Which is better for exterior paint flat or satin?

1. Satin/eggshell: Best for siding because it's a low-reflective finish that's good at hiding surface imperfections. It has a slight gloss, so it stays cleaner, is more easily washed, and stands up to abrasion better than flat or matte paints.

What is the best finish to use for exterior paint?

All things being equal, satin or eggshell finish is preferable for the exterior of a home. A satin/eggshell finish satisfies basic maintenance points while providing a pleasant appearance that appeals to the widest range of homeowners.

Is flat paint best for exterior?

Flat Paint Finish

Because flat paint isn't shiny, it can be a great option for disguising flaws on older homes. However, a flat finish is only recommended for exterior walls, and not areas that are touched often such as doors, railings, or windows.

What is the difference between flat and satin exterior paint?

Paint sheens can range from flat to high gloss, and each sheen can be found in a variety of colors. However, for exterior painting, the two most commonly used finishes are flat and satin. Flat sheen has no gloss, and satin sheen is a low gloss finish that has more shine than flat paint.

What type of paint do you use for exterior?

Oil-based paints shrink less than latex and acrylic paints do, hold up in high-traffic areas and glide on smoothly. Oil-based paint dries to a smooth, hard surface and works well on porch floors, doors, trim and other small details.

Flat Versus Satin Paint

What is the longest lasting exterior house paint?

What is flat paint used for?

Flat and Matte finish paints are ideal for covering walls that have flaws or blemishes. Even larger imperfections, such as extensive scuffs and nail pops can get covered and camouflaged since Flat Paints are effective at absorbing light, in essence, “hiding” the bumps and lines that exist on every wall.

Does satin exterior paint dull over time?

Durability. Because sheens tend to fade over time, satin finishes sometimes require repainting faster than flat ones. Direct sunlight can hasten this process.

What exterior paint color fades the least?

Red exterior paints tend to fade the fastest based on how their specific pigments interact with UV light. Whites and lighter neutrals are going to get you the most fade-resistant results.

Does flat paint fade faster than satin?

In terms of durability, flat paints perform way better than paints with a satin finish. Satin paints, while giving that dazzling sheen, will eventually fade over time and that requires repainting. What's worse is that exposure to direct sunlight will speed up the fading process of the satin paints.

Can you wash flat exterior paint?

The caveat with flat paints is they really cannot be washed at all. You can scrub flat finish with TSP or pressure wash it, but often the best solution is to lay down another coat of paint. You can expect to repaint more often if you use flat paint.

What sheen is best for front door?

Semi-gloss is ideal for front doors, as it's more wear- and stain-resistant than flatter sheens. It's also more reflective, which means it easily wipes clean, highlights carvings or other architectural flourishes on the door, and provides an attractive pop of shine in the entryway.

What's the difference between flat and satin?

The main difference between satin and flat paint in the appearance arena is the amount of sheen. While satin paint has a soft luster, flat paint has a matte finish, reflecting very little light.

What is satin paint used for?

Satin paint can be used on select low-impact surfaces like door casings, door and window trim, doors, and windows. High-impact surfaces should be painted with semi-gloss or high-gloss paint. Satin paint works well in kitchens, bathrooms, kids' rooms, bedrooms, living rooms, hallways, offices, and finished basements.

Can I paint flat over satin?

For example, if your satin paint was a bold red and you are painting with a white flat paint, priming the surface with a latex primer will allow you to cover the old paint with fewer coats.

What is the most durable paint?

In general, enamel paint refers to any paint that has incredible durability and dries to a tough, hard finish that can withstand a lot of abuse. If a paint can label has the word “enamel”, you can be sure that it's some of the toughest paint around.

How often should exterior painting be done?

Exteriors should be painted every 5 to 10 years, depending on the quality of paint and craftsmanship it was painted with last time. Here are some guidelines based on exterior surface: Wood surfaces need to be painted every 3 to 7 years. Aluminum siding needs to be painted about every 5 years.

What color fades the slowest in sunlight?

Blue always seems to be the last color to fade out, so you're left with this strange blue/white picture.

What paint colors fade faster in sunlight?

Yellow, orange, and red are the paint colors most susceptible to fading. This is just one reason why paint manufacturers make different types of paint (and colors!) for exterior use. The exterior paints are typically higher quality than interior and contain special chemicals to resist sunlight-induced fading.

Why does my satin paint look flat?

Improper application of paint with a satin finish to a wall or other surface results in an uneven, streaky, lap-marked appearance in its light sheen. Overlapping dry paint with wet paint causes these uneven stripes to appear.

Is satin paint too shiny?

Satin finishes have a beautiful luster that is often described as appearing velvety. Satin is slightly less lustrous than semi-gloss, and can appear to be both flat and glossy, depending on the lighting in the room. Satin has a slightly higher sheen than eggshell, meaning that it is more reflective and more durable.

Why do home builders use flat paint?

The lack of shine make the paint blend better with the previous paint. Builders do not like to have to paint walls edge to edge, so they use flat paint. During the building process, there are many trades that come into the home and damage the paint job. This makes it easier to fix.

Does flat paint scratch easily?

Does matte paint scratch easily? Just like any other paint, matte paint can also get imperfections and scratches with the passage of time. Moreover, removing scratches on matte isn't as easy as removing them on gloss paint. You will need expensive additives or repainting to restore the matte texture of your car.

What paint do house builders use?

Contract matt emulsion, the most common type of paint used on new-builds, is microporous, which means moisture in the wall can dry without causing the paint to bubble (as would be the case with the vinyl-based paints you'll be more familiar with.

How long does flat exterior paint last?

A: Typically 5-10 years; however, there are a number of factors that go into the durability of an exterior coat of paint on a house. Your home truly is your biggest investment; so when you're ready to paint the exterior of your home, you should use a contractor and quality products.