How to Choose the Right Paint Sheen

So you have finally figured out your paint colors, but now you need to decide which sheen to use. This is just as important as choosing your paint color, not only for aesthetic purposes but also for function. Here’s the tricky part: the sheen that’s best aesthetically may not be what’s best functionally.

Let me start by explaining what paint sheen is. I get many comments on my paint color combination reels (the “What Colors Go with” ones) that ask, “What paint sheen is this?” So, the paint sheen doesn’t have anything to do with the color of the paint. The paint sheen is the level of glossiness of the paint finish. Sheens range from flat, no shine,  to high-gloss, which is very shiny. All of them have pros and cons, so let’s discuss.

Flat & Matte

Flat and matte paint sheens have no shine and absorb light. They are a great choice for walls with imperfections and will hide cracks or uneven surfaces. The issue is that they cannot be cleaned and definitely can not be scrubbed. I wipe matte walls with a dry microfiber cloth. Flat and matte paint sheens are best for ceilings, low-traffic rooms, and adult bedrooms.

Eggshell

Eggshell paint sheen is not matte or shiny; it’s somewhere in between. It reflects a little light, but it still hides some imperfections. You can wipe it down, but it can’t be scrubbed clean. Use in living rooms, bedrooms, and hallways, but it may not be durable enough for homes with children and/or pets.

Satin

Satin paint sheen is slightly shiny and it does reflect light. It can be used in regular traffic areas, is more durable than eggshell sheen, and is easier to clean. This makes it a good choice for “wet” areas, like kitchens and bathrooms, or spaces that require frequent cleaning, like family rooms, hallways, trim, etc. Since it does reflect light, the glossiness tends to highlight wall imperfections.  This is the finish that I use on cabinets, trim, doors & baseboards in my home.

Semi-gloss

Semi-gloss paint sheen has a noticeable shine and reflects light. It’s able to be washed, but its glossiness shows wall imperfections. It is often used for trim, cabinets, kitchens, and bathrooms. It can be used in bathrooms, kitchens, and other high-traffic areas. I do not use semi-gloss sheen on my cabinets or trim. I no longer use higher than a satin finish, but this is a personal preference and works for my situation; it doesn’t mean it works for yours.

Glossy / High-Gloss

This is the highest sheen and is SUPER shiny and reflective. It is not often used in “typical” homes as it shows the most imperfections. It is often used intentionally in design to highlight architectural details, but it isn’t easy to apply and achieve a flawless finish.

So, What Paint Sheens Do I Use in My Home?

Now that I have fully explained paint sheens and their characteristics, Pros and cons, durability, and some examples of rooms they are suitable for, I want to explain what sheens I use and why, as well as a couple of things I have learned along the way. I use flat or matte paint sheen for walls only, and I have kids and pets. So why do I do this? The main reason is aesthetics. I think it looks better. My house is old, and I have horsehair plaster walls that I have skim-coated & they are far from perfect. Matte paint hides all the imperfections. I use satin sheen on all trim, cabinets, baseboards, and kitchen and bathroom walls. Why? Again, I like it better. I never use semi-gloss or eggshell paint anymore, even though these were my go-to’s for years. My kids are 8 and 16, and they don’t touch the walls or trim that much. Also, I repaint often; it’s kind of my thing. So I don’t worry when the paint gets scuffed or stained.

What Paint Sheen for Dark or Black Paint?

Choosing sheens for a dark or black paint color is another whole ballgame. I don’t recommend using a sheen higher than eggshell for dark or black paint (on walls), and honestly, I wouldn’t even do that. YOU CAN use an eggshell or satin finish if budget is an issue; however, if you’re painting walls a very dark color, I recommend getting a specialty paint in a matte finish. Specialty paints, such as Benjamin Moore Scuff-X are scratch and scuff-resistant, so you still can have a durable finish with a matte look. These can be more expensive, so if you decide to use a dark paint color in a matte finish with regular paint, understand that every time you or someone touches the paint, there will be a white scuff mark. These can be removed with a dry microfiber cloth, which can get annoying. Also, know that if you go the eggshell or satin route, you will see light reflecting off the surface.

Lighting & Paint Sheens

You also have to consider lighting when choosing paint sheens. If a room gets a lot of natural light, a higher sheen, such as satin, can help reflect the light and make the room appear brighter. However, if a room has a ton of overhead light, a higher sheen can cause glares on the wall, and it would be better to have a paint sheen that absorbs light.

Final Notes

Ultimately, the paint sheen you choose will depend on your personal preference, the function of the spaces, and the level of durability needed. A home with kids and pets requires a more durable finish than a home with adults only. But here is the thing: I use matte or flat paint sheens on the walls and wouldn’t put anything higher than a satin finish on a wall. However, others may argue that they only use semi-gloss on kitchen and bathroom walls. I use satin for trim; others may argue they use only semi-gloss. You can use either. Figuring out the best paint sheen isn’t always easy, so don’t feel bad if you still can’t figure it out on your own. I am here to help if you need it & you can check out my consulting services here.

I am always happy to answer any questions you have about my blog posts & services. If you want to contact me directly, reach out at hello@justhaleyhomes.com.