[cvcman]

ok we have a Florida room with lots of aluminum windows. It has wood below the windows that is painted now with a semi gloss latex paint. I want to repaint but wife likes flat finish...These windows sweat sometimes in real cold weather when using the fireplace and water drips down on the painted wood.
The guy at Lowes told me use flat enamal latex and it will be fine, other guy at SW store said I need a semi gloss or satin....
Is there a flat finish that will not streak or have a problem getting wet like this or do I need to use an enamal or what ???
The are is about 2ft high by 40 ft long so I probably should get a gallon right ?

 

[myfourseasons]

Can you share some snaps here?

 

[jsheridan]

CVC, what type of paint is currently on there? Has there been any damage to date with the current material?

 

[cvcman]

Its Olympic semi gloss and ts in fine shape, no damage just changing colors

 

[jsheridan]

Since you have no problems, it's probably best to stick with what's working. However, a flat enamel may work. Flat enamel is borderline spec'd to stand up to a light steam environment, so it should be capable for your application. Try it and just monitor it over time. If it fails, it will be far easier to just put a coat of semi on later than deal with not giving the wife what she wants. What do they say, Happy wife, happy life. Just be sure that any possible breaches where moisture can get behind it are properly caulked. Also, if there's an area where some of that sweat might puddle, it might be smart to oil prime that area first. This way, it the flat won't stand up, the oil will protect the substrate from moisture penetration and only the top coat will fail. Good Luck.