Satin or Semi-Gloss for trim, base moulding, wainscoating?

3 years ago

We are repainting our trim, base moulding, wainscoating as a way to freshen up the white. We'll probably use BM White Dove. I have reviewed many posts looking for product and design latest recommendation on both BM product and finish: semi-gloss or satin. Most of the posts are many years old. I imagine products may have improved.

What are your product and finish recommendations for painting trim? BM product? Satin or Semi-gloss?

We have never painted the trim since moving into our home 6 years ago; it appears to be either satin or semi-gloss; hard to say. It's primarily the baseboards that are very beat up.

We did paint the walls 6 years ago using BM Lenox Tan in entry and Shaker Beige throughout hte house (Regal Select Matte).

Thanks for your help!

Featured Answer

PRO

JAN MOYER

3 years ago

My preference is satin finish. Just soft gloss. RARELY is trim deserving of a boat side shine.

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Comments (10)

kculbers
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
I also prefer satin. Satin tends to hide any wood flaws. Gloss paint tends to show. imperfections. Last year I painted the entire inside of my home. I used satin for all my trim and doors, and was quite happy with that look.
rj vost thanked kculbers
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rj vost
Original Author
3 years ago
Jan and kculbers, thank you for sharing your perspective that satin finish for trim is the way to go. Any thoughts on the BM product to use? I see mentions of Regal and also Advance(?)
Jennifer Havin
3 years ago
I found this on the BM website

Pearl Paint

A pearl finish is a medium gloss that maintains high durability. Both beautiful and easy to clean, a pearl finish lends dimension to trim while being optimal for walls in high-traffic areas. Regal® Select Interior Pearl (550) has a finish that can be used everywhere from wainscoting to doors, and offers mildew resistance for high-humidity areas.
rj vost thanked Jennifer Havin
loobab
3 years ago
I think it depends what you are painting and its condition.

Someone just asked this a week ago.

If it's a door or cabinet frame that is frequently handled and is smooth, I would go with semi-gloss.

Same for bookshelves.

If you have lived there, you know what condition the walls and surfaces are in, and if a glossier paint will magnify the surface imperfections.

Also, having lived there, you know how dirty those surfaces get and if they need a more washable paint or not.
rj vost thanked loobab
kathylawyer
3 years ago
Last year I refreshed, I used satin and I am very happy with my choice.
rj vost thanked kathylawyer
PRO
JAN MOYER
3 years ago
Advance /satin
rj vost thanked JAN MOYER
rj vost
Original Author
3 years ago
jennifer, loolab, kathylawyer, jan,
thank you for your responses and perspectives. I did not see the BM table you included. very useful. the trim gets medium traffic but baseboards are extra beatup.
rj vost
Original Author
3 years ago
stax,
I must have missed your suggestion, it was not an intentional slight.
I'm working extra hours past few days and checking houzz on my phone, not optimum for viewing
.
would love to hear your thoughts. thank you.
loobab
3 years ago
That new Pearl paint sounds intetesting!
rj vost thanked loobab