High-gloss interior paint has one key advantage over its less-shiny options — durability. The glossier the paint, the more durable it is, meaning that even under constant exposure to dirty fingerprints or cooking grease, you can clean the paint without worrying if the paint is going to be washed away.
High-Gloss Strength
High-gloss paint stands to scrubbing, which makes it an optimal selection for places near the stove, or in areas where children work on craft projects, resulting in handprints of who-knows-what on the door or door trim. Paint at the other end of the spectrum — either flat or flat paint — isn’t washable; in fact, washing it’s likely to rub some of this paint away, resulting in a discolored spot.
Moisture Resistance
High-gloss paint resists moisture much superior than paints with less sheen. The paint holds up well in a bathroom in which steam from a shower or bathtub results in condensation on the ceilings and walls. Flat paint is likely to reveal water spots and a bit of discoloration when it becomes moist.
Bold and Smart
Glossy paint looks considerably bolder and brighter compared to the exact same tone in a low-gloss finish. A high-sheen paint reflects light, much like a mirror, so which makes the shade seem more vibrant and glowing. This result is helpful when you’re using a shade such as medium to dark brown or blue on a wall, though a flat version of the same shade may seem to absorb light and make the room feel darker. Leaving stripes or chevrons employing a matte and high-gloss paint of the same shade adds delicate richness and warmth to the space without requiring two different colors of paint.
Gloss Paint Drawbacks
The sheen of a high-gloss paint might be a drawback in some circumstances. Even the smallest imperfection on a wall or ceiling is magnified under a glossy paint, as the reflective qualities emphasize variations in the wall, creating shadows. Touching up a high-gloss paint following a length of time may make an obvious variation in paint sheen, since the new paint will be glossier. A touch-up in a less glossy area is not as obvious as the paint finish is not as reflective.