How to choose the right gloss level when painting

Here are some handy tips to ensure you don't gloss over the important aspects of paint selection.

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Whether you're freshening up your kitchen with a coat of paint or painting your home's entire exterior, there are many factors to consider when selecting which paint to use.

It might be easy enough to assume that picking paint is restricted to choosing the right colour. Settling on the right hue is important, but it's not the only factor to bear in mind.

Choosing the right gloss level is important for both appearance and wearability. Here are some handy tips to ensure you don't gloss over the important aspects of paint selection.

1. Understand gloss levels

Gloss levels are represented by a type – each type fits into a percentage spectrum.

For instance, at the low end of the spectrum, a paint's gloss level is flat if it's between 0 and 2 per cent – this will give a smooth matte finish. Next is low sheen (3 to 19 per cent), followed by semi-gloss (20 to 59 per cent). At the higher end of the spectrum you have gloss (60 to 84 per cent) and full gloss (85 to 100 per cent).

2. Consider the use

It's wise to carefully consider where you're using the paint. In some instances, a gloss finish will be appropriate, while in other instances a low sheen variety is a better option.

If you want a slight sheen, but may clean a wall frequently (such as in a kid's playroom or in living areas), a low sheen paint is a wise choice.

In rooms where grime or grease build-up is likely (such as the kitchen or kids' bedrooms), higher gloss paints are popular. Glossier paints, such as Resene Enamacryl and Resene Super Gloss, tend to be more durable than low or no sheen paints. Plus, they have a wonderful richness about them compared to flat paints.

But what about your home's exterior? You're hardly going to get dirty fingers over the roof, so surely a flat paint is a good idea. Surprisingly, some level of glossiness is recommended, given that flat paints can be difficult to clean and glossier paints will tend to let the rain and surface contaminants wash over them easier, which means they tend to keep naturally cleaner on a roof. A satin paint is recommended for your roof or opt for a full gloss finish.

3. Consider the look

It's not just wearability that's important – the overall look is no doubt important to you as well, particularly if you follow interior design trends.

The glossier a paint, the more it will reflect light. By contrast, flat paints diffuse light. Consider how light enters a room if you're picking interior paints and be sure to select the right gloss level for painting accordingly. Generally low sheen on the walls, semi-gloss on doors and trim and flat on the ceiling is a popular choice. For a cosier feel try flat on the walls and continue it onto the ceiling for a cocooning effect.

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