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Everything you need to know about choosing a paint finish

So, you’ve decided to embark on a painting project at home. While the most obvious step in the process is selecting which Resene colours to use, there is another element you’ll need to consider. Choosing the right paint finish can have a huge impact on how your paint job looks and wears, and there are quite a few aspects to think about before you dive in.

“Once you’ve picked your colours, you’ve got to decide what product to use and what’s the best gloss level,” explains Resene Paint Expert Jay Sharples. Not all paint finishes are the same – far from it in fact. In very basic terms, the sheen is defined as the glossiness of the finish. At one end of the spectrum is a gloss finish, which is very shiny, and at the other is a flat finish, which is very matte.

Believe it or not, one colour can look completely different based on its finish, and it is very common to use different levels of gloss in different areas of your home, both inside and out.

Gloss levels also impact how your chosen colour appears in certain light. The higher the gloss level, the higher the reflectance – that is, more light will bounce off a wall painted with a high gloss finish than a flat finish.

“Typically, higher gloss paints look much cleaner and fresher, while lower sheen paints look darker and earthier. Surfaces with a gloss finish are smoother to touch and easier to keep clean, where the flatter surfaces can be a little bit harder to maintain,” says Jay. “There are pros and cons to which gloss level to use and I’m going to talk you through it.”

Different sheen levels of the same Resene colour can look completely different, so head into your local Resene ColorShop to view the sheen boards that have been created to give you a better idea of how each option looks. This board shows sheen differences of the colour Resene Black.

Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen is durable and easy to clean, making it perfect for using in kids' bedrooms. Walls in Resene Green Spring, wainscoting and trims in Resene Half Alabaster.

Ceilings

Jay says that the most popular finish for ceilings at the moment is flat. Flat finishes diffuse light, so they tend to conceal any surface imperfections better than paints with higher sheen levels, making them a good choice for ceilings – especially those that might be a little dented or rough. They also absorb light and add more depth and warmth to a room.

Many acrylic ceiling paints will mark badly if you try to wipe them. Jay recommends using Resene SpaceCote Flat – it’s a waterborne enamel, which means you can wipe it if you need to without damaging the paint.

Interior walls

Use a low sheen paint for interior walls – Jay recommends Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen. Low sheen paints are the most popular finish for interior broadwall areas and an ideal choice for areas where some sheen is desired and easy cleaning is necessary – especially if you have kids. Think living areas, hallways, bedrooms and playrooms. This finish softens the intensity of the colour you choose, creating a more inviting environment.

In master bedrooms and formal lounges, which tend to be adult zones, you can also use Resene SpaceCote Flat to bring out the depth and moodiness of darker colours.

Jay says Resene Lustacryl is the perfect choice for trims, windows and joinery because of its semi-gloss finish. Balustrades painted in Resene Dark Slate.

Trims, windows and joinery

For these areas, Jay recommends Resene Lustacryl semi-gloss waterborne enamel. This finish creates a subtle point of difference between surfaces and is also a clever way of highlighting character features like architraves or balustrades. It’s a little more forgiving on imperfections while still being easy to clean and stain resistant.

Exterior surfaces

“It really depends on the building material used,” says Jay. “Rougher surfaces tend to be painted with a lower sheen paint like Resene Lumbersider Low Sheen.” This finish is most commonly used over weatherboards, timber, concrete and plaster.

“Smoother surfaces tend to be painted with a slightly higher gloss of paint, like Resene Sonyx 101,” Jay adds. This is ideal for walls and woodwork which are subject to wear, and on weatherboards and exterior cementitious surfaces.

For rough exterior surfaces, whether its your house or your outdoor furniture, Jay recommends using Resene Lumbersider Low Sheen. House painted in Resene Black White, chair in Resene Sambuca.

Still not sure?

If you need extra help to decide the right gloss level for your project, pop into your local Resene ColorShop where you can view the sheen boards that have been created for this very reason. As well as viewing these front on, it’s also a good idea to look at the surface from multiple angles as different sheen levels will reflect the light in different ways depending where you’re standing. For example, some low sheen finishes may look very matte when viewed straight on but can show a sheen when viewed from an angle. So be sure to take this into consideration when envisaging your space. And don’t hesitate to ask the Resene ColourShop staff for extra guidance if you need it!

Should the worst happen and you apply your paint only to find that it’s too glossy or too flat, you can save the day by applying a Resene clear finish that will adjust the gloss level to a higher or lower sheen. However, a bit like getting a new haircut, it’s always advised to live with a new paint finish for a few weeks to see how you find it once it cures, as you may find you like the finish once you’re used to it.

Jay’s top tip:

“I think it’s a good idea to paint areas you really want to stand out – like your front door or your windows – with a full gloss finish using a product called Resene Enamacryl gloss waterborne enamel.” This clever, high gloss product makes the surface and colour appear more intense and has a real impact. Use it on any surface that you really want to pop.