On top of deciding what color to use for a room, you must also decide what sheen to use. Fortunately this decision is very simple when you know the different types of sheens and which rooms they are best suited for.

Paints without a shine are usually referred to as flat or matte. These paints absorb light whereas paints with a semi-gloss or glossy sheen reflect light. Nearly every sheen can be used in any room of the house, but some are definitely better suited for different areas of the house, such as high-traffic versus low-traffic areas.

Here are some of the different types of sheens:

Flat or matte sheens provide a smooth elegant finish and are frequently used in new construction and on ceilings because they have high durability and hide flaws extremely well since they don’t reflect light.

Eggshell (or low-luster) finishes are so named because the appearance is similar to the surface of an egg. An eggshell finish typically appears soft and velvety. An eggshell finish is easier to wash than a flat finish and is more resistant to stains and scuffs.

Satin sheens provide a slightly more reflective surface and are excellent at resisting mildew, dirt and stains. Able to withstand cleaning and light scrubbing, satin finishes are frequently used in high-traffic and multi-purpose rooms. Satin finishes offer more depth and warmth to a room and are typically used in Living-rooms, Dining-rooms, Bedrooms and Foyers.

Semi-gloss or glossy sheens tend to show more dirt and imperfections, but they are also much easier to clean. They reflect light and can make a room brighter. Normally a semi-gloss sheen is used for Kitchens and Baths.

If you have any more questions, or if you would like to set up a consultation, give us a call at 209-634-1111.