Deciding which sheen to
go with is also a very important decision. A high sheen like a gloss
can actually change the appearance of the color all together, as well
as the general look of the surface. Whether high, low, or medium sheen
- several aspects must be looked at.
First, if there is
deteriorated paint that when scraped will leave an imperfection, a low
sheen should be used. Low sheens will cover the flaw in a way that
medium to high sheens will not.
Next, you should think about
what items you want to see well defined, such as the accents or trim.
Depending on the area, you would want to use a medium sheen, like a
gloss or semi-gloss.
High gloss is only used when you have a
perfect surface to work with; one with a very smooth texture. These
areas are usually front doors, shutters and very small intricate accent
moldings.
With all that being said there is also the weather
factor. In climates such as Vermont where our rooftops are covered in
snow and ice in the winter, we must think about what sheen will best
hold ice. I strongly recommend using no less than a satin finish on the
trim due to fact that flat or eggshell will hold ice, which can
prematurely cause the paint to fail.
Finally, when choosing
exterior colors, it is wise to try the color and sheen on the area to
which it will be applied. Most paint stores that sell color palettes
also have a light that allows you to see the color under natural
(outside) light and artificial light (inside). This is a good way to
start the color and sheen choice process. I always recommend applying a
small amount of paint to both sunny and shaded areas of your home or
business just to be sure you love it.