Selecting the appropriate sheen for a paint job is often a trivial decision, but it makes a difference in how a room looks, feels and is used throughout the day. Applying a good finish can help the wall to be easier to clean and can cover up small mistakes or give it a soft illumination. The incorrect one could create marks or get worn out too rapidly. This guide from Paul’s Ideal Painting LLC breaks down the sheen options available so you can choose the right finish whether you’re working on a living room, kitchen, or bedroom as part of your interior painting project.
Paint Finish Guide: Choosing the Best Sheen for Every Room
The ideal paint sheen will vary for each room, based on the lighting, the type of wall, the usage of the room and how it needs to be cleaned. Before you open that paint can, it helps to walk through a few practical factors, and pairing this with a broader look at interior and exterior painting ideas can give you a fuller picture of how sheen fits into your overall color plan.
Flat Finish for Low Traffic Spaces
Flat paint is nearly non-reflective and provides a soothing look on the walls. It is good in bedrooms, ceilings, and formal rooms where walls are relatively clean. It also conceals small bumps and rough patches and will make older walls appear to have a shiny finish.
Surface Finishes: Matte Finish for Soft Style
Matte paint gives slightly more longevity than flat paint, and maintains an elegant, soft appearance. It is perfect for bedrooms, dining rooms and living rooms. If you want a relaxed, well finished room in a rich color without any shine, matte is a comfortable middle ground, and you can see how different color choices play with this finish in our breakdown of how to choose residential painting colors.
Eggshell for Everyday Rooms
Eggshell is a subtle sheen and is easier to take care of than either a flat or matte finish. It’s used in living rooms, hallways and bedrooms. The small sheen also helps keep walls easier to wipe down when fingerprints, dust or small marks drop on the walls on a regular basis, which is one of the practical tips we cover in our interior painting tips from an expert.
Satin for Busy Places
Satin paint is smooth and easy to clean, making it ideal for use in areas of the home where there is a lot of foot traffic. Use in kitchens, bathrooms, hallways and family rooms. It has a soft shine, which reflects light and provides a clean look without being too shiny or distracting.
Semi Gloss As Moisturizing
Semi gloss paint is shiny and very moisture resistant and can tolerate regular cleaning. It is beneficial for cutting, doors, cabinets, bathrooms and kitchen spaces. It reflects light and can emphasize any imperfections in your walls, so it’s important to prepare the surface carefully before you start painting. If your walls have holes, cracks, or water damage that need attention before painting, our drywall repair services can get the surface ready first.
High Gloss for Detail Work
High gloss paint is a very durable and easy to clean, high impact, reflective finish. Small details are better than large walls. Apply it on doors, trim, furniture or accent pieces when you are looking for a beautiful look.
Match the Sheen With the Lighting
The appearance of a sheen may vary during the day depending on the lighting in the room. Glossy surfaces can look brighter in natural light and can show reflections at nighttime when lit. Try the finish on the wall surface before using. Watch it during the morning, afternoon, and evening before your final decision. Especially since this varies room to room, something our team walks clients through during exterior painting and interior projects alike.
Consider Wall Condition
A ‘sheen’ should be determined by the condition of the wall. A shiny finish can highlight any dents, patches, and rough surfaces and areas. Flat or matte paint can make for a more forgiving wall if there are apparent problems to be seen. If you are aiming for a smoother wall that can support a higher sheen, addressing damage beforehand through residential drywall repair is worth doing first.
Consider What Cleaning Is Required
Realistically consider how clean each room is. A quiet room might require very little wiping, whereas a kitchen wall might need some grease and splashes removed. Select a washable sheen for high-traffic areas and use a low sheen finish in other, more low-key areas.
Conclusion
It’s easier to pick the best paint sheen when you consider how it will perform, not how it looks. Before making a decision, think about the condition of the walls, traffic, lighting, and cleanliness of the area. A soft matte would be suitable for a bedroom, whereas a satin or semi gloss would be perfect for a kitchen. If in doubt, test a small area first to see how it will turn out before committing. Whether you are planning a full room refresh or need help prepping walls before painting, you can contact our team for guidance on the right sheen and finish for your space.
FAQs
Does paint sheen make a room look different?
Yes, sheen has an impact on the light reflection, color depth and feel of walls.
What is the best sheen for kid’s rooms?
This is because satin is practical as it is durable and easy to clean up any messes.
Does the sheen of paint influence drying time in the home?
Typically, drying time is more related to the type of paint, temperature, humidity and air flow.
Are more than one sheen possible and can they be used creatively together?
Absolutely! Sheens can be used to add contrast to walls, trim, doors and accents.
However, should ceilings always be painted flat?
While not always, flat finishes will minimize glare and give ceilings a smooth appearance.
