How to Choose the Right Paint Sheen

After weeks of deliberation, you’ve finally selected the perfect color to re-paint your bedroom to cover the boring neutral tone that is currently on there.

You head out to your local big box home improvement retail store and walk up to the paint department desk. You tell the paint sales associate the color you want and how many gallons of it you need.

And that’s when the associate asks you what type of paint sheen you’d like. You stare back blankly.

Paint sheen? What’s that?

When undertaking any painting project for your home or workspace, an important consideration (besides color) is choosing the right paint sheen, also called “paint finish” or “shine”.

The paint sheen is ultimately what will determine the overall look of the painted surface, which is why it is critically important to know the differences between paint sheens and understand what type works best for specific spaces.

What is paint sheen?

In a nutshell, paint sheen refers to the amount of light reflecting from the paint when dried.

In other words, a paint with a sheen (such as semi-gloss and satin) reflects light giving a shiny appearance while a paint without a sheen (such as flat and matte) absorbs the light.

How is paint sheen made?

Higher sheen paints creating a more reflective and glossier look have higher levels of resin but lower levels of pigmentation.

Inversely, paints with a flatter, less reflective finish have higher levels of pigmentation with lower levels of resin.

Choosing the sheen that best suits a room depends on what the space is primarily used for and how you want it to look.

Almost all types of paint sheens can be used in any room of a home, however some sheens are better suited for high-traffic areas. Keep reading for more information about this.

What are the differences between paint sheens?

The main benefit of choosing a low paint sheen is its ability to hide any surface imperfections. Less light reflectivity will not draw your eye to the flaws.

On the other hand, a higher paint sheen finish will show more imperfections while offering more durability and easier cleaning.

Below is a list of the various paint sheen types from least reflective (Matte or Flat) to most reflective (High Gloss) and how best to use them:

Matte or Flat

• Non-reflective, smooth appearance that hides surface blemishes such as nail holes and patching
• Requires less coats than higher gloss paints
• Easier to touch-up
• Ideal for new construction, drywall, ceilings, and low-traffic areas like adult bedrooms, closets, and dining rooms
• Can be easily cleaned with a damp sponge however might be damaged if cleaned with cleanser

Eggshell

• One of the most popular paint sheens providing a low sheen with a soft, smooth finish
• Ideal for low- to mid-traffic areas such as hallways, living rooms, entryways, and family rooms
• More washable than flat sheens, and is better at resisting stains and scuffing

Satin

• The most versatile and best paint for walls inside the home providing an elegant, pearl-like finish with a soft sheen
• Ideal for indoor and outdoor use, resisting mildew and fading (perfect for kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms) with easier cleanup than lower sheen finishes
• Also recommended for busy indoor areas such as playrooms, home offices, and children’s bedrooms, as well as outdoor trim, shutters, and siding

Semi-Gloss

• More reflective than satin featuring a smooth sheen for a shiny and sleek appearance
• High resistance to moisture and works well in areas with higher humidity, such as kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms
• Also a popular choice for high traffic spaces including doors and utility rooms
• Easier to clean than other finishes but will show blemishes on walls and ceilings
• White and off-white paints with a semi-gloss finish can give rooms a brighter appearance than whites in lower sheen finishes

High-Gloss

• The highest level of light reflection and shine with a glass-like finish, making it a popular choice for doors, cabinetry, moulding, and trimwork
• Increases curb appeal for outdoor surfaces such as shutters and window casings
• Requires more coats than less glossy finishes and should be applied to smooth, clean surfaces for less coats and the best results

Some helpful tips from professional painters on choosing the right paint sheen

 

Tip #1: Use a primer

Before to applying interior paint, you may need to use a primer to prepare the surface to more effectively receive a coat of paint.

Here is an article that talks more about the benefits of using a primer before painting.

Tip #2: Inspect your surfaces before painting

Most people doing a residential painting project will choose a flat finish for ceilings, an eggshell or satin finish for walls, and a semi-gloss finish for trim.

However, it is important to note that every room is unique and walls should be inspected before making any final decisions on paint sheen.

For example, an older home with a lot of wear and tear or visible waves in the drywall may work best with a flat or matte finish for the walls.

Tip #3: How much traffic is there?

Another important consideration when choosing paint sheen is how much abuse the walls will take.

If you have kids or pets in the house, it may be a smart decision to provide added protection from a higher sheen paint like satin.

Tip #4: Painting a kitchen or bathroom has special considerations

Professional house painters recommend using an eggshell or satin finish on bathroom ceilings due to the amount of moisture generated from showers.

If a bathroom has poor ventilation, one can see mold developing due to the moisture penetrating the ceiling while saturating the drywall.

In smaller kitchens, an eggshell or satin finish for the ceiling is recommended since over time the smoke from cooking can cause the yellowing in the ceiling.

Conclusion

Everyone and every space is unique. Just because some might gravitate towards a certain finish does not mean you should automatically select it for your painting project.

Some folks might paint their ceilings with a high gloss finish but paint their trimwork with a flat paint sheen because that is what they prefer.

Different paint finishes have their own advantages, disadvantages, and ideal uses. You can determine how shiny or bright you want your home or workplace to look by understanding the differences between various paint sheens to choose for your surfaces.