We're repainting trim in a house with children and pets. I like the low sheen of satin, but skirting boards and door frames need to withstand frequent wiping and occasional knocks. A very glossy finish would show every brush mark and imperfection. What sheen and paint type have actually held up well in high-touch areas? I'm prioritizing cleanability over a showroom-perfect look.
Choosing a practical finish for trim in a house with kids and pets
- home-improvement
- choosing
- practical
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4 replies
I’d go satin or a durable eggshell for trim in a busy house. It’s a good middle ground: easier to clean than flat, less shouty than gloss.
I’d go satin or a durable eggshell for trim in a busy house. It’s a good middle ground: easier to clean than flat, less shouty than gloss.
Agreed. For door frames and skirting, the paint choice matters as much as the sheen. A tougher trim enamel tends to hold up better than a wall paint dressed up as trim paint.
Gloss is honest in a way that feels mean. It shows every wobble and every brush stroke like it’s filing a complaint.
I wouldn’t go full matte on trim if kids and pets are involved. It may look calm, but it gets marked too easily.
We did a washable satin on ours and it’s held up fine to handprints and mop-ups. Not perfect, just practical.