When it comes to paint selection, color is generally the very first topic to leap to mind. There’s a good reason for that! It’s almost impossible to not get excited about a new look, or to resist diving deep into the sea of shades, hues, and (to be honest) very odd names. Who knew that green could be called something like Pistachio Sunrise? We made that up, but you get the point.
But before you grab the first can of Pistachio Sunrise that you can find, there’s one other aspect of your interior paint to keep in mind: the sheen.
What Does “Sheen” Mean?
Sheen simply refers to the level of gloss that a paint offers, ranging from flat to high-gloss. Flat paint is dull, most often finding a home on ceilings, while high-gloss is bright and reflective. Between these two extremes are a variety of options you can pick from. Let’s take a closer look below:
- Flat Paint – As we just mentioned, this is an option that is most often used for ceilings because it doesn’t steal the show away from the walls. It’s also important to know that it is easily smudged and marked; definitely not the kind of paint you would want for a high-traffic area.
- Satin, Eggshell, and Semi-Gloss – These three options are not all identical, but they offer a finish that is similar enough that we can group them for our purposes here. From satin to semi-gloss, they grow incrementally more reflective (brighter), and also more durable and resistant to damage.
- High-Gloss – This is a bright, reflective sheen that is incredibly durable, but also is not forgiving of any flaws in the wall. If you choose a high-gloss paint you need to be prepared for careful wall preparation in order to achieve a smooth, blemish-free look.
To sum it all up, it’s critical to match the needs and activity level of the space with the appropriate sheen. In kitchens and bathrooms, for example, a higher-gloss paint would be the right choice. Walls can be dried after a steamy shower and marinara splatters can be easily wiped away after a cooking project.
Have You Considered the Quality of Your Paint?
To learn more about whether or not it’s worthwhile to invest in more expensive interior paint, take a look at our recent article here.
Can We Help with Your Painting Project?
It would be a pleasure to bring our knowledge and experience to your home and help you make the perfect selection to fit your needs and style. Why not contact us today?