Don’t Ever Use Semi-Gloss Paint— Here’s Why

Some home design trends manage to skate by on their reputation for years, despite being less than ideal in real life. I’m looking at you, vessel sinks, open shelving and wet rooms. Another one I’d add to this list is semi-gloss paint. On paper, it sounds great: reflective, super washable and durable. But the reality is that semi-gloss paint is unforgiving and highlights every tiny surface flaw. It’s also notoriously difficult to apply well, and getting a smooth, even finish takes serious effort.

After completing many interior and exterior paint jobs, both on my own properties and for clients, I’ve developed a strong dislike for semi-gloss paint. Ahead, I’ll break down exactly why it’s not worth the hype, with additional insights from Shayne Pancione of Pancione Painting Plus.

Why Semi-Gloss Gets Away With Being the Worst

Semi-gloss paint falls between satin and gloss on the sheen scale, with a smooth, reflective finish. Typically used on trim, cabinets and furniture, it can also be applied to walls in high-traffic or high-humidity areas.

Semi-gloss has a long-standing reputation for being “durable, moisture-resistant and easy to clean,” Pancione says, and that part is technically true. Because it dries to a hard, smooth surface, dirt wipes off easily, and it can stand up to frequent scrubbing.

It also provides a visual contrast against matte or eggshell walls. And, of course, some people just prefer a bit of shine, which semi-gloss definitely delivers.

Why Semi-Gloss is the Worst

Semi-gloss paint gets a lot of love for being washable and reflective, but there’s plenty to dislike once you actually work with it.

The biggest issue? Semi-gloss paint shows everything. Any dents, bumps or uneven spots on the surface will stand out more, as its reflective finish highlights imperfections and shadows. This means prep work has to be really thorough, with every flaw in the surface filled, sanded and smoothed, as anything left behind will show. Even if it looks good at first, it does not touch up well, so you’ll likely need to repaint the whole surface.

Additionally, semi-gloss paint is more expensive than lower sheen paint due to the extra binders and additives needed to give it that shiny, durable finish. On top of that, sound tends to bounce more in rooms painted with semi-gloss, and it can make a space feel cold or clinical, like a hospital or office.

The Application Nightmare No One Talks About

The final nail in the coffin for semi-gloss paint is how difficult it is to apply well. Even after all the time-consuming prep, the painting process itself is tedious, and your technique has to be spot-on. “Semi-gloss paint can be tricky to work with [and] can show brush strokes or roller marks if not applied carefully,” Pancione says. Strokes need to be consistent and even to avoid visible lines.

The paint also has to be applied in smooth, even layers as any thicker spots or overlapping can create a wavy, uneven finish. To make things trickier, semi-gloss is more prone to drips and sags, so you constantly have to stop and check your work. “It also dries quickly, which can make blending harder during application,” Pancione says.

In short, making semi-gloss paint look good takes real time, skill and attention to detail.

What to Use Instead (Designer-Approved Alternatives)

These semi-gloss alternatives are easier to apply, less expensive and more forgiving of imperfections.

Satin Finish

Less shiny than semi-gloss but still scrubbable, satin finish paint can be a great option for trim, cabinets and walls in high-humidity rooms.

Eggshell Finish

A lower sheen than satin, eggshell has a pebbled look with a slight glow. It’s washable and hides imperfections well, so is often used on walls, but I’ve also used it on trim and cabinets with success.

When Semi-Gloss Might Be Okay (Spoiler: Rarely)

Despite all the downsides of semi-gloss paint, it can be a reasonable choice for exterior trim. Imperfections on exterior trim aren’t as noticeable since it’s viewed from a distance, and its durability and moisture resistance hold up better against the elements.

FAQ

Doesn’t semi-gloss last longer?

Semi-gloss paint is more durable than lower-sheen finishes due to added binders and additives. However, when it needs a touch-up, it’s better to repaint the entire surface for a seamless look. So, while it’s durable, it may require more frequent full repaints, making it comparable in maintenance to lower-sheen options.

About the Expert

Shayne Pancione is the owner of Pancione Painting Plus in Easthampton, Massachusetts. He is a certified Lead-Safe Renovator with over 30 years of experience in the painting industry.

The post Don’t Ever Use Semi-Gloss Paint— Here’s Why appeared first on Family Handyman.

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