloss levels tend to hide flaws. Higher gloss is also easier to clean.
We’ve put together this blog to explain the different sheen levels in more detail below and help you choose the best Globalcote products for different areas of your home.
Low vs High Gloss Paint
When should you use low gloss or sheen in your home?
Low sheen coatings are great at hiding imperfections and are often applied to larger interior surfaces such as walls, ceilings and hallways.
Areas with more natural light may also suit low sheen paint better as higher sheen is reflective and may increase glare.
The “flatter” you go with your paint, the more dirt gets trapped and the harder it is to wipe down. That means low gloss isn’t as durable or as easy to keep clean as higher gloss – which is something to be mindful of it you’ve got little fingers touching the walls a lot!
When should you use high gloss or sheen in your home?
Higher gloss can accentuate decorative features within your home, such as doors, window trims, door frames, and skirting boards.
As it’s easier to clean it can also be more suitable for areas with higher traffic, such as bathrooms and bedrooms.
High gloss can have a “mirror effect”, so we don’t recommend using it in rooms where there’s an abundance of natural light.
Globalcote Products and Paint Sheen
With the above in mind, we want to run through our product’s sheen levels, and which coating is best for different spaces in your home.
Interior and Exterior Paint
Firstly, in our Interior/Exterior range Elements you’ll need to choose the right product from:
- Interior Paint
- Exterior Paint
- Water Based Enamel
- Ceiling Flat
- 3 in 1 Multi-Prep
- Wallboard Sealer & Undercoat
There are 3 gloss levels in our Elements range:
- Gloss: Recommended for door frames, trims, doors, window frames, high traffic areas.
- Semi-gloss (Exterior)/ Satin (Interior): This mid-range sheen coating suits areas with some natural light that require frequent cleaning, such as bathrooms and kitchens.
- Low sheen: Most commonly used on wall surfaces.
You really don’t want any shine coming off the ceiling at all, so a flat coating is best, which is why we have a specific product called Ceiling Flat.
Roof Membranes: Sheen Levels
Our roof membranes, Infracote and Elastacote, which are used on exterior rendered walls and roof surfaces, are available in two sheen levels.
- A lower gloss level (Mid Lustre) is good for hiding flaws and bumps.
- A higher sheen level (High Gloss) has better self-cleaning abilities.
Paint Sheen: How to Pick the Right Type for Your Project
While there’s plenty to keep in mind when picking the right sheen level, it also comes down to personal preference.
So, if you need more help determining which products and gloss levels are right for your home, give Globalcote a call today on 1300 928 826.
Globalcote is fast becoming a leader in the manufacture of specialty acrylic exterior coatings. We have an extensive product range available is a wide variety of colours.
Our product range includes roof membranes (some with heat reflective properties), primers and sealers, surface treatments, concrete coatings, interior/exterior house paint and pool paints.
We have an enviable reputation trusted amongst professional tradespeople and paint retailers Australia wide and supply a wide network of retail stores throughout Australia.
For an Australian owned and operated company thinking globally and acting locally, call Globalcote on 1300 928 826.
