Choosing a Paint Sheen
While choosing a paint sheen is not hard, it depends on what you like. Right?
Well, the paint sheen has a dramatic effect on the look and feel of any interior room or exterior surface. Although you might want to choose a paintsheenbased on the look alone, there are some general guidelines that can affect your PaintSheen decision.
Though the amount of gloss can and does have an enormous effect on both appearance and performance of the paint.The effects can go well beyond the general appearance. The sheen of the paint can change 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 or gloss sheen.
While evaluating a color's appearance, you should also judge the effect of your preferred paint sheen.
So, what is a Sheen and how do I choose one?
Sheen is a measurement of a finishes gloss or shininess. Paint sheensrange from dead flat to high gloss. Names can vary frommanufacturer to manufacturer, but typically there are four categories.
Here is why you need to consider a sheen wisely.
First there is Flat or Matte Paint
This is our second most popular sheen chosen by our customers for walls.
Flatpaint is primarily used on ceilings and walls in main living areas.
Flat may also be called a "matte" finish. This is least reflective and is the most forgiving by not showing minor wall imperfections as bad as a paint, with a higher sheen. Be advised many top-quality flats still have a slight sheen when two coats are applied. Flat paints tend to hide minor surface imperfections, including scratches and small dents, better than other sheens, plus they have the greatest hiding capability, allowing for fewer coats of paint.
Flat paint is the best choice for most, if not all, interior ceilings. But not all flats are suitable for ceilings. You don't need a washable paint on most ceilings! All ceilingshave imperfections to some degree, and using a dead flat paint ishighly recommended, like Sherwin WilliamsEminence High Performance Ceiling Paint.
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While quality flat paints are very washable, they may be susceptible to damage from constant exposure to high humidity and water. But Benjamin Moore'sAura®Bath and Spa Paint works well.
Next is Eggshell or Satin or Low Luster
This has become the most popular sheen for walls chosen by our customers.
Both eggshell and satin (Low Luster) paint have slightly more sheen than flat. This is often referred to as a moderate paint sheen level. Eggshell usually has a lower sheen than a satin paint, but some paint companies do not have it in all their products. They can also convey warmth to trim without being excessively shiny. This is the best choiceon trim, where it is not in perfect shape, as not to show imperfections as bad.
While both satin and eggshell paint sheens can be excellent choices for some interior walls. Satin paints have better stain resistance than mosteggshell and flat paints. They resist dirt more and can be scrubbed more vigorously. They are a goodchoicefor 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 work, because it more readily sheds water and resists the effects of the sun compared to flat.
Semi-Gloss
This sheen is mostly used for woodwork
Very few of our customers choose this sheen for walls.
Semi-Gloss is a higher sheen than eggshell or satin finishes. Semi-gloss paints are even more resistant to dirt and scuff marks, plus it is easier to clean. Traditionally used in kitchens, bathrooms and on trim, windows and doors, or any area that requires regular vigorous cleaning, will benefit from using a semi-gloss paint.
Gloss and High Gloss
Gloss or high gloss is seldom asked for by any of our customers.
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 highly noticeable, and it will be exaggerated. Gloss paint can be applied to the same areas as semi-gloss paint. This type of paint will produce a "plastic" coated look onsmooth trim and doors. It requires a huge amount of prep work to look good.
