Paint Sheens Explained
In addition to selecting a color
for paint, you must select a sheen. The sheen refers to the "shine" quality
of the paint or the gloss level. While choosing a sheen is partly a matter
of personal taste, there are some practical matters to consider.
Different sheens are appropriate for different areas of
your home. They are also a factor for problem areas. We'll explain that
below where we describe the different sheens and their applications.
Flat - has no shine to it at all. Flat
paint has a chalky appearance. It is commonly used on ceilings and walls.
Its advantage is that it helps to hide the appearance
of flaws in surfaces such as drywall tape lines, dips and bulges. Ceilings
are a large, highly visible expanse
where flaws are easily noticed. Flat paint is not very washable, it
tends to trap dirt. However, in low traffic areas, like ceilings, that
isn't a problem. Scrubbing flat paint tends to cause a slight sheen to
develop, making it stand out from the surrounding area. However, flat
paint is the easiest to touch-up because there is no sheen to highlight
the new paint.
Eggshell - is one step up from flat paint
and is the most popular selection for wall paint. It gets its name from
its similar sheen to an eggshell. It is very slightly shiny, but still
fairly flat in its appearance. It is more washable than flat, and good
choice for family rooms and hallways.
Satin - has a very soft shine to it. The
sheen can be seen but it does not reflect glaring light. It is
scrubable and an excellent choice for any room, kid's rooms and exterior
walls.
Semi-Gloss - this sheen has a visible
shine. This is a very durable finish that is easy to clean. It is ideal
for high traffic areas, doors and trim. The durability of the sheen also
make it a good choice for moist areas like kitchens, baths and laundry
rooms. As opposed to flat paint, this sheen highlights flaws.
For exterior use, it is the most common choice for painting trim, doors
and shutters.
Gloss - is the shiniest finish giving
off a "wet" appearance. It is extremely durable and easy to clean. It
does highlight flaws. It is most commonly used for interior trim and
cabinets.
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