Understanding Paint Sheens and What Works Best for Your Home
Choosing the right paint for your home’s interior involves more than just picking a color. To get the best life out of a paint job, homeowners should consider which sheen of paint will work best on walls, cabinets, trim and molding.
Take into account the different types of sheens and what works best for different purposes, and you’ll have better results in the long run.
Popular Paint Sheen Options
Flat (Matte)
Flat paint is the least reflective sheen. While it helps to hide imperfections in walls and ceilings, it can be difficult to clean, so use in a kitchen or bath is not recommended. With its velvety texture and great depth of color, flat paints are generally considered the standard sheen for walls in bedrooms and common areas.
Eggshell or Satin
Most often considered the go-to sheen for homeowners, these paints are frequently used in demanding environments like kitchens, bathrooms, mudrooms, and children’s playrooms. Clean-up is easier for these durable sheens, and they don’t project a highly reflective glossy finish. While satin sheen is slightly glossier than eggshell, both have small reflectivity and have proven popular with homeowners. These are our most chosen paint sheens for remodeling from walls to cabinetry to doors.
Semi-Gloss and Gloss
Both semi-gloss and gloss paints are the most reflective sheens. Highly durable and able to stand up to multiple cleanings, these sheens can make a statement, but also highlight imperfections and edges. We recommend that semi-gloss is the most glossy sheen that you would use on cabinets, while gloss is traditionally used sparingly or limited to trim.
If you’re planning a remodel, give us a call at 678-450-1700. As a comprehensive design-build firm, we will evaluate your ideas and needs including choosing the paint sheens and colors that helps you live better in your home.
