The Good and Bad of Glossy Walls

If you’re thinking about painting your walls with a semi-gloss or full-gloss finish, you’re in good company. These finishes are having their moment, giving walls a sleek, polished look that feels like something straight out of a fancy Manhattan apartment in Friends. But before you grab your roller and channel your inner Bob Ross, let’s talk about The good and bad of glossy walls—because they aren’t for everyone.

The Glossy Wall Debate: Love It or Leave It?

The Good or benefits of a high gloss finish on your walls:

1. Durability and Easy Cleaning: Gloss finishes are like Monica Geller—they thrive on cleanliness. Kitchens, bathrooms, and kids’ playrooms love this type of finish because it’s easy to wipe down. Got a spaghetti sauce mishap? A damp cloth will fix that in no time.
2. Light Reflection: Glossy walls bounce light like a disco ball, making smaller rooms feel larger and brighter. Perfect for spaces where you want a little Saturday Night Fever energy.
3. Modern Aesthetic: High-gloss walls scream sophistication. Think of it as the black tie of paint finishes. It pairs beautifully with bold accent colors or sleek, minimalist furniture.

The Not-So-Good of high gloss finishes on your walls:

1. Unforgiving to Imperfections: If your walls have even the tiniest cracks, bumps, or dents, a high-gloss finish will spotlight them like Ross and his leather pants. Prep work is key—and let’s be honest, it’s tedious.
2. Touch-Ups Are Impossible: Matching the sheen later on is tough. If you think you’ll be touching up often, consider sticking with semi-gloss over full gloss for a slightly easier fix.
3. Dust and Smudges Show Up: Glossy walls are a bit like that one kid who always tattles—everything shows. Dust, fingerprints, smudges—if it’s there, it’s visible.

Choosing the Right Paint for Glossy Walls

When it comes to high-quality products, here’s what we have used can recommend or stay away from:

• Benjamin Moore Advance: This is the Beyoncé of gloss paints—smooth, long-lasting, and worth the investment. It levels beautifully, so brush strokes won’t haunt you.

• Sherwin-Williams ProClassic or Emerald Urathane: Great for a durable, washable finish. This one’s perfect for trim and doors if you want a seamless, polished look.

• Automotive finishes– they perform!! They are just not practical in a home
• Fine Paints of Europe– we have used this stuff 3- 4 times over the past 20 years. It is EXPENSIVE! It is hard to find, hard to use, and very diffcult to work with.

Things to Keep in Mind

1. Prep Work is Everything: Sand, patch, and prime your walls. A smooth surface is the key to success. Skip this step, and your walls will look like Joey’s Thanksgiving pants—full of flaws.

1. Dry Time: High-gloss paint can take longer to cure. Sure, it might feel dry after a day, but don’t hang anything heavy or start scrubbing for at least a week.
2. Application Tips: Use a high-quality roller or sprayer to avoid streaks. If you’re going for the full-gloss look, a sprayer will give you that mirror-like finish. Just be prepared for the cleanup afterward—worth it, but a bit of a chore.

1. Lighting Matters: Glossy walls love natural light, but they can also highlight shadows and uneven lighting. Consider your room’s lighting setup before committing.

Parting Thoughts on high sheen paint

Semi-gloss and gloss finishes are like kids songs—unforgettable and unique, but not for everyone. If you’re ready to embrace the shine, the payoff can be huge, creating a standout look that’s both functional and fabulous. Just remember, prep is key, and maintenance might require a little extra effort.

So, what do you think? Ready to give your walls the glossy treatment, or are you leaning toward a more laid-back matte vibe? Either way, we’re here to help you bring your vision to life—cue the theme song, “I’ll Be There for You!”