Paint Sheen 101 - How to Choose a Paint Finish

PAINT SHEENS AND WHERE TO USE IT

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Let’s talk about paint sheens! Paint sheen is important to consider for both visual and functional reasons. Here are some suggestions as to what paint sheen you should use on your next project.

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Let’s dive in!

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MATTE/ FLAT:

It absorbs the most light and hides imperfections incredibly well. It is great for low-traffic areas in the interior of your home like bedrooms, ceilings and office spaces. The downfall to flat paint is that it’s difficult to clean. Scuffs and markings show up easily and often cannot be wiped off which means you’ll need to touch up paint from time to time.

EGGSHELL/ SATIN:

Eggshell and Satin are the matte's better cousins. As far as appearances go, it looks much the same as matte without the cleaning disadvantages. It wipes easily and still has a low sheen making imperfections on the wall less visible. Eggshell and Satin are recommended for most interior walls. Common areas like: entry room, living rooms and hallways.

SEMI GLOSS/GLOSS:

Semi-gloss and Gloss are great for rooms that deal with excess moisture. It’s highly durable and has a semi-high level of shine. Semi-gloss is not as commonly used because of its glossy finish and its ability to highlight imperfections. However, if you take the time to ensure that your surface is perfectly smooth, it can provide a beautiful luster. Semi-gloss paints can be used in bathrooms, cabinets, trim, baseboards, and exterior doors.

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