High Gloss Paint: The Best Colors and When to Use It

Filed under: Color, Your Home, Projects, Design, etc

High gloss paint may be a little harder to handle than your average paint, but don't let that stop you from adding some serious sheen to your walls.

Here's a way to add drama to your home's ho-hum walls: Rather than adding wallpaper or artwork, try coating a wall in high-gloss paint.


But first, know that high gloss paint is more challenging to paint with, due to its high-sheen qualities that tend to show every little flaw in the surface. Carl Minchew, Director of Color Technology and Product Development at Benjamin Moore, says that amateur painters can encounter some unexpected problems when painting with a high gloss paint. "Gloss paints are known for showing every little imperfection because the gloss accentuates every curve or dent in the wall's surface," Minchew says.

It's because of this possibility that surfaces coated in a gloss finish must be prepared much more carefully than your average wall. "High-gloss paints aren't especially hard to apply, but the surface preparation is critical, so it's best to leave that up to the professionals," he adds.

If you're up for the challenge, designer Paul Sherrill of interior design firm Solis Betancourt & Sherrill insists that high gloss paint can make an impact in a variety of applications. "High-gloss paint can look very elegant and traditional, but it can also be fun and whimsical if you use a brightly colored hue on furniture or cabinetry," he says. "It's a great way to add a casual flair to create a less formal atmosphere."

Case in point: We're loving the shimmery gray walls in the dining room of designer Steven Gambrel's Greenwich Village townhouse, featured in Elle Decor. It adds just the right touch of glamour.


High gloss paint is also an easy way to add drama and dimension to your home. "On a large, flat wall, glossy paint may not look very shiny because there's no curve or profile to catch the light," Minchew says. But on a curved wall or stairway, the space will become instantly enhanced by its high-shine finish. The paint also looks great on low ceilings, adding reflection and a sense of height to a space that could otherwise feel closed in, says Sherrill.

Color can also boost the impact of a glossy paint job. Any color can look good in a high gloss finish given the right atmosphere, but remember that darker colors will appear even glossier than lighter ones. "Think about it: a shiny black car will always look a lot glossier than a shiny white car, even if the paint job is exactly the same," Minchew says. Sherrill adds: "We love to take an undertone of a room and use it to punctuate an accessory with that unexpected color. Using a high gloss finish just pushes that concept one step further."

And if instant drama is not enough to sell you, consider he maintenance benefits. Gloss finishes are known for being easy to clean and resistant to staining, so they're a good choice for high traffic areas. They're also tough enough to resist scruffs and abrasions, Minchew explains. "Gloss finishes will tend to show smudges and finger prints easily, but they'll clean off with the wipe of a sponge," he says.

For more great ShelterPop stories, don't miss:
Paint Color Trends to Move On From
2011's Hot Color Combos


Here's a video about how to paint your home -- minus the mess.

 

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