When to use a gloss?

When to use a gloss depends on whether you are talking about gloss paint or cosmetic gloss, but in both cases gloss is used when you want shine, durability, and emphasis. For paint, you use semi-gloss or high-gloss when you need a hard, durable, moisture-resistant, and easy-to-clean finish and when you want architectural details to stand out. Typical uses include trim, baseboards, crown molding, window frames, interior and exterior doors, kitchen cabinets, bathroom vanities, shutters, front doors, and furniture. Gloss is ideal for high-touch and high-moisture areas like kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and mudrooms because it resists humidity, grease, and scrubbing. You generally avoid gloss on large wall areas or ceilings unless you want a dramatic effect, because it shows imperfections. For cosmetic gloss like lip gloss or hair gloss, you use it when you want to add shine, plumpness, and a wet look, to make lips appear fuller, hair appear shinier and healthier, or skin look dewy. Gloss is about highlighting and protecting surfaces that need extra attention.