Finding the best color or product is the first step to your exterior painting project, but finding the right sheen is step two. Choosing the proper sheen for different outdoor surfaces will help you create a beautiful look and get the most from your paint. Visit the Color Center at your local Home Depot for more tips on choosing the right sheen for your project.
About Exterior Paint Sheens
Set the right curb appeal with exterior painting efforts that last.
Flat
A flat sheen is non-reflective, and easy to apply and touch up. It will minimize the appearance of minor surface imperfections.
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Applications:
Wood and vinyl walls and siding; brick and other masonry; fences
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Durability:
Medium-Low
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Product(s):
MARQUEE® Exterior Flat BEHR ULTRA™ Exterior Flat PREMIUM PLUS® Exterior Flat
Satin Enamel
A satin enamel sheen creates a pearl-like finish that's durable and dirt-resistant. It will also resist moisture, fading and stains.
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Applications:
Virtually all exterior surfaces
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Durability:
Medium-High
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Product(s):
MARQUEE® Exterior Satin Enamel BEHR ULTRA™ Exterior Satin Enamel PREMIUM PLUS® Exterior Satin Enamel
Semi-Gloss Enamel
A semi-gloss enamel sheen is sleek and radiant with a hard, durable finish. It is formulated to withstand wear, and will also resist moisture, fading and stains.
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Applications:
Doors, trim and shutters; Exterior furniture
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Durability:
High
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Product(s):
MARQUEE® Exterior Semi-Gloss Enamel BEHR ULTRA™ Exterior Semi-Gloss Enamel PREMIUM PLUS® Exterior Semi-Gloss Enamel
Hi-Gloss Enamel
Hi-Gloss enamel sheen have a brilliant, shiny appearance and a durable, glass-like finish that allows dirt and grime to be wiped clean.
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Applications:
High-use surfaces
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Durability:
High
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Exterior Sheen Usage Chart
Use this chart to help you easily choose the best sheen of paint for your upcoming exterior paint projects.
| Project | Flat | Satin Enamel | Semi-Gloss Enamel | Hi-Gloss Enamel |
Flat
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wood | Applicable | Applicable | Applicable | Applicable | |
| Vinyl | Applicable | Applicable | Applicable | Applicable | |
| Aluminum | Applicable | Applicable | Applicable | Applicable | |
| Fiber Cement Siding | Applicable | Applicable | Applicable | Applicable | |
| Metals | Applicable | Applicable | Applicable | Applicable | |
| Brick | Applicable | Applicable | Applicable | Applicable | |
| Masonry | Applicable | Applicable | Applicable | Applicable | |
| Stucco | Applicable | Applicable | Applicable | Applicable | |
| Steel | Applicable | Applicable | Applicable | Applicable | |
| Fences | Applicable | Applicable | Applicable | Applicable | |
| Doors | Applicable | Applicable | Applicable | ||
| Windows & Shutters | Applicable | Applicable | Applicable | ||
| Trim | Applicable | Applicable | Applicable | ||
| Garage Doors | Applicable | Applicable | Applicable | ||
| Outdoor Furniture | Applicable | Applicable | Applicable | ||
| Railings | Applicable | Applicable | Applicable | ||
| Wrought Iron | Applicable | Applicable | Applicable |
