Matt or Low Sheen paint for old windows?

[JB58]

Hey there

Been doing a reno and wondering what is the best type of paint for old windows/woodwork to update?  Is it Matt or Low Sheen?

we have a difference of opinion

thanks so much 

[JacobZ]

Hi @JB58,

Funnily enough, low sheen paints are not typically used on window casings and trims. Traditionally, a higher sheen, such as gloss or semi-gloss, is used to differentiate the trims against the lower sheen paints used on flat surfaces like walls and ceilings.

Ultimately it all comes down to opinion, but of the two, low sheen would be my choice.

Allow me to tag @Nailbag, @Dave-1, @AlanM52 and @Noyade for their opinions.

Jacob

[Dave-1]

Afternoon @JB58 

I hadnt given it a thought until the question made me think of what i have used, I have used a low sheen style (flat white), usually a slightly different white to offset from my walls (white) When I think of gloss I generally think of issues that may be there when repainting down the track.

Dave

[AlanM52]

Howdy JB58,

Going back to the late sixties through to seventies and eighties when doing the family homes bought in the fifties and sixties we always used gloss white for the single hung windows and skirting boards. Typically the homes were single story cream brick veneer 3 bedroom with a lounge fireplace chimney. I always tried to offload the skirting to someone else, required jamming a piece of cardboard in there and pull back carpet to brush down to the bottom of the skirthing.

Cheers

[Nailbag]

Hi @JB58 

I'm of the exact same opinion as @JacobZ albeit a personal choice, but I would always go semi-gloss for arcs and skirts against low-sheen walls. As much as I hate using oil-based, it's still the most durable and by far the best finish for these surfaces. Then water-based everything else.

Nailbag