Asked on Jun 30, 2013
High gloss or semi gloss for inside window trim?
by Rhonda
+6
I want to paint trim inside my home. I thought I wanted high gloss but would semi gloss be enough?
8 answers
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I want to do the same. I'm thinking semi-gloss.
![Kristin Crankshaw]()
Kristin Crankshaw
on Jun 30, 2013
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It is a matter of personal choice but I would venture to bet semi-gloss is probably the most common sheen used on trim moldings and interior doors. I've always used semi-gloss and have found it to be durable and easy to clean for areas that require frequent wiping, like around door knobs and door frames etc..
![Shari]()
Shari
on Jun 30, 2013
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I am glad to hear that semi gloss is the most common. I love in an older home. For some reason I thought the High[gloss would be what I would use, but I have bare wood so I wanted to buy the primer and paint in one and it only comes up to semi-gloss, not high gloss.
![Rhonda]()
Rhonda
on Jun 30, 2013
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Semi gloss!
![Hamtil Construction LLC]()
Hamtil Construction LLC
on Jun 30, 2013
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Semi-gloss is often used for trims and moldings, but, depending upon the look you desire, a satin finish may also be used. The satin finish allows for a softer, more subtle look than a semi-gloss. And, with today's technological advancements in the paint industry, a satin finish is also very durable and will sustain its beautiful sheen with frequent wiping. I have a 100-year-old farmhouse and like the satin finished on my trim work because all the imperfections from the older mill work blend in well with the newer ones without pointing out every little flaw that a higher-sheen finish often does. In fact, many people in the drywall industry will recommend a flat finish for walls because it hides imperfections in the wall (and from the painter's strokes) better than the satin or eggshell finish does. I have six active children and two Bull dogs and have always used a flat finish on my walls and a satin or semi-gloss finish on my trim work. The walls and moldings have scrubbed up nicely for me with no removal of paint in the process. As long as you don't skimp on the super-cheap paint, you'll be fine. I never buy the most expensive brands, but I find that a middle-line brand of paint, especially the 'one coat' or 'paint and primer' types work well without breaking the bank. (Sorry for the tangent, but I thought it might be helpful at some point.)
![Shamrock Hill Designs]()
Shamrock Hill Designs
on Jul 02, 2013
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I don't like high gloss anything! I use satin..
![Debbie Machmer]()
Debbie Machmer
on Jul 02, 2013
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I'm with you Debbie!
![Shamrock Hill Designs]()
Shamrock Hill Designs
on Jul 02, 2013
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If you are painting all the trim (baseboards, doors & door frames, windows) in semi-gloss would you paint crown molding the same? All walls are flat/matt except the bathrooms walls which are semi-gloss.
![Jackie Byrd]()
Jackie Byrd
on Aug 19, 2016
Kristin Crankshaw
on Jun 30, 2013
Shari
on Jun 30, 2013
Rhonda
on Jun 30, 2013
Hamtil Construction LLC
on Jun 30, 2013
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