The notoriously unpredictable weather in Ireland makes it challenging to schedule exterior painting. This task cannot be done unless there’s a stretch of days without precipitation. This only happens in spring and summer which is why during these seasons reputable painting contractors in Dublin have their hands full.
So, if your exterior walls are due for a repaint, you better get ready because spring is just around the corner. Aside from hiring a trusted painting company, one of the tasks you need to decide on is the paint – not just the colour but also the kind of sheen.
Choosing the Right Sheen for Exterior Painting Matters
Also popularly called finish, sheen refers to paint glossiness or shine. It’s that element that determines whether you’d end up with a shiny or less reflective surface. Paint has four levels of glossiness: flat, satin, semi-gloss and gloss.
Choosing the right sheen is important because this element has an impact on the output. It affects not just the aesthetics but also the durability of the paint job. So, which is best for your exterior walls?
Truth be told, if you are going to hire a professional painter, deciding on what to use wouldn’t be your problem. Your contractor can take care of it.
Still, it wouldn’t hurt if you have knowledge on this matter. It might come in handy later on, i.e., when you take on a DIY painting project.
What Paint Finish Is Best for Exterior Walls?
Now, let’s go back to the earlier question on which sheen to use for your home’s exterior walls. The most widely used finish for exterior painting is satin, also called eggshell. It is preferred by many professional painters because of its appearance and durability. There is also the fact that it is easy to maintain.
A satin or eggshell paint sheen is neither too shiny or too dull. This is one of the reasons why it works with different types of sidings such as wood and stucco.
A very shiny finish like gloss can make your house have a plastic-like appearance, making it look cheap. Moreover, since a gloss finish reflects light, it makes surface flaws noticeable.
Meanwhile, a flat or matte finish used to be the preferred sheen for exterior walls because it is great at hiding marks and bumps. Furthermore, this finish can make the house look modern.
Despite these exemplary characteristics, a matte sheen has a weakness that’s hard to ignore – it is difficult to clean. This is a big problem since exterior walls are exposed to various elements like dust and dirt. As a result, your walls may look dingy in just a short amount of time.
A satin sheen just has the right amount of shine needed to give the surface a luxurious look and to hide any imperfections on the wall. Plus, while it has that chalky feel of matte sheens, it also has a smooth waxy texture.
Most importantly, it is washable and fade-proof. Hence, your walls are going to look pristine for many years.
While eggshell is the ideal sheen for exterior painting, specifically for the body of the house, this does not mean that you can no longer use the other finishes for this type of task. There are certain conditions wherein utilising flat, semi-gloss and gloss sheens is warranted.
For example, a gloss sheen is recommended for areas like the doors, trims, handrails and windows. Since these are considered high-traffic areas, they require a finish that is durable and easy-to-clean.
Suffice it to say, finishes are just as important as paint colours. They can make or break a paint job. Fortunately, if you are working with a trusted painting company, you can rest assured that these professional painters are going to choose the right sheen for your outdoor walls.
Looking for painters experienced in exterior painting project? Let us do the job! We guarantee an excellent paint job and professional service. Call us today at 086 608 1817 / 085 139 0233!
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Image by Kevin Phillips from Pixabay
