You’ve been wanting to tackle that project in the kitchen or the bedroom for months now and you’ve finally found the right color for your room. So what sheen should you go with for the kitchen? The bedroom? Does it even matter?
Yes, the sheen of the paint can make a huge difference in your room or project! So here’s a quick guide to picking the right color for your next project.
Paints are available in a number of different sheens. Before you select the sheen that you will use for your room, it’s important to understand the qualities that each one has to offer.
Paints without a shine or sheen are referred to as flat or matte finishes. They diffuse the light reflecting off the paint– that is, the light bounces off the paint in many different directions, with little or no shine. A semi-gloss or glossy sheen reflects light more directly, much as a mirror reflects light, which will create a slight shine off the surface.
Nearly every sheen can be used in any room of the house, but some are better suited for high-traffic areas than others. If the sheen you want falls somewhere in-between two styles, you can always mix them together to find a finish that falls somewhere in the middle.
No- and low-gloss sheens (flat, matte, and eggshell)
A flat, or matte finish is frequently used in new construction and on ceilings because it hides flaws extremely well. Because it doesn’t reflect light directly, imperfections in walls and ceilings are much less noticeable. Flat finishes are ideal for use on new drywall that has an imperfect taping job or where a porous joint compound has been applied.
Eggshell, or low-luster, finishes are so named because the slight sheen they provide is similar in appearance to the surface of an egg. This slight sheen creates a soft, velvety finish. Satin sheens provide a slightly more reflective surface and are excellent at resisting mildew, dirt and stains, making them better suited to more frequently used rooms. They can withstand cleaning and light scrubbing better than flat or eggshell finishes.
Flat/matte paint provides a smooth, elegant finish
Flat sheens tend to absorb dirt and may be somewhat difficult to clean
Keep extra paint on hand to touch up nicks and scratches in flat sheens
Eggshell finishes are easier to wash than flat finishes and resist stains and scuffs
Eggshell and satin finishes offer more depth and warmth
Satin finishes can withstand moisture, making them ideal for kitchens and bathrooms
Semi-gloss and glossy sheens
Unlike lower-gloss sheens, semi-gloss and glossy sheens create a bright, shiny look. They are both durable and aesthetically pleasing. Glossy sheens do, however, show nearly every imperfection in a wall or ceiling’s surface, meaning it’s best to use them on walls with unmarred surfaces.
Semi-gloss finishes offer high resistance to moisture, though they may suffer a little from sticking. High-gloss sheens are brilliant, reflective finishes that are ideal for highlighting trim, railings, shutters, and molding. Glossier finishes may be used on ceilings, but be sure the ceiling has no imperfections prior to applying.
Sheens with higher glosses brighten rooms
Semi-gloss and glossy sheens can be scrubbed and are easy to clean
Both sheens require more prep work and sanding to ensure smooth application
Semi-gloss sheens may be used in kitchens and bathrooms
Glossy sheens provide a look similar to plastic or enamel