When should you use semi-gloss paint?

You should use semi-gloss paint when you need a finish that is tough, washable, and moisture-resistant, and when you want to accentuate architectural details with a subtle shine. Semi-gloss is ideal for high-touch and high-moisture areas that require frequent cleaning. Inside the home, this includes all trim work such as baseboards, crown molding, chair rails, window frames, and door casings, as well as interior doors, which benefit from its hard, durable coating. It is also an excellent choice for kitchen walls, bathroom walls, laundry rooms, and mudrooms where humidity, grease splatters, and fingerprints are common, because you can scrub semi-gloss without damaging the paint. Many homeowners and pros use semi-gloss on kitchen cabinets, bathroom vanities, built-in shelving, and furniture for the same reason. Outside, semi-gloss works well on front doors, shutters, and exterior trim that need weather resistance. You should generally avoid using semi-gloss on large, imperfect wall surfaces like living room or bedroom walls, because its reflective quality highlights flaws and can cause glare. Use it where function and accent are more important than hiding imperfections.