When deciding to paint a room or a surface, choosing your color is only the first step. This can be daunting as there are so many colors to choose from (my tips on choosing paint color). Once you’ve decided on the perfect color, you now want to determine the best paint sheen that will get you the look you want and wear the best.
Paint sheen, also referred to as paint finish, is how much light the paint reflects (how shiny it is). Choosing the right sheen is a matter of determining the condition of the surface you want to paint, the need for durability, and your personal taste. With the right sheen you will get the look you want and get the protection needed. With the wrong sheen, however, you risk amplifying surface imperfections, making the space (or surface) shinier than intended, or not providing enough durability.
There are five basic types of paint sheens: Flat (or Matte), Eggshell, Satin, Semi-gloss, and Gloss. The lower the sheen, the less glare to them while higher sheens have more enamel in them, which makes the shinier (and more durable).
FLAT (or Matte) paint is the most forgiving with the best color payout. It has no shine and absorbs more light than it reflects. This lack of reflected light (shine) results in a saturated, velvety wall finish that is excellent for hiding surface imperfections such as uneven texture or patches. Flat paint should be used in rooms that receive minimal traffic because it is not very durable.
Best places to use flat paint: Ceilings (which tend to have flaws), accent walls, and rooms with minimal traffic.
EGGSHELL paint has a soft, slightly velvet finish with minimal glossiness. It is a great all-around paint that can be used for most rooms in your home as it covers imperfections, offers some durability, and is mildew, moisture, and wear resistant.
Best places to use eggshell paint: Bedrooms, Kids’ Rooms, Family Rooms, and Hallways
SATIN paint has a pearl-like finish that is an intermediate gloss level. It is a shinier, more lustrous finish than flat and eggshell that offers good coverage and high stain- and scrub-resistance. Satin paint is ideal for busier spaces in your home as it is easy to clean and has moderate durability.
Best places to use satin paint: Living Rooms, Kitchens, Bathrooms, Laundry Rooms, and Hallways.
SEMI-GLOSS paint has a sleek and luminous finish with a noticeable shine.
It offers excellent stain- and scrub-resistance, as well as being mildew, moisture, and wear, resistant. Because if its sheen, it reveals more surface imperfections then lower sheen paints (flat, eggshell, and satin). It is a paint you can use when you need a paint that’ll withstand plenty of cleaning, it isn’t something you often use on walls.
Best places to use semi-gloss paint: Interior/Exterior Doors, Trim, Kitchens, Bathrooms, and Laundry Rooms
HIGH-GLOSS paint is the shiniest and has a highly reflective, glass-like finish. It is the most durable and easiest to clean, which makes it a perfect choice for high-traffic areas or on surfaces you want to last a long time.
Best places to use gloss paint: Doors, cabinets, trim, and window castings
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