White paint question

Why is flat white paint the paint of choice? I have always been under the impression that the higher the gloss the more reflective for light the surface becomes. There are many different posts on this site suggesting flat white I haven't seen any for semigloss or gloss. Anyone know the reason behind this? Thanks in advance. GL HH

You have to think of it on a molecular level...basically the reason is the light waves spend too much time and energy "bouncing" around inside gloss paint...it only appears to reflect more because at the angle your looking you're really only seeing a very tiny "window" of reflectivity...thats why if you move your head...the "shinyness" moves as well. Mirrors, and anything else metalic is bad as well...the light actually uses a lot of its energy moving and vibrating the metal molecules....

Take a look at some pics of boxes with tin foil in them...they look dark as hell compared to one which is white.

What about primer? cause i have a couple areas in my grow space with only primer and it appears to be working well but i was wondering how much light i will be loosing

Primer is perfect...I use the "Kilz" in the spray can for smaller areas...usually just need 1 coat,and it dries fast.

never thought of using gloss, but flat white seems to reflect pretty well.