When it comes to painting a space, choosing the right paint sheen is just as crucial as selecting the color. Paint sheen refers to the level of gloss or shine in a paint finish, and it plays a significant role in both the aesthetics and functionality of your painted surfaces. Let’s explore what paint sheen is, the different types available, important considerations, and the best sheen choices for various rooms. But I also think I need to start this post with a disclaimer in saying: Whatever you choose for YOUR home is something nobody else can decide but YOU. And that’s the beautiful thing about design, it’s subjective! You are the creator of the beauty in your eyes and what will serve you and your family the best!
Having knowledge on paint and sheen can give you the confidence you need to walk into the paint store and make your next color decision that much easier. Choosing the right paint sheen is vital to getting that long lasting and durable finish on your walls and trim. The paint finish can drastically change the appearance of color on your walls. So I’ve made it easier below with a little guide to help you along the way.
I’ve made my fair share of mistakes in my DIY journey of painting the wrong sheens in the wrong places and it cost me a lot of time. So my hopes is this post would help you in your journey of painting and making your house a home. Eliminating some of the headaches and giving you the confidence to pick up that paintbrush and GO FOR IT!!
Your complete paint sheen guide: choosing and executing with confidence
What is Paint Sheen & What Does It Do?
Paint sheen is a measure of how much light reflects off a painted surface. The sheen describes the reflective quality of a paint finish, which affects how light interacts with the surface. It influences the overall appearance, durability, and maintenance of painted areas. Higher sheen levels create a glossy finish, reflecting more light, while lower sheen levels provide a matte look that absorbs light.
Paints with sheen reflect light.
Paints without sheen absorb light.
The sheen of a paint can also impact how colors appear, the perceived size of a room, and the way surfaces wear over time. For example, glossier finishes are generally more durable and easier to clean, making them ideal for high-traffic areas, whereas matte finishes may offer a more sophisticated look but can be more challenging to maintain. Here are some things to consider when choosing a paint sheen:
What To Consider With Paint Sheen:
When selecting a paint sheen, I would consider the following factors:
Room Function: Assess the function of the room and the amount of traffic it receives. High-traffic areas benefit from more durable finishes.
Surface Imperfections: If the walls have many imperfections, a flat or matte finish can help hide them, while glossy finishes may highlight flaws.
Lighting: The amount and type of lighting in a room can influence how sheen appears. A well-lit area may benefit from a lower sheen to reduce glare, while darker spaces might benefit from a higher sheen to reflect light.
Cleanability: Consider how often the walls will need to be cleaned. In areas prone to stains or moisture, opt for higher sheens that are washable.
Personal Preference: Ultimately, the choice of sheen also comes down to personal taste. Consider the aesthetic you wish to achieve in your space.The 5 Types of Paint Sheens
Five Types of Paint Finishes:
Flat/Matte Finish
Characteristics:
- Sheen Level: 0% sheen (no shine).
- Appearance: Offers a smooth, non-reflective surface with a velvety texture.
- Color Depth: Enhances color richness, giving a more muted, sophisticated look.
Benefits:
- Hides Imperfections: Ideal for walls with imperfections since it absorbs light, reducing the visibility of flaws.
- Easy Application: Generally easier to apply, as it tends to level out well.
- Soft Look: Provides a sophisticated, modern look that is popular in contemporary designs.
Drawbacks:
- Washability: Not washable; scrubbing can remove or damage paint
- Durability: Less durable than glossier finishes; more prone to scuffs and stains.
- Maintenance: Requires touch-ups more frequently.
Best Uses:
- Ceilings: Perfect for ceilings due to the lack of glare.
- Low-Traffic Areas: Suitable for bedrooms & dining rooms.
Overall, Flat paint is very forgiving when it comes to touch ups but just remember this sheen will not hold up to any type of scrubbing or cleaning.
Eggshell Finish
Characteristics:
- Sheen Level: 10-25% gloss; low sheen with a soft, reflective surface.
- Appearance: Offers a slight sheen that adds warmth without being overly shiny.
- Color Depth: Retains color vibrancy while adding a subtle depth.
Benefits:
- Moderate Durability: More durable than flat finishes and better at resisting stains.
- Versatile: Works well in various environments, providing a warm and inviting atmosphere.
- Improved Cleanability: Easier to clean than flat finishes, making it suitable for many rooms.
Drawbacks:
- Limited Washability: While more washable than flat, it may not withstand heavy scrubbing.
- Surface Preparation: Requires good surface preparation to avoid showcasing imperfections.
Ideal Applications:
- Dining Rooms: Provides an inviting ambiance that complements a warm decor.
- Living Rooms: Balances durability and aesthetics, making it perfect for social spaces.
Satin Finish
Characteristics:
- Sheen Level: 25-35% gloss; medium sheen with a soft, silky appearance.
- Appearance: Reflective yet subtle, offering a more polished look without excessive shine.
- Color Depth: Adds depth and richness to colors while providing a smooth finish.
Benefits:
- High Durability: Highly durable and resistant to moisture, making it easy to clean without damaging the paint.
- Versatile Use: Suitable for a variety of applications, from walls to furniture.
- Smooth Finish: Offers a good balance between matte and gloss, making it a popular choice.
Drawbacks:
- Surface Imperfections: Can still highlight some flaws, though less so than glossier finishes.
- Application: Requires careful application to achieve a consistent finish.
Ideal Applications:
- Kitchens: Ideal for areas prone to spills and stains, combining durability with aesthetic appeal.
- Bathrooms: Works well in moisture-rich environments, resisting mildew and moisture damage.
Overall, Satin finishes truly strike the best balance between aesthetics and practicality.
Semi-Gloss
Characteristics:
- Sheen level: 35-75% gloss; noticeable sheen that adds a reflective quality to surfaces.
- Appearance: Enhances color vibrancy and depth while providing a polished look.
- Color Depth: Enhances color depth, while still providing a sheen. The moderate reflectivity allows colors to appear richer and more vibrant than flat or eggshell finishes, making it an excellent choice for accent walls or trim.
Benefits:
- High Durability: Highly durable and easy to clean; ideal for surfaces exposed to grease and moisture.
- Versatile Use: Good for high-traffic areas; resistant to chipping and wear.
- Customizable: Works well for highlighting architectural details and trims.
Drawbacks:
- Highlights imperfections: Can show imperfections more prominently due to the reflective quality.
- Critical Application: Requires more careful application to avoid streaks and unevenness.
Ideal Applications:
- High Moisture Locations: Perfect for kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms where moisture is present.
- Trim work: Commonly used on doors, cabinets, and trim to provide contrast and elegance.
Overall, great for accent walls where a touch of gloss is desired. Semi-gloss finishes are shiny and highly reflective, making them excellent for areas that require durability and washability, such as kitchens, bathrooms, and trim work. They can also help highlight architectural details.
Gloss
Characteristics:
- Sheen level: 75-100% sheen; the highest sheen level, offering a bright, shiny finish.
- Appearance: Provides maximum reflection and enhances color vibrancy.
- Color Depth: Offers the most vivid color depth, as its high reflectivity makes colors appear bold and bright. The shiny finish can amplify color saturation, making hues pop in a way that can be visually striking.
Benefits:
- High Durability: Extremely durable and resistant to stains, making it easy to wipe clean.
- Long lasting: Ideal for high-use surfaces, offering long-lasting performance.
- Adds Unique Character: Can create dramatic effects and highlight architectural features effectively.
Drawbacks:
- Highlighted Imperfections: Shows imperfections very clearly; requires smooth, well-prepped surfaces.
- Challenging Application: Application can be tricky; brush strokes and roller marks can be more visible.
- Location Limited for Use: May not be suitable for all aesthetics, as the high shine can be overpowering.
Ideal Applications:
- Great for details: Often used for furniture, cabinetry, and detailed moldings.
- Statement pieces: Ideal for accent pieces and areas needing a bold statement.
Overall, gloss is affective in high-traffic areas like hallways, where durability is key. However, they can emphasize surface imperfections, so prep work is crucial.
Best Paint Sheen Room to Room (with Personal Paint Suggestions)
Living Room: Eggshell or satin finishes work well here, offering a balance of durability and aesthetics.
- Duration Home® Interior Acrylic Latex– Ideal for high traffic areas with a lifetime guarantee
- Emerald® Interior Acrylic Latex Paint – Contains agents that inhibit the growth of mold and mildew on the surface of the paint
Bedroom: Flat or eggshell finishes create a cozy atmosphere while being easy to maintain. Pair with Semi-gloss finishes on trim work.
- Duration Home® Interior Acrylic Latex– Ideal for high traffic areas with a lifetime guarantee
- SuperPaint® Interior Acrylic Latex – Paint and Primer in One, excellent scrubbability
Kitchen: Satin or semi-gloss finishes are ideal due to their durability and washability, perfect for handling cooking splatters.
- Emerald® Urethane Trim Enamel– Premium paint for trim and cabinets, hard durable finish!
Bathroom: Semi-gloss or gloss finishes are recommended to resist moisture and mildew.
- Emerald® Interior Acrylic Latex Paint– Contains agents that inhibit the growth of mold and mildew on the surface of the paint
Hallways and High-Traffic Areas: Satin or semi-gloss finishes can withstand wear and tear while being easy to clean.
- Emerald® Interior Acrylic Latex Paint – Durable and Advanced Stain Blocking
- Duration Home® Interior Acrylic Latex – Ideal for high traffic areas
Trim and Molding: Semi-gloss or gloss finishes highlight architectural features and provide durability.
- Emerald® Urethane Trim Enamel – Premium paint for trim and cabinets, hard durable finish!
Ceilings: Flat finishes help hide imperfections and provide a clean look without glare.
- SuperPaint® Interior Acrylic Latex Paint– Paint and Primer in One, Budget Friendly
A Glance Into Color Drenching: Sheen Edition
If you aren’t familiar with Color drenching, it is a design technique used primarily in interior design and architecture that involves painting walls, ceilings, trim work and sometimes even floors in a single, bold color. This method creates a cohesive and immersive environment, where the color envelops the space and influences the mood and perception of the room.
I recently color drenched three rooms in our home, 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom. I used the same concepts as mentioned above in determining sheen for everything that was painted.
For the walls I used either eggshell or satin.
For the ceiling I used flat.
For the trim work I used semi-gloss.
You could use a satin for both the walls and the trim work if using a durable high quality paint. But for the ceilings sticking to a flat is the best option. An exception to the rule for flat ceilings would be for a speakeasy, dramatic sitting room or any other room with a bold design. I have seen a gloss finish used for the ceiling in these similar designs and it looked incredibly beautiful. It all goes back to ‘What to Consider‘ when designing your specific space.
In Conclusion:
Understanding paint sheen is truly essential for achieving the desired look and functionality in your spaces and projects. By considering the different types of sheen and their applications, as well as the unique characteristics of each room, you can make informed decisions that enhance both the beauty and longevity of your paint job. So next time you’re planning a painting project, take a moment to consider which sheen will best suit your needs!
