Which Paint Sheen is Right for Me?

When considering painting a room, the primary concern that’s likely on your mind is what color to paint. While this is indeed very important, an equally important consideration is what sheen to use. The sheen in paint is simply the amount of light that is reflected off the painted wall surface. Low sheen paints (“flat” sheens) reflect very little light and high sheen paints (“glossy” sheens) reflect a lot of light. Choosing the right sheen can make all the difference in your project, both for the appearance of the room(s) being painted and how well the coat will withstand daily wear-and-tear. Below, we’ve prepared a quick guide to the basic spectrum of sheens and which applications they’re best suited for.

Flat Sheens

Flat paint sheen is a popular choice for rooms with low traffic and low moisture, such as living rooms, bedrooms, and dining rooms. It’s a low-luster finish that provides a muted, contemporary look compatible with many different styles of décor. Its smooth finish also makes it easy to touch-up if you need to repair damage in an area, move a hanging picture or shelf elsewhere on a wall, etc. It’s also a good option for older homes or rooms with imperfect walls, as it’s better at hiding blemishes and unevenness in the surface due to its lack of “reflectiveness.”

However, one of the main drawbacks of flat paint sheen is that it can make it difficult to clean dirty areas. Its low-gloss finish means that marks or streaks could be left behind from wiping it down with cleaning solution. Additionally, flat paint sheen is not recommended for high-moisture areas, namely bathrooms or kitchens, as it’s prone to moisture absorption that, over time, can cause the paint to blister, peel or take on a “weeping appearance.” In general, flat sheens are also not recommended for high-traffic areas where hands may be placed on the wall, as they are more prone to scratches, scuffs, and general wear-and-tear than other sheens.

Matte and Satin (“Eggshell”) Sheens

Matte and satin paint sheens, sometimes referred to as eggshell finishes, are a great all-purpose option for many rooms in the house. They provide a smooth and subtle finish that is adaptable to most low-moisture settings. The sheen itself is a middle-of-the-road look, providing a slightly glossy finish that gives walls a bright and warm appearance. It is a great option for high-traffic areas such as hallways, stairways and children’s bedrooms, as it is more durable and easy to clean than flat finishes.

Both Matte and satin sheens are more forgiving than semi-gloss or high-gloss finishes when it comes to cleaning and touch-ups, as they are less likely to show smudges or stains. Additionally, both sheens are also great options for hiding imperfections or blemishes on walls, as they help to diffuse light and reduce the appearance of unevenness. However, it’s important to keep in mind that areas that you may need to touch-up will be slightly more noticeable on these sheens than on flatter sheens, so consider any other renovations that need to be made to the space as well.

Semi-Gloss Sheens

Semi-gloss paint sheens are a popular choice for high-traffic areas and rooms that are prone to moisture and humidity, such as kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms. They possess high durability and moisture resistance relative to other coats, making them a great option for rooms where frequent cleaning and exposure to water may occur. The semi-gloss finish also makes it easier to clean and more resistant to staining and mildew. For this reason, semi-gloss sheens are also useful in areas where there is a high level of activity and hands being placed on walls, such as hallways, staircases, and children’s bedrooms.

However, it’s important to keep in mind that semi-gloss sheens have a slight shine to them which can highlight any imperfections in the wall they’ve been applied to, as well as any future touch-ups. As such, proper preparation is critical.

Our General Recommendation

At CertaPro Painters® of Minnetonka, MN we generally recommend a high-quality paint such as Duration or Emerald from Sherwin Williams. Our preferred finish in these products is matte. This recommendation gives your home the benefits of cleanability, durability, easy touch-ups, and a beautiful, finished look. Since a matte finish can be used in all areas of the home, it also eliminates the need for you to remember which sheen was used in each room when future touch-ups are necessary.

Picking the right paint color for your project is stressful enough – our consultants are trained to learn about your needs so we can take the hassle out of selecting the sheen that is right for you. Color consultations from our expert team are free on projects valued at $2,000 or more, so schedule your free estimate today!