What is the difference between paint sheens? How to select what sheen to use?
Main Interior Paint Sheens
- Flat/Matte — 0–5% reflectance. No shine, hides wall imperfections best (bumps, textures, poor prep), rich/deep color look. Least durable, hard to clean (stains set in), not scrubbable. Best for low-traffic, adult-only spaces.
- Eggshell — Low sheen (~10–25%). Velvety/soft glow (like an eggshell). Good balance: hides flaws reasonably well, more durable/washable than flat, subtle elegance. Very popular for walls.
- Satin — Medium sheen (~25–35%). Smooth, slight pearl-like luster. Highly durable, easy to wipe clean, resists scuffs/stains. Reflects more light (brightens rooms), but shows imperfections more than eggshell.
- Semi-Gloss — Higher sheen (~35–70%). Noticeable shine, very durable, moisture/mildew-resistant, wipes clean easily. Highlights flaws (needs smooth surfaces). Common for trim/doors.
- High-Gloss — Highest shine (70%+). Glass-like, ultra-durable, bold/reflective. Shows every imperfection dramatically. Mostly for accents, cabinets, or statement pieces.
Key Trade-Offs:
- Lower sheen → Better at hiding flaws + more saturated/rich color → Less durable/cleanable.
- Higher sheen → More durable/washable + brighter/room-enhancing → Shows imperfections more + can feel “busy” in large areas.
- Lighting matters: Shiny finishes reflect more (great in dark rooms, overwhelming in bright ones). Test samples on your walls under your actual lighting—colors/sheens change dramatically when dry.
