Choosing a Paint Sheen

The paint sheen has a dramatic effect on the overall look of any interior room or exterior surface. Although you might want to choose paint sheens based on the look alone, there are some general guidelines that can effect your decision.

The amount of gloss can have an enormous effect on both appearance and performance of the paint. The effects go beyond general appearance. The sheen of the paint changes the look of a color as well. A paint color with a flat sheen can look lighter or darker than the same color with a satin sheen.

While evaluating a colors appearance also judge the affect of your preferred paint sheen.

Definition and Types of Paint Sheens

Sheen is a measurement of a finishes gloss or shininess. These range from flat to high gloss. Each manufacture labels sheens differently, but typically there are four categories.

Flat Paint – Also called a "matte" finish is generally non-reflective and the most forgiving. Many top quality flats still have a very slight sheen when two coats are applied. Flat paint tends to hide surface imperfections, including scratches and small dents, plus has the greatest hiding capability allowing for fewer coats of paint.

Flat paint is a good choice for large interior ceilings that almost always has imperfections. Quality flat paint is very washable but susceptible to damage from constant exposure to high humidity and water. Flat paint is primarily used on ceilings and walls in main living areas.

Eggshell or Satin Paint – Both eggshell and satin paint has slightly more sheen than flat. This is often referred to as a moderate paint sheen level. Eggshell usually has a lower sheen than satin paint. They also convey warmth to trim without being excessively shiny.

Both satin and eggshell paint sheens are excellent choices for interior walls. Satin paints have better stain resistance than flat paints. Resists dirt more and can be scrubbed more vigorously. Can be used in kitchens and bathrooms or applied to trim and doors, an excellent choice for kid’s rooms or high traffic areas.

Satin is also a great choice for exterior use since it more readily sheds water and resists the affects of the sun when compared to flat. Plus it has better elongation characteristics than flat paints.

Semi-gloss Paint - Has a higher sheen than eggshell or satin finishes. Semi-gloss paints are even more resistant to dirt and scuff marks, plus are easier to clean. Traditionally used in kitchens, bathrooms and on trim, windows or doors. Any area that requires regular or vigorous cleaning will benefit from using a semi-gloss paint.

Gloss Paint – These highly reflective finishes are tougher, more stain resistant and easier to clean than any lower paint sheen. Because of their highly reflective nature surface imperfections will be noticeable and possibly exaggerated. Gloss paint can be applied to the same areas as semi-gloss paint. This type of paint will produce a "plastic" coated look on smooth trim and doors.

Paint Sheen Considerations

• The term "enamel" refers to shinier paints that have more binder content than other types of finishes. Enamels are harder, more stain and scuff resistant plus are more washable than other interior finishes, ideal for use in high traffic areas that are more prone to abuse.
• Every type of paint sheen is available for interior and exterior use. With exteriors a shinier paint will shed water and resist dirt pick-up. The most common sheen used is satin. This provides a great look on siding and trim.
• The ability for a paint to cover an existing color is directly affected by the sheen of the new paint. A general rule is that flat paint covers the best while gloss is the worst. Example; if it takes two coats of flat paint it will take three or more coats of semi-gloss or gloss before perfect coverage.

The main problem with paint sheens is that each manufacture has a different definition of what a particular sheen is. Normally flat is flat, but it can have a slight amount of sheen. Another example is satin. One paint companies satin can look like another’s eggshell. Always evaluate the sheen as well as the color before making your final decision.

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