Understanding Sheen Options when Buying Paint

When most people think of doing a painting project in their home, their main focus is generally on color. But once your color is finally selected and you’re standing in the paint department of your local home improvement store you quickly realize that buying paint isn’t as simple as just knowing what color you want, you also have to decide what sheen you would like as well.

The sheen of paint is the basic measure by which light reflects off of the surface once it’s dry. The sheen of the paint can also determine if your paint looks how dull or how bright your paint looks in the light. The sheen of your paint is also important depending on what you’re going to use the paint for. By using this handy reference, not only will you have a better understanding of paint sheen options, but will hopefully be less surprised when the person at the paint counter asks you what sheen you would like.

There are five different sheens to choose from when its time to buy your paint. Here we will break down each of the five sheens, and give you examples of where its use might be most appropriate.

Flat
A flat paint sheen generally reflects about 5 to 10 percent of the light that shines on it. Its ability to absorb more light can often make it appear darker, thus lending well to hiding imperfections in the wall such as dents, dings and changes in texture. Because it hides these imperfections so well, it’s generally only necessary to apply one coat of paint to the wall. However, the duller surface tends to show dirt well and it doesn’t generally hold up to scrubbing.

Eggshell
An eggshell paint is a bit smoother than flat, allowing it to reflect a bit more light than a flat paint will reflect. It hides many imperfections well, and is generally durable and easier to wash than flat paint can be. These factors make eggshell a good choice for interior walls such as a living or family room area.

Satin
Satin paint falls directly in the middle of paint sheen scale, meaning that it’s slightly more reflective than eggshell paint. When you hear satin, the first thing that should come to mind is washability. The silky finish of satin paint stands up well to heavy washing which makes it a popular choice of paint in kitchens, bathrooms, hallways, and children’s rooms. It’s higher sheen makes it show more imperfections than a flat or eggshell paint, however, its high durability makes it a popular choice in areas that can require extra cleaning efforts to keep the walls looking clean.

Semigloss
Semigloss paint can reflect 35 to 50% of the light that enters a room, and many find it far too shiny for use on walls. However, it’s extremely durable and is well suited for surfaces that get lots of dirt or handprints such as trim, woodwork, cabinets and doors. Semigloss is also a popular choice in kitchens and bathrooms because of its high durability.

Gloss
Gloss paint can reflect 50% of the light or more, thus painting large walls with it can seem discomforting because of the glare that can occur. The high sheen also can make small imperfections in the walls appear much worse than they really are. Effective uses of gloss paint can be achieved in utility rooms, playrooms, or on trim.

By understanding the area your painting you will be able to easily determine which sheen of paint is best for you based on the level of durability you need, and the level of light you would like to reflect off of the walls. Taking the time to consider this important factor in purchasing paint can help to ensure that your finished project is one that you can live with.