How to Choose the Right Paint Sheen Level for Every Job

Paint sheen refers to the level of gloss, or shine, of paint once it dries. Sheen affects both the finish quality and durability of your painted surface. Higher levels of paint sheen, such as gloss and high-gloss, offer greater stain and moisture resistance, but they also highlight imperfections. Lower-sheen flat and matte paint finishes hide surface inconsistencies but are more difficult to clean.

In this guide, we explain the different paint sheen levels and where they work best. We also outline critical prep considerations and common mistakes DIY painters make when it comes to paint sheen selection and application.

Paint Sheen Levels Explained, From Flat to High Gloss

The paint sheen spectrum ranges from flat finish to high gloss, with flat being the least reflective.

Flat

Flat sheen paint is highly saturated with pigment and absorbs light instead of reflecting it. This makes it excellent for hiding imperfections and uneven surfaces. However, flat paints are not as durable as higher gloss finishes and may stain if exposed to moisture.

Matte

Matte paint is slightly more reflective than flat. It provides excellent coverage for surface imperfections and enough shine to make it washable. Dining rooms and living rooms with little traffic benefit from matte paint's saturation and smooth finish.

Velvet

Velvet paint provides a soft, rich appearance that is more durable and reflective than flat or matte paint. It is less shiny than eggshell, making it a luxurious, high-pigment option for low-traffic areas like bedrooms and living rooms.

Eggshell

Eggshell paints provide a balance between durability and coverage. They have a medium luster with more shine than matte paint. This makes them less prone to scuffing and scratches. Eggshell is the go-to option for interior wall paint in high-use rooms like children’s bedrooms and hallways.

Satin

Satin sheen is the best paint for exterior siding and high-use interior painted spaces like hallways and children’s rooms. It’s slightly more reflective than eggshell, which makes it more durable and easier to clean. Some satin paints come with pearlescent pigments, for a pearl sheen that provides added depth and dimension.

Semi-Gloss

Ideal for trim, baseboards, and moldings, semi-gloss paint offers a smooth, clean finish that resists scuffing. Easy-to-clean semi-gloss interior and soft-gloss exterior paints are reflective, so avoid using them on uneven surfaces.

High Gloss

High-gloss paint has the highest refractive index and reflectivity of all finishes. It’s not ideal for ceilings or walls but is great for accentuating cupboards, window trim, and bookshelves that see frequent use.

How Paint Sheen Affects Durability and Appearance

When selecting the right levels of sheen in paint for your space, consider your desired aesthetic and durability. High-gloss paints contain more binders, which creates a harder, less porous surface resistant to moisture and stains. As a result, high-gloss paints are more durable and easier to clean than their less reflective counterparts. Low-gloss paints are more porous, making them sensitive to moisture and scuffing.

Different Sheens for Different Light Levels

High-gloss and semi-gloss paints have a high refractive index and reflect a significant amount of light. These qualities can make your space feel brighter and larger. However, high reflectivity also highlights imperfections such as brush strokes and uneven textures.

Intermediate gloss sheen levels of paint, like satin and eggshell finishes, reflect some light, but not with the intensity of high-gloss paint. This helps them hide flaws while providing a comfortable glow in both high- and low- light settings.

Flat and matte finishes absorb light, which can disguise imperfections and create a cozy atmosphere in a brightly lit setting. In low light, though, the lack of reflection can make for a claustrophobic atmosphere.

Why Higher Sheen Shows More Surface Imperfections

As a general rule, the glossier your paint, the more you need to prep your surface. Higher sheen paints dry with a reflective surface that catches and scatters light, bringing attention to surface imperfections. Lower sheens are more forgiving of defects, so they typically require less prep.

If you decide to use high-sheen paint, you’ll need to thoroughly clean, sand, and prime the surface to prevent unsightly imperfections that can be magnified by the paint’s reflective finish.

Choosing the Right Paint Sheen by Surface Type

The best paint sheen for your situation also depends on the surface you’re painting. Here is a short summary of the best paint sheens for different surfaces:

• Low-traffic walls:  Matte or flat to provide a smooth, non-reflective finish
• High-traffic walls:  Eggshell or satin finish to balance smooth coverage with durable and washable surfaces
• Trim: Semi-gloss or high-gloss for durability and washability
• Doors: Semi-gloss or high-gloss for easy cleaning
• Cabinets: Semi-gloss or high-gloss for maximum durability and cleanliness
• Ceilings:  Flat and matte paint to absorb light and hide inconsistencies

When To Avoid or Embrace High-Gloss Finishes

High-gloss finishes perform well on smooth surfaces where high traffic causes risks of scuffing and dirt accumulation. They’re easy to clean and gracefully withstand significant wear and tear.

The biggest problem with high-gloss finishes is the way they highlight imperfections. If you have to repair or patch a wall, a high-gloss paint sheen can make the surface look messy and unprofessional.

Common Paint Sheen Mistakes That Ruin Finish Quality

When you repair a surface, the patching material may have a different porosity than the surrounding area. Even with a perfectly smooth surface, the different absorbency levels can result in variations in paint sheen, also called paint flashing.

Flashing and uneven reflectivity can happen for several reasons. Some of the most common paint sheen mistakes include:

• Using the wrong paint applicators
• Applying incorrect sanding techniques
• Failing to apply an appropriate primer
• Choosing the wrong paint for the environment or surface

While a flat or matte finish can hide numerous imperfections, many surfaces simply need a higher sheen level of paint for the sake of durability. You can still make any finish look professional with new paint applicators and appropriate surface preparation.

Making the Right Paint Sheen Choice on Every Job

Whether you are painting your bedroom ceiling or exterior siding, choosing the right levels of paint sheen is a major consideration. Pro-level tools help you prepare and paint any surface for a smooth, long-lasting finish you can be proud of. Visit Hyde Tools for professional-grade painting tools to make your project go smoothly.