Finish Strong: Tips for Choosing the Best Paint Finish and Why

A fresh coat of paint is a powerful way to transform your living space, breathing new life into your home. However the journey to a perfectly painted room does not end with choosing the perfect paint color; it extends equally to choosing the right finish sheen. Sheen has the the ability to give a wall depth, make it feel soft, bold, or even disappear. Sheen will not only impact the aesthetic appeal of your walls, but also their functionality and maintenance requirements. Let's take a look.

What Are the Finish Sheen Categories?

• Flat category (flat, matte): Paint surface that creates no to very low reflectance when dry.

• Satin category (low gloss, low sheen, high sheen, eg-shell, low luster, velvet): Paint surface that creates a low to medium reflectance when dry.

• Semi-gloss category (semi-gloss, pearl, medium luster): Paint surface that creates a medium to low-high reflectance when dry.

• Gloss category (gloss, high gloss): Paint surface that creates a high reflectance when dry.

Below are three samples that have been painted with the same color (Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black). Notice how, despite being identical in color, they don't appear to be the same shade of black. This is a good example of how the sheen finish can make a piece look soft or bold.

Reasons To Choose A Lower Sheen:

Across the paint industry, gloss and sheen are measured by reflecting light off specific angles. The amount of light the paint reflects determines the level of sheen or gloss. This means that when choosing a sheen for a room, it is crucial to consider the type of light the room receives and at what angle that light is shining. For example, in a living room with tall walls, the windows may receive abundant sunlight at an angle that exposes imperfections on the perpendicular walls. In this case, you may opt for a soft matte finish. A matte finish paint will give the walls a soft velvet look, making them appear smooth and even. Additionally, a matte finish can provide depth to a wall, making it an excellent choice for darker colors.

Reasons To Choose A Higher Sheen:

So, you might be thinking, "Why not paint all my walls with a matte finish paint?" Well, apart from deciding on the aesthetic look of the paint, it is also important to factor in the durability of the paint. Generally speaking, the higher the sheen, the more washable and mar-resistant the paint will be. Flat paints are more porous, which means they don't hold up well to moisture and high-traffic areas. Therefore, deciding to go with a satin or eggshell finish in a bathroom is a good choice. The satin eggshell finish provides adequate protection against high humidity levels while maintaining an aesthetically pleasing look. You can also add dimension to a room by painting the woodwork, cabinetry, or an accent wall with a high-sheen paint.

So What Sheen is Best?

Matte, eggshell, and satin are the most common and recommended choices for interior walls. For woodwork and doors, satin and semi-gloss are the most favorable options. For ceilings, the most popular choice is flat. Ultimately, these are suggestions, and understanding the practical use and lifestyle of the space will determine the main priority, whether it's easy regular touch-ups or long-term durability. Your personal aesthetic preferences may override these considerations, given that the sheen of the paint will ultimately affect how the color presents itself in the room.

Take Aways

1. Flat/Matte Finish:

• Characteristics: Low sheen, hides imperfections, ideal for ceilings and low-traffic areas.

• Best Applications: Bedrooms, living rooms, ceilings.

2. Eggshell Finish:

• Characteristics: Slight sheen, easier to clean, suitable for moderate-traffic areas.

• Best Applications: Bathrooms, Kitchens, dining rooms, hallways.

3. Satin Finish:

• Characteristics: Low to moderate sheen, durable, washable, reflects some light.

• Best Applications: Kitchens, bathrooms, trim, high-traffic areas.

4. Semi-Gloss Finish:

• Characteristics: High sheen, very durable, easy to clean, reflects a lot of light.

• Best Applications: Trim, doors, cabinets, high-moisture areas.

5. Gloss Finish:

• Characteristics: Shiny, highly durable, reflects a significant amount of light.

• Best Applications: Accent pieces, furniture, doors (for a bold statement).