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Having a "discussion" about type of paint to use on walls and trim/doors for basement.

It's been recommended to use satin on walls and satin on trim. I would like to go semi gloss on trim and doors. I thought that was easier to clean. I have satin on trim/doors on the upper level and haven't been pleased. It seems harder to clean.

Any thoughts or comments?

I agree with you. Semi gloss on the doors and trim.

You're my bestest friend DaciaB.
For once someone agrees with me.

We're using Sherwin Wms paint. Would you go eggshell or satin on the walls in the basement? I think they have those two options.

Here's another best friend. Semi-gloss for the trim and doors.
Eggshell on basement walls.

Satin is my preference for the walls in the basement. I agree with semi gloss for trim and doors.

Definitely semi on the walls and trim.

Eggshell on the walls. I believe, and this is only my opinion, that satin should only be used if the walls are perfect because it tends to show every little flaw.

Semi gloss is great for doors and trim.

I love semi gloss for doors and trim.

Well, it looks like I have a lot of "best" friends. Thank you all. I knew I'd WIN! The painters agreed and bought semi gloss.
He also said eggshell but was willing to appease with satin for the basement walls.
I'm not sure of the difference between satin and eggshell...hmmm. I better defer to my "best friends" and get a consensus.

p.s. they are now painting the trim/doors as I "speak." Can't wait to see them...they put up plastic at the bottom of the stairs to keep me away for now.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: nance425,

Here's what I've learned about the difference in Satin and Eggshell sheens of paint. Eggshell has slightly less sheen than Satin. It's not a huge difference. Satin reflects light better than Eggshell because of the scale of sheen. Satin is more washable than Eggshell. Eggshell does hide wall imperfections slightly better. I would think in a lower level of a home, natural light might possibly be limited. Maybe I'm wrong on that. Satin also sheds moisture better than Eggshell.

Good luck in deciding which sheen works best on your walls. Several factors go into deciding this. To me, the most important is if the walls are in good condition, then Satin is my go to paint for walls because of it's extra washability in higher traffic areas.

Well I guess I am the odd man out on this one. I guess I'm wrong, because I love the look of high gloss on doors and trim. Is this a no no though??

Paintlady - thanks so much for your response. As it turns out, DH had already purchased SW base paint in Satin when they had their sale; I think I was saying I wanted satin back then.
So, the rooms will be painted by next week and I will report back.
BTW, when I talked to the painter, he said sometimes they have to do 3 coats of the SW satin, depending how the new walls take it. Yowser! I don't think he planned on that with his quote. Oh-oh! But he's a nice guy and is willing to please.

I have never had to paint more than 2 coats of SW Satin because I always use SW Super Paint in Satin on walls. Not sure about the lesser priced SW paint line. SW Super Paint is awesome. Some people say the price is too steep, but think about it this way....if you can get by with 2 coats of the Super Paint, and it takes 3 coats of other paints in Satin, then the cost of the extra paint and extra labor doing 3 coats, makes the Super Paint price not so expensive. Many don't think of it in that way.

I use semi-gloss on trim and eggshell on walls. I use Benjamin Moore paint which has excellent coverage.

~Lady50

Add my vote to semi-gloss for doors and trim. I'm one of those "odd men (or women) out" on wall sheen; I prefer flat/matte and always have, always will. But whatever works for you. Good luck with your project!