Exterior Painting Ottawa, Ontario: Matte or Satin Paint?
For any interior paint job in Ottawa, Ontario, the question of paint sheen to be used always arises.
Of the four basic glosses: matte, satin, semi-gloss, and gloss, there are advantages and disadvantages to each.
When painting the exterior of your home, the choice is usually a little more limited, since glossy and semi-gloss paints are rarely used for exterior painting in Ottawa, Ontario.
But there is always the choice between matte and satin sheens, and since the exterior of your home is subject to significant constraints, such as rain, snow, UV rays, and physical wear, this question is even more important.
Understanding Paint Sheen
Paints with a high content of resins/binders create a high gloss, a shiny surface, while those with a high content of pigments create a less reflective surface.
In general, brighter paints are more durable, while duller paints are less resistant but cover better.
Although different manufacturers have different terms to describe their paints, there are generally four different gloss levels to choose from: mat, satin (sometimes gloss), semi-gloss, and gloss.
For large exterior surfaces, the brighter paints are usually reserved for finishing areas, such as window sills and doors, as well as surfaces that can be washed frequently.
Matte Exterior Paints
Matte paint has an anti-reflective finish that will be slightly chalky and rough when you run your hand over it.
The finish is quite velvety in appearance, and very attractive since the lack of reflectivity masks bumps and gouges.
It offers a very contemporary and modern look. However, matte paints cannot be washed at all.
You can clean the matte finish with TSP or a pressure washer, but often the best solution is to apply another coat of paint.
You can expect to repaint more often if you use flat paint.
The advantages of matte paint for exterior surfaces:
• No overlap marks. Whether brushed or rolled, the paint hides overlapping marks very well.
• Hides defects in the surface of the coating.
The disadvantages of matte paint for exterior surfaces:
• Very difficult, if not impossible, to clean.
• The surface may become chalky, requiring more frequent repainting.
Satin Paint on The Outside
Satin finishes are relatively low in reflection, which means they also do a decent job of hiding bumps and imperfections on the surface.
To the touch, they retain the chalky appearance of the matte finishes, but with a slight waxy smoothness.
The same paint color will appear slightly richer in a satin sheen than in a matte sheen.
Satin finishes can be wiped off or even sprayed with water.
The advantages of satin paint for exterior surfaces:
• More washable.
• More durable than matte paints.
The disadvantages of satin paint for exterior surfaces:
• Overlap marks may be evident when painting.
• The sheen may be uneven unless the paint is mixed well.
Recommendations
Regardless, the satin finish is best for exterior home painting in Ottawa, Ontario.
It satisfies basic maintenance points while providing a pleasing look that appeals to most homeowners, but the choice depends on your situation.
Factors to consider:
• Are you going to paint the house? If this is the case, and if you are not confident in your skills, it may be easier to apply a matte paint without leaving overlapping marks.
• Do you have children? Think of the bikes parked against the walls of the house, the snowballs thrown and the mud splashing. Just like you would choose a washable interior finish, the same goes for the outdoors, if you have kids.
Need Help With Exterior Home Painting in Ottawa, Ontario?
If you need help choosing the type of paint and painting the exterior of your home in Ottawa, Ontario, our team at Millers Painting Company can help.
We offer free paint consultancy alongside high-quality residential and commercial painting services in Kanata, Nepean, Barrhaven, and Westboro areas of Ottawa, Ontario.
To get started with us, book a FREE estimate or call us on 613-979-5435.
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