Your Guide to Interior Paint Sheens
Similar to finding the right colour for your walls, it is essential to choose a sheen that best suits the room. There is only one basic rule: the higher the sheen, the higher the shine and therefore the more durable your paint job. In between a flat paint (no shine) and a high gloss (all shine), there are other variants that have specific uses and effects.
Find the right sheen for your paint job:
High Gloss
The most impactful of all of the options, high gloss is the shiniest and most durable of all of the sheens. However, it is definitely an attention grabber and far too shiny for use on walls. High gloss is a great option for cupboards, trim, doors or furniture – anything that attracts scuffs and sticky fingers, but best if used sparingly.
Semi-Gloss
This sheen also works perfectly for high-traffic areas, as it is easy to clean and maintain in areas that typically take a lot of abuse. Think cupboards, trip, baseboards, doorframes, etc. The shine also highlights the decorative elements of your home.
Pearl or Satin
A pearl or satin sheen is a good wall paint for most rooms, including your kitchen, bathrooms, hallways or laundry areas. Easier to clean and maintain than eggshell and is slightly more water resistant. It provides a velvety, smooth finish, but does have a tendency to highlight any application flaws.
Eggshell
This sheen is perfect for walls with imperfections that you may want to minimize. However, because it is less durable, we recommend it for rooms that don’t get roughed up too much. Essentially it is a flat sheen with a little extra ‘eggshell-like’ luster.
Flat or Matte
The lack of sheen absorbs light rather than reflecting it, which makes it perfect for ceilings or a soft, subtle feel for bedrooms, dining rooms or living rooms. The biggest disadvantage of flat or matte sheens is that they are not very durable and cannot be cleaned easily.
Have other questions about choosing the right sheen for your paint job? We’d love to hear from you! You can reach us by emailing info@evolvepainting.ca or by calling us 780.993.9969.