Paint Sheens
Sheen is a measurement of how shiny or glossy a paint finish is. Each manufacturer has a different definition of what a particular sheen is. One companies eggshell finish can be shinier than another companies. You can always ask to see samples of a manufacturers sheen level for their products.
The sheen level of the paint you choose can have quite an impact on the look of your room. The overall aesthetic of the room and its intended use should be taken into consideration when choosing a sheen level of paint. It’s also a matter of personal preference. Some people find shiny surfaces attractive, while others prefer more matte ones.
Using different sheen levels within a room can create interesting visual effects. An example would be an eggshell finish for the walls and a semi-gloss for the trim work. Quite often the walls and trims are different colours, but a unique effect can be created by using the same colour in different paint sheens. We have done this in homes where because of other decorating choices the home owner wanted the trim work, baseboards and walls to all be the same colour. In this case a visual difference in the paint was created by painting the walls in an eggshell finish and the trim work in a semi-gloss.
Most types of paint sheen are available for interior or exterior use. The typical types of finishes offered by most paint manufacturers are:
- flat or matte
- eggshell
- satin or may be called pearl
- semi-gloss
- high gloss
Matte or Flat Paint
Paints with flat or matte finish have little or no sheen to them. Flat paint is the most common choice for interior ceilings. Flat has the softest, smoothest and warmest look since it barely reflects the light. It can visually enhance the colour of the walls giving a rich looking finish. It has excellent touch up characteristics. Flat paint tends to hide surface imperfections, including scratches and small dents. It may be a good choice for older uneven walls.
Although new paint technology has greatly improved the quality of flat paints, they generally are not as good for areas that need regular or vigorous washing and scrubbing. The surface finish is not as durable when it comes to marks and bumps, therefore not the best choice for high abuse areas. They do not have stain resistance as good as an eggshell or higher sheen.
Eggshell or Satin Paint
Both eggshell and satin have a very slight sheen or gloss level. This is often referred to as a moderate paint sheen level. Eggshell usually has a lower sheen than satin paint.
An eggshell finish can convey warmth to a room without being excessively shiny. This paint sheen is a good choice for interior walls. New paint technology has greatly improved in the last decade for eggshell finish paints. There are very high quality eggshell paints available that can be used where traditionally we had no choices other than semi-gloss. These areas include doors, door frames, window sills, all trims and mouldings, baseboards, etc. They are suitable for kitchens and bathrooms, holding up well to scrubbing, moisture and humidity.
Satin is a great choice for exterior use. It is the most common sheen used on the exterior of homes since it more readily sheds water and resists the affects of the sun when compared to flat. It provides a nice look on siding and trims.
Semi-gloss Paint
Semi-gloss paint has a higher sheen than eggshell or satin finishes. Semi-gloss paints are even more resistant to dirt and scuff marks. They are sometimes used on trims, doors and windows, or any other areas that require regular or vigorous cleaning.
Paints with semi-gloss finishes can be used to highlight architectural details. Some customers like the look of an eggshell finish on their walls and a semi-gloss paint on the doors, trims and baseboards.
High-gloss
Very high gloss paints reflect a lot of light. They are very shiny and can even create a “plastic” type look. They are sometimes used for exterior doors or trims. These highly reflective finishes are tough and stain resistant. They are easier to clean than paints with lower sheen. They do however create highly reflective surfaces that will cause imperfections to be more noticeable.