Paint Sheen refers to the amount of light able to reflect from a surface measured by a percentage of gloss included in the paint.

Painting Sheen Guide:

Use this guide to explain the different paint sheens and help you determine which sheens to use for your painting projects.

Paint Sheen refers to the amount of light able to reflect from a surface measured by a percentage of gloss included in the paint.  Also referred to as “finishing type”. Generally, use flat, matte, or low gloss paints to create soft finishes that absorb light.  Eggshell, satin, and semi-gloss are most popular due to the fact that they keep a low shine, while also providing a more washable finish. High gloss paints are mostly used for accenting surfaces such as doors, trim, molding, and furniture.

See below for more specific information on paint sheens and their uses:

Flat/Matte

Common use: Ceilings. Can also be used in living rooms, dining rooms, family rooms, bedrooms and hallways, although not usually recommended for high traffic areas unless using a specialty matte that is extra durable. Many people prefer to use matte of flat finishes in a bedroom (not ideal for children).

Things to Consider: Flat/Matte provides a smooth, subtle finish. Flat finishes camouflage imperfections, making it an ideal finish for ceilings. Flat/Matte is ideal for low traffic areas because it holds dirt and is more difficult to clean. Rubbing it with cleanser may burnish the finish.  Flat/Matte diffuses light.

Eggshell/Low-Luster

Common use: living room, dining room, bedrooms, foyer, family room, hallways. Things to Consider: Eggshell offers an elegant low sheen finish. It is more washable than flat sheens.

Satin

Common use: family room, playroom, laundry room, kitchen, bathroom, dining room, bedroom, trim, shutter, doors. Common finish for both kitchens and bathrooms.

Things to Consider: Satin can be wiped clean and provides an elegant finish. It is ideal for higher traffic rooms and is extremely versatile.  Satin can be used both indoors and outdoors.

Semi-Gloss

Semi-Gloss can be scrubbed clean with ease. It reflects light and creates a shine. It is ideal for high traffic areas and is easy to wash.  May be used indoors and outdoors. Semi-Gloss is commonly found on trim, woodwork molding, cabinets, and doors.

Gloss- Can be scrubbed clean with ease and offers a smooth, high shine finish. Gloss provides too much shine to be used for interior walls. Gloss is idea for surfaces that require frequent washing. Gloss is not used as often on interior paints as semi-gloss is.