Semi-Gloss Paint

Semi-gloss paint finish is a great choice for your next interior painting project. If you are debating between several different paint finishes, the amount of information available may seem overwhelming. In this article, we will break down the semi-gloss paint finish and why it may be the perfect option for your home!

What is a Paint Finish?

Paint finish, also called paint sheen, refers to the amount of light that reflects off the paint once it is dry. There are many different sheens, ranging from flat (no light reflecting off the paint surface, resulting in a dull finish) to high-gloss (very shiny). The sheen doesn’t just affect the amount of light reflected–it also changes how durable the paint is, and how easy it is to clean. In general, the higher the sheen, the more durable the paint and easier it is to clean. Here is a list of all the paint finishes, in order of least to most reflective:

• Flat
• Matte
• Eggshell
• Satin
• Semi-gloss
• Gloss
• High-gloss

With so many paint finishes to choose from, it can be difficult to decide on the best option for your home. Read on to find out why semi-gloss paint is a great paint finish.

Why Choose Semi-Gloss Paint Finish?

Semi-gloss paint finish is right in the middle of the road – it isn’t the shiniest paint on the market, but it also isn’t flat. This means it has a beautiful sheen without being overly reflective or distracting. There are many reasons why semi-gloss paint is favorable.

First, semi-gloss paint is a pinch to clean. It’s a great option for high-traffic spaces that may need to be cleaned often, such as an entryway or laundry room. Especially compared to the more matte paint finishes, dirt is easily removed from semi-gloss paint with a damp rag.

Second, semi-gloss paint is extremely durable. It is moisture-resistant, making it the number one pick for high humidity areas such as bathrooms and kitchens. Because of its high level of sheen, semi-gloss paint repels excess water instead of absorbing it. This means you will be protecting your walls from possible moisture damage when you choose to paint with semi-gloss paint!

Third, semi-gloss paint has the perfect level of shine–it reflects natural and artificial light beautifully. This can be a huge plus in rooms that are on the darker side. The paint will work wonders in brightening your space! For this same reason, semi-gloss paint is the chosen paint finish for accents such as cabinetry, mantels, and baseboards. It helps these features “pop” in a subtly gorgeous way.

Semi-gloss paint does have some downsides. The main drawback of this type of paint is that the shine that makes it so beautiful also makes it harder to apply. If you make a mistake while painting, like leaving a visible brushstroke or a small drip, the semi-gloss paint will show the imperfection much more than other paint types. For this reason, you will have to take additional steps to ensure a blemish-free paint application process.

How to Use Semi-Gloss Paint

Below are the steps to painting with semi-gloss paint:

• Repair any imperfections in the wall. By sanding down bumps, patching cracks, and ensuring your wall is perfectly flat, you will reduce future headaches caused when trying to paint an uneven surface.
• Thoroughly clean the wall with a damp rag. Once it has been washed, wait for it to dry before painting.
• Once the wall is clean and dry, you’re ready to paint! If you are new to painting with semi-gloss paint, test the paint in a part of the wall that is more out of the way. When you get to the most visible parts of your walls, you’ll be a painting expert!
• Pour a small amount of paint into a paint tray liner and evenly cover your paint roller in the semi-gloss paint. Using long, even strokes, roll the paint onto the wall. If you see a drip, make sure to clean it up right away so it doesn’t dry onto the wall. Evenly roll on the paint until the entire wall is covered with a single layer of paint. If there are areas where the wall shows through, go over them one more time with the paint roller.
• Reapply the semi-gloss paint until you have two coats of paint covering the entire wall, and wait for the paint to dry completely before moving on.
• As the paint dries, it will become more shiny, so don’t worry if your walls aren’t immediately pearly.

Semi-gloss paint is beautifully shiny, easy to clean, and durable. Although it may be slightly more difficult to achieve a perfect paint job, the upsides of semi-gloss paint make the extra effort well worth it. For these reasons and more, semi-gloss paint may be the perfect paint finish for your next interior decorating project!