When & Where To Use High or Semi-Gloss Finish
January 27, 2021
There is a time and place for everything in life, right? In past blogs, we have discussed the different types and reasons for utilizing the variety of different sheens/finishes such as: eggshell, flat, matte, semi-gloss, and high gloss.
By far, the most misunderstood and misrepresented finish is high gloss and semi-gloss finish. Today, we are taking some time to discuss the places we often use these two finishes and why they are used in these locations. 
What is Semi-Gloss or High Gloss Finish?
Paint sheens or finishes follow one very simple rule, according to HouseLogic online. “The higher the sheen, the higher the shine — and the higher the shine, the more durable it will be.”
That being said, semi-gloss or high gloss paints give off the most amount of shine, are very durable, and can be easily cleaned without causing damage to the paint. The higher the gloss the paint is, the more resistant to moisture it is, making it a good choice for rooms that are located where high humidity lives, such as the bathroom. 
Places Where Semi-Gloss or High Gloss Works Best
High Traffic Areas
Entryways, hallways, mudrooms, and stairwells are all high traffic areas. This means that there is quite a bit of use (and overuse) of paint in these areas. Fingerprints, smudges, and scuff marks are common in these high traffic areas. Using a high or semi-gloss paint finish can make cleaning much easier. The higher the gloss, the less effort it will take to scrub or wipe off stains or marks.
High Humidity Areas
Rooms like the bathroom and kitchen, tend to have high humidity from the running hot water in the shower or cooking food on the stovetop. Laundry rooms may also be an area with high humidity.
There are two main reasons for using high gloss or semi-gloss paint in a high humidity room. One reason is to seal the wood or drywall in order to resist moisture penetration. The other is to make cleaning easier as smooth, high gloss surfaces are easier to wipe down and retain their original luster.
Accent Features
There are certain areas and features of your home that are created to stand out. Trim, crown moulding, stair casings, fireplace mantles, window casings, and baseboards are areas that tend to be architecturally interesting. Due to this, many homeowners choose to use semi-gloss or high gloss to make them stand out as a feature.
Do you have questions about what areas are best suited for higher gloss paints? Talk to our team here at Jerry Enos Painting or leave us a comment on our Facebook page to get a free quote for your next painting project.
Categorised in: Color Trends, Interior painting, Jerry Enos, Paint Sheen