Different Kinds of Paint Sheen

Are you looking to paint your home and unsure where to start?

While picking your color scheme can be overwhelming, so can understanding the different paint finishes.

If you are like most people, you may have yet to realize that there is more than one kind of paint sheen. In fact, there are five main types of interior paint sheens to choose from when painting a room. 

Knowing the different kinds of paint sheen and their purpose is essential when painting your home.

Don’t worry; we will explain the different kinds of paint sheens and the uses for each. By the end of this article, you will be a paint sheen expert!

When painting the interior of your home, you can choose between five different kinds of paint finishes. 

The paint finish you would pick depends on the room you are painting and the intended use for each room.

For example, some paints are better on smooth walls, while others are easier to clean or great for hiding imperfections.

Paint Sheen #1: Matte

Matte is the type of paint sheen that does not have any shine to the finish.

Matte Sheen is good for hiding imperfections on walls and ceilings and tends to offer a great depth of color.

A Matte finish can be challenging to clean, so it is best to use it in low-traffic areas. 

Low-traffic areas minimize dirt or residue getting added to the wall. 

Thus, making the matte finish an excellent choice for Dining Rooms, Home Offices, Exercise Rooms, or Home Theaters.

Paint Sheen #2: Eggshell

Eggshell finishes are easier to paint since eggshell sheen can cover more space with a single coat than its counterpart, the Matte finish. 

The eggshell sheen also reduces light glares and reflections on the walls. 

Eggshell sheen is great for hiding imperfections and is easier to wash than Matte. Eggshell sheen is good at hiding imperfections while easily washable, making it a perfect selection for highly trafficked areas. 

High-trafficked areas include Living Rooms, Bedrooms, and Dining Rooms.

Paint Sheen #3: Satin

Satin is best used on smooth walls or surfaces and features a low-luster appearance. 

The Satin sheen can cover more space than the Matte while adding some shine to the walls.

Satin is great for high-trafficked areas where you want to add a shiny gloss to the wall. 

It is easier to wash a Satin Finish than an Eggshell Finish or Matte finish. Furthermore, Satin is great for scrubbing gunk off the wall without damaging the paint job.

The major downfall of Satin is that it will highlight any imperfections on the walls. 

Therefore, there are better choices if wanting to hide a poor patch job or dents or dings on the wall.

Paint Sheen #4: Semi-Gloss

Semi-Gloss is an excellent choice for painting the interior and exterior of homes. 

Semi-Gloss has a decadent shine once dried, causing it to show more imperfections. Semi-Gloss tends to be easily washable, making it perfect for bathrooms and kitchens. 

Semi-Gloss tends to be more expensive because of its durability and resistance to stains, dust, and dirt.

Paint Sheen #5: High-Gloss

High-Gloss is just that, has high-gloss making it shiny and tends to reflect light from doors and windows. 

High-Gloss is commonly used on trim and crown molding. High-loss is slower to dry.  However, High-Gloss is the toughest and most durable of all sheens.

We hope this helps you find the correct paint finish for the interior of your home so your DIY project can look fantastic.

Full List of The Different Kinds of Paint Sheen

Paint Sheen #1: Matte
Paint Sheen #2: Eggshell
Paint Sheen #3: Satin
Paint Sheen #4: Semi-Gloss
Paint Sheen #5: High-Gloss

About Author, Meho Besic
Guest Writer, Amora V Lifestyle
Husband, Explorer & Adventurer 

Meho is a contributor to Amora V Lifestyle, where he takes his knowledge from owning Certified Painting Professionals and shares it with the world.

Meho is passionate about his family and, when not working, exploring the great outdoors! Meho loves nature and never turns down a great adventure.

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