How to Choose a Paint Sheen for Every Room
When painting, many homeowners get excited about the thousands of color options available. But, the sheen you choose can be just as important as the color. What sheen options are available? Why does sheen matter? What is the best paint finish for kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, or living space?
Painting your home should be fun and exciting, so don’t stress. Select a color you love and follow these top tips on how to choose a paint sheen for every room. Also, be sure to consult a sheen chart at your local paint store can help you visualize the differences between finishes and make an informed decision.
Introduction to Paint Sheen
When starting a painting project, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is choosing the right paint sheen. Paint sheen refers to the level of gloss or shine on a painted surface, and it can dramatically affect both the appearance and performance of your paint job. From the subtle elegance of flat paint to the striking shine of high gloss paint, each type of paint sheen offers unique benefits and is suited to different applications. Understanding the characteristics of semi gloss paint, satin paint, flat paint, and high gloss paint will help you select the best option for your space. Whether you’re painting walls, trim, or cabinets, knowing how different sheens interact with light and wear will ensure your finished project looks great and stands the test of time.
Paint Sheen Types
Paint sheens are differentiated by how shiny or glossy they are and each type of paint sheen offers unique benefits and is suited to different applications. The choice of sheen affects how light reflects off interior surfaces and can dramatically change the appearance of your interior paint. Here are the most common paint sheens you’ll encounter.
High-Gloss Paint
High-gloss is the shiniest option when it comes to paint sheens. A gloss finish provides a high shine that can make trim and details stand out. It is often used to highlight architectural features like wainscoting, details on a banister or railing, or even exterior features like columns. Glossy paint is also a popular choice for cabinetry and furniture due to its reflective qualities.
High-gloss sheens are also very durable and easy to clean. However, they aren’t very forgiving. In addition to highlighting the beautiful details of your home, they will also amplify any imperfections in your surface or in your paint job. High-gloss paints tend to show brush marks more easily, so careful paint application is crucial. This means they’ll look best with the help of a professional painter who pays lots of attention to detail. Professional painters often use oil based paint to achieve a smooth, blemish-free high-gloss finish.
Semi-Gloss Paint
Semi-gloss paints create a smooth finish that is bright and shiny, but not quite as shiny as high-gloss paints. This sheen is most commonly used in rooms with moisture and humidity, like bathrooms and kitchens. Like high-gloss sheens, semi-gloss sheens hold up to life’s messes and are easy to clean. Semi gloss finishes are especially valued for their ability to wipe clean, making them ideal for high traffic walls and interior doors.
Semi-gloss paint is also the go-to choice for baseboards, trim, casing, and any other finishing touches around floorboards, doors, and windows, and its stain resistant properties make it a practical option for these areas. Many semi-gloss paints also have dirt and scuff-resistant qualities making them a great choice for these areas. They also create a nice visual contrast between the trim and the wall when the well is using a flat, satin, or matte sheen.
Satin Paint/Eggshell
Satin and eggshell sheens are far less shiny than gloss finishes, but still have a tiny bit of shine to them. An eggshell finish offers a soft, subtle sheen that is low sheen reminiscent of matte surfaces but with added durability. They are the most popular choice for wall paint in homes because they are durable but also don’t show as many imperfections in the wall as gloss sheens do. Satin paint is known for its pearl like finish and soft sheen, making it a versatile option for various rooms.
Satin and eggshell sheens are ideal for bedrooms, living areas, hallways, dining rooms, and even vinyl siding. While most companies use satin and eggshell interchangeably, there are a few companies that still differentiate between the two. This can make learning how to choose a paint sheen even trickier. If you’re given the choice between satin and eggshell, satin is typically slightly shinier while eggshell is slightly more matte.
Flat/Matte
Flat and matte paints have no shine at all. A flat finish and matte finish are ideal for concealing surface imperfections because they do not reflect light. While they are the most forgiving to imperfections in the surface, they are also the most difficult to clean. For this reason, they are the standard finish for ceilings and low-traffic spaces, like a guest bedroom or formal living or sitting room.
Flat and matte sheens offer a unique look, and are sometimes recommended to get the most impact out of a deep, saturated wall color. Matte paint can provide a rich color and luxurious appearance. They are also used to create chalkboard wall surfaces that can be written on. Flat white is a popular choice for ceilings due to its non-reflective qualities.
Paint Sheen and Durability
The durability of your paint finish is closely linked to the sheen you choose. Higher gloss paints, such as semi gloss and high gloss paints, are formulated with more resins and binders, resulting in a tougher, more resilient surface. This makes them ideal for areas that see a lot of activity or require frequent cleaning, as they resist scuffs, stains, and moisture better than lower sheen options. On the other hand, flat paint and eggshell paint finishes are less reflective and tend to be more forgiving of wall imperfections, but they are also more susceptible to marks and may not hold up as well in high-traffic areas. It’s important to remember that the overall durability also depends on the quality of the paint and proper surface preparation. Choosing the right sheen for your needs will help ensure your painted surfaces remain beautiful and protected for years to come.
Paint Sheen & Maintenance
When it comes to keeping your walls and trim looking fresh, the sheen of your paint plays a big role in maintenance. Semi gloss paint and other higher gloss finishes are much easier to clean, as their smooth surfaces allow dirt, fingerprints, and stains to be wiped away with minimal effort. This makes semi gloss paint finish a popular choice for kitchens, bathrooms, and other spaces where messes are common. In contrast, flat paint and matte finishes tend to absorb stains and can be more challenging to clean without damaging the surface. If you want a low-maintenance option, especially for high-traffic or messy areas, opting for a higher gloss paint finish can save you time and effort in the long run.
Paint Sheen and Aesthetic Appeal
The visual impact of your paint finish is just as important as its practical benefits. Paint sheen can dramatically change the way a color looks and feels in a room. For example, an eggshell paint finish offers a soft glow that adds warmth and depth without being overly shiny, making it a favorite for living spaces and bedrooms. A semi gloss sheen brings a touch of elegance and can highlight architectural details, while high gloss paint creates a mirror like finish that reflects light and adds drama to accent walls or trim. On the other end of the spectrum, a flat sheen provides a modern, understated look that helps mask imperfections and creates a cozy, intimate atmosphere. By experimenting with different sheens, you can achieve the perfect balance of style and function for your home.
What is the Best Paint Sheen Type?
Selecting the best paint sheen type comes down to a combination of factors: the function of the room, the amount of traffic it receives, and your personal preference for style and maintenance. For high traffic areas like kitchens and bathrooms, a higher gloss paint such as semi gloss or high gloss is often the right paint sheen due to its durability and ease of cleaning. In living rooms, bedrooms, and other low traffic areas, a softer sheen like eggshell or flat can create a more relaxed and inviting atmosphere.
Ultimately, the best paint for your painting project is one that complements your space, stands up to daily use, and reflects your unique taste. By understanding the different types of paint sheens and considering your specific needs, you’ll be able to choose the perfect finish for every room in your home.
Ultimately, the best paint for your painting project is one that complements your space, stands up to daily use, and reflects your unique taste.
Choosing the Right Paint Sheen
Our top tip on how to choose a paint sheen is to think about the function and style of the room. The right sheen can make a big difference in your paint project, both in terms of achieving a durable finish and in how the same color can appear differently depending on the sheen you select. There is no one perfect paint sheen – but luckily we have five to choose from! Here are our picks for the best paint sheen type for every room, and remember that experimenting with different paint colors and sheens can help you find the perfect combination for your space.
Kitchens
For kitchens, we recommend semi-gloss or satin paints. Satin is a great choice as long as you have a backsplash surrounding surfaces that may be splattered by water or grease. If you don’t have a backsplash in these areas, we recommend a semi-gloss for better durability and easier cleaning. Semi-gloss finishes are ideal for areas that require frequent washing due to spills and splatters.
Bathrooms
Much like with kitchens, bathrooms are best suited to a semi-gloss or satin paint. Half baths produce far less moisture and are more suited to a satin finish. Satin paint can also be used in a full bath, but the paint job may not last as long. Semi-gloss finishes will be easier to wipe down (especially if you don’t have tile around your sink basins) and will last longer overall. Semi-gloss and satin paints are also valued for their stain resistant properties in bathroom environments.
Bedrooms
For bedrooms, the best sheen depends on the occupant. For a nursery or child’s bedroom, semi-gloss or satin sheen paint will make cleaning far easier and extend the life of your paint. When it comes to how to choose a paint sheen for a master or guest bedroom, the choice is yours! Most people opt for satin/eggshell, but don’t be afraid to go flat for a dark wall color. A matte finish is especially effective at hiding surface imperfections, making it a great choice for bedrooms where a smooth, uniform look is desired.
Living Areas
Much like with bedrooms, the activity in the room will decide the best sheen. The amount of natural light in your living area can influence how paint colors and sheens appear, so consider lighting conditions when making your selection. For a formal living room, the choice is yours from semi-gloss all the way down to flat. For a frequently used family room or playroom with kids in the house, semi-gloss or satin is your best bet.
Did your “quick weekend painting project” turn into a much larger undertaking? KBE can help. If you reside anywhere in central Pennsylvania, contact us for a free home remodel consultation.
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