Have you ever gone to the paint counter at your local hardware store and been asked, "what sheen do you want this paint in?" If you're like me, you give them a look like a deer in headlights. I'm here to help you replace that look with one of confidence the next time you are starting a paint project.
The most commonly used paint sheens used are flat, eggshell, satin, and semi-gloss. These 4 have been used in my house based on the traffic flow of each space. Lets take a look at each paint sheen and how they differ from each other.
Flat: a low sheen paint with a non-reflective finish that touches up well and hides minor surface imperfections. Flat paint should be used on walls and area that have bumps, scratches, or holes since this finish can easily conceal the blemishes. Its also best in low-traffic areas such as offices, formal dining spaces, and even accent walls.
Eggshell: the most commonly used type of paint which provides a low sheen and a soft smooth finish. An eggshell finish will reflect and bounce light throughout a room creating depth in a space. Eggshell is also very easy to clean if scuffs or kids drawing end up on the walls.
Satin: a very durable finish that is silky or velvety in appearance. A satin finish can used in high-traffic areas such as family rooms, hallways, kitchens, and bathrooms. Satin paint stands up well to scrubbing and regular cleaning. A satin finish, though easy to clean and wipe of marks, does highlight wall imperfections such as cracks, divots, and poorly patch areas.
Semi-Gloss: a very durable paint that is best used in rooms with frequent scrubbing and higher moisture. A semi-gloss sheen gives a room a shiny sleek appearance and is very reflective of light. Semi-gloss paint offers high resistance to moisture making is a great fit for higher humidity rooms such as bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms.
Primer: while primer is not a paint sheen, it is an important part of the painting. Primer is used as a base to even out to surface before you paint and will create a uniform area better for paint to adhere. Primer should be applied before you paint regardless of finish you chose.
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