Paint Finishes
Paint sheen refers to how shiny or matte paint looks when it’s dry. There are five basic sheens :
- Matte paint, also known as flat, is the standard for most walls as it has a velvety texture and the least amount of sheen. This sheen hides imperfections well and the painted surface creates very little glare. However, walls with this finish can be difficult to wash.
- Eggshell paint has a moderate amount of sheen so it hides imperfections and produces relatively little glare. This durable paint is also fairly washable and is the best choice for walls in high-trafficked areas such as your living room or bathroom.
- Satin paint is similar to eggshell but slightly more glossy. Some manufacturers offer satin in place of eggshell while others offer both.
- Semi-gloss paint is used in kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and similar areas that need the high washability and moisture-resistance of glossier paint.
- Gloss paint is traditionally used on trim, doors, and cabinets because of its durability and easy-to-wash surface. Its high-gloss finish also reflects a lot of light, which makes small but detailed elements pop with color.
