Even though I hate applying a single rule to anything in design…
I do use these considerations when choosing paint finishes or sheen for cabinetry or wood trim on a project.
Yes, I know, there are many, many qualities and varied finishes available out there, but let’s try to boil them down to three simple ones for this particular discussion, shall we?
Good. Then...
If you’re painting a piece of wood trim, some cabinetry or a door, you generally have three choices…
What's the best trim paint? | High gloss paint finish in a traditional kitchen makes for a polished appearance. Designed by Carla Aston #paintedcabinets #trimpaint #paintsheen
1. High Gloss Trim Paint
I would love to use high gloss enamel more often; however, you must have really good painters to pull this finish off. (ie: really good budgets)
Your surface needs to be smooth and perfect so the reflection of light that bounces off this finish doesn’t go all wonky on you and telegraph any flaws underneath.
(For the record: This doesn’t mean my painters aren’t good, it just means that in order to achieve perfection you need more time to get there, more time sanding and smoothing the under-surface to get a flawless finish. And time costs what? That’s right: money.)
In terms of style, this finish is best used in a traditional interior, where heavy, detailed mouldings are helping enhance the style of the space. Contemporary interiors can also use high gloss paint to add interest to simple, plain surfaces. You better believe that, in this instance, that surface below must be perfection.
What's the best paint for your trim? | High gloss paint finish on this traditional cabinetry in a kitchen designed by Carla Aston. #paintedcabinets #kitchenideas #trimpaint #paintsheen
High gloss paint was used on all the cabinetry and mouldings in this project of mine.
Having the light bounce off that hood emphasized the traditional elements in the space and gave the kitchen the elegance it needed. It added interest in a tone-on-tone interior, giving some gleam and polish to the surfaces.
2. Semi-Gloss Trim Paint
This is more of a standard. Many builders use semi-gloss paint on mouldings and trim so that those elements stand out, but the slightly duller surface is a little more forgiving.
What's the best paint for your trim? | Kitchen with semi-gloss paint, designer: Carla Aston. #paintedcabinets #blueandwhitekitchen
What's the best paint for your trim? | Bathroom with semi-gloss trim, designed by Carla Aston. #wallpaper #paintedcabinets
Great for traditional interiors and easy to clean, this finish is quite popular.
What's the best paint for your trim? | Kitchen with satin finish paint, designed by Carla Aston. #paintedcabinets #kitchenideas
3. Satin Finish Trim Paint
My favorite.
I live in the suburbs and do lots of remodeling out here. Many times the homeowners I work with want to change the look or style of their interior but can’t change all the trim work.
To minimize a heavy, ornate trim, a satin finish paint dulls down those features so they don’t stand out as much visually. This gives a more contemporary, up-to-date look, while still being cleanable. It also works well in a more rustic interior style where glossy finishes aren’t as welcome.
I especially love the subtlety of painting the trim to match the walls, using a satin finish on the mouldings.
What's the best paint for your trim? | Kitchen with satin finish paint on hood, designer, Carla Aston | #satinfinishpaint
What's the best paint for your trim? | Kitchen with satin finish paint, designed by Carla Aston | #paintedcabinets
In this kitchen remodel project below, we modified and painted the kitchen cabinets but wanted to tone down the traditional details. This kitchen was painted in a satin finish.
Best Trim Paint Brand
So, which brand of paint do I like best?
I typically spec Sherwin Williams or Benjamin Moore. They are most often used in this area, most especially Sherwin Williams.
One thing that SW did years ago that really got their foot in the door with consumers and painters around here, is build these stand alone paint stores. They are conveniently located in several neighborhood shopping center areas of our new-ish community with ample parking and a friendly vibe.
Honestly, it is a lot about convenience around here for the painters. They really want to use one single source and Sherwin Williams has the most convenient stores for them to run by and pick up extra paint or supplies, when they need it.
Even when I spec other brands, they all want to just go get it matched at Sherwin Williams.
As a result, I typically use Sherwin Williams, as I prefer my clients to have the specific color for future matching, rather than a custom color mix.
That’s very clever brand building and expansion planning, Sherwin Williams!
The main question you need to ask yourself when selecting a paint finish for your woodwork or trim is this:
Is this house all about the mouldings?
Does the trimwork and cabinetry make a significant style statement that needs to be highlighted or focused on?
If you answer “yes”, then you might want to go glossy or even semi-gloss. :-)
However, If you answer “no” — if you want other things to stand out more, like furnishings, special finishes, or treatments; or if you’re trying to downplay the trimwork, not call attention to it; or if you’re wanting a more modern or rustic feel— then perhaps a satin finish is more appropriate. :-)