How To Pick A Paint Sheen

It’s fun to choose new interior paint colors for transforming the spaces of your home, but how much time do you spend deciding on the type of paint sheen you need for each room? Both oil- and latex-based paints are available in a range of sheens – think shininess – depending on how the painted surfaces will be used. Here’s a quick primer on sheen from most matte to most glossy to help you decide which is right for your home.

 

Flat

This matte finish does not have any shine. Flat paint’s non-reflective quality makes it ideal for disguising surface blemishes, but it also is difficult to clean and can be marred easily. Large, textured surfaces that won’t need cleaning, such as ceilings, are a perfect fit for flat paint.

 

Eggshell

Just one step up from flat, eggshell has a very slight sheen and offers improved washability. It is still good at hiding imperfections and may reduce light glare. An eggshell paint sheen would work well in a room that doesn’t see a lot of traffic, such as a guest bedroom.

 

Satin

Halfway between flat and high-gloss, satin paints are appealing for their increased visual depth and stain resistance. A satin finish is a solid choice for most bedrooms as well as cabinetry or trimwork. Both light and dark colors perform well in a satin formula.

 

Semi-gloss

With a visible sheen and superior scrubability, semi-gloss finishes are called for in rooms that see a lot of moisture such as kitchens and bathrooms. High-use doors are perfect applications for these interior paints as well.

 

High-gloss

The finish with the highest rate of light reflection, high-gloss paints are ideal not only for kitchens and bathrooms but also for highlighting architectural details or brightening a dark room. Because of the glare caused by high-gloss paint, it is the least effective in hiding surface blemishes, so it’s best when used in light colors.

 

Knowing which colors you want for your interior paint is important, but don’t forget sheen when planning a painting project. When it’s time to scrub marker off a child’s bedroom wall, you’ll be glad you thought ahead. Need a few rooms in your home painted? Give us a call at J. Pallarino Painting and we can transform your home! Click here for a quote.