Choosing the Right Paint Sheen Type for Every Room

If you’ve ever tried to buy paint before, chances are you were overwhelmed by the sheer number of colors and sheens. Once you finally pick a color, you then have to decide on a paint finish.

It’s actually a pretty important decision that depends on what room you are painting.

Keep reading for a paint sheen guide for your interior painting job.

Paint Sheen Guide: How Do You Choose?

Before you decide on the paint sheen, consider the type of paint you are buying. High-quality paint will generally cost a little more but has better coverage and you will usually end up using less of it. Good quality brushes also can make the process easier and make your paint job look great.

Flat or Matte

Flat paints (also called matte paints) have the least amount of shine, so they reflect the least amount of light. They give you a softer look in your home and you almost always find flat paint on your ceiling.

It will also work in bedrooms and offices. It’s not good for areas where there is moisture, such as bathrooms, or high traffic areas, as it is difficult to clean walls painted with flat paint.

If you have a rough surface or an area with imperfections, flat paint can be a good choice, as it can easily cover those surfaces or imperfections.

Eggshell or Satin

Eggshell and satin paint both have the same qualities, although different paint manufacturers use eggshell to describe them while others use satin.

These sheens reflect more light and have a very subtle pearl-like sheen. They gives a smooth finish with a hint of gloss. It’s a great choice for bedrooms, kitchens, and hallways, as it is easy to clean and also works well in bathrooms and other rooms that might have moisture.

These paint sheens tend to be the most common paint used in homes in Calgary.

Semi-Gloss

Areas where there is a lot of traffic or moisture, bedrooms, hallways, kitchens, and bathrooms often benefit from paint with a glossier finish. Semi-gloss paint is durable and washable and is resistant to moisture.

One downside is that glossier paint often shows imperfections, so keep that in mind when making a decision on paint sheen. Other areas where semi-gloss paint is a good option are trim and doors and kitchen cupboards or bathroom vanities in need of a face-lift.

Gloss

Glossy paints have the most durable and shiny finish. Any imperfections on your wall will stand out, so don’t use a glossy paint on walls with many indentations or other marks.

This type of paint is best for windows, trim, and doors, and door casings as it is easy to clean. Doors and door casings often get covered in hand and fingerprints, so its necessary to have a paint finish that will clean up easily.

The Bottom Line

This paint sheen guide should provide you with the basic information to make a decision on what type of paint is best for your project.

If you are still struggling with choosing the right paint sheen, get in touch with us today. We are experts in residential and commercial interior painting in Calgary and can point you in the right direction.