Painting is one of the most common home improvement projects that homeowners take on, but it can be difficult to know which sheen to use for each room. For instance, you don’t want to use a high-gloss paint in a bedroom or bathroom because it isn’t conducive to relaxation. To help homeowners make the best choice for their project, we have put together a paint sheen chart that explains the pros and cons of each sheen.
What is a Paint Sheen Chart?
A paint sheen chart is a helpful tool to have when choosing the best finish for your painting project. It gives you an overview of the different paint sheens available and their individual characteristics, so you can make an informed decision about which one to use for your particular application. Paint sheen is determined by how much light is reflected off a painted surface. From most reflective to least reflective, the sheens range from high-gloss to flat. Each of these finishes has its own benefits and drawbacks, depending on the environment and desired look. By understanding the differences between each sheen, you can make the best choice for your painting project.
Importance of knowing the different types of sheen
It is important to be aware of the different types of sheen available and their respective characteristics, as this can make a huge difference in the end result of your painting job. High-gloss sheens are highly reflective, making them great for areas that require frequent cleaning, such as kitchens and bathrooms. On the other hand, flat sheens are better suited to low-traffic areas , as they are less likely to pick up dirt and grime. Semi-gloss and satin sheens are great for doors, trim, cabinets, and other areas that may require frequent cleaning but are not exposed to a lot of moisture.
Why it is helpful to have a paint sheen chart
Having a paint sheen chart can be incredibly helpful when choosing the right finish for your home improvement project. It enables you to compare the different types of sheens and understand their individual characteristics so that you can make an informed decision about which one is best suited to your particular application. A paint sheen chart can also provide visual representations of each type of sheen, allowing you to better envision how it will look once applied.
Different Types of Sheen
Matte
Matte sheen is one of the least reflective options and provides a flat, non-shiny finish. It is great for walls that you don’t want to be too prominent in a room, as it can help to create a subtle background. Matte sheen also provides good coverage and hides any imperfections on the wall, making it an ideal choice for textured surfaces. Although matte sheen is quite durable, it can be more difficult to clean than other finishes.
Eggshell
Eggshell sheen is a popular choice for many home improvement projects, as it provides a soft and subtle finish with some light reflection. Eggshell is great for walls that you want to provide some depth to, as the slight sheen adds dimension and visual interest. It is also relatively easy to clean and maintain, making it a good choice for areas such as living rooms and hallways.
Satin
Satin sheen has more of a velvety shine than matte and is better suited to areas that require frequent cleaning. It is also great for highlighting trim or other architectural features, as it provides a subtle hint of gloss without being too reflective.
Semi-Gloss
Semi-gloss sheen is slightly more reflective than eggshell, making it a great choice for doors, trim, and cabinets. It is also more resistant to moisture and staining than other finishes, making it ideal for high-traffic areas such as kitchens and bathrooms.
High Gloss
High-gloss sheen is the most reflective finish available and provides a glossy, shiny look. It is great for creating a dramatic effect in areas that need to be frequently cleaned, such as kitchens and bathrooms. It is also highly resistant to moisture and staining, making it ideal for high-traffic areas. High-gloss finishes require more preparation than other sheens, as they can easily pick up dirt and grime if not properly prepped.
Characteristics of Each Sheen
Matte
Matte sheen is one of the least reflective options and provides a flat, non-shiny finish. It is great for walls that you don’t want to be too prominent in a room, as it can help to create a subtle background. Matte sheen also provides good coverage and hides any imperfections on the wall, making it an ideal choice for textured surfaces. Although matte sheen is quite durable, it can be more difficult to clean than other finishes.
Eggshell
Eggshell sheen is a popular choice for many home improvement projects, as it provides a soft and subtle finish with some light reflection. Eggshell is great for walls that you want to provide some depth to, as the slight sheen adds dimension and visual interest. It is also relatively easy to clean and maintain, making it a good choice for areas such as living rooms and hallways.
Satin
Satin sheen has more of a velvety shine than matte and is better suited to areas that require frequent cleaning. It is also great for highlighting trim or other architectural features, as it provides a subtle hint of gloss without being too reflective.
Semi-Gloss
Semi-gloss sheen is slightly more reflective than eggshell, making it a great choice for doors, trim, and cabinets. It provides a sleek and modern look while still offering good coverage and durability. Semi-gloss sheen is also more resistant to staining and grease than other finishes, making it ideal for areas such as kitchens and bathrooms. This finish can be easily wiped down, making it an ideal choice for busy areas.
High Gloss
High-gloss sheen is the most reflective finish available and provides a glossy, shiny look. It is great for creating a dramatic effect in areas that need to be frequently cleaned, such as kitchens and bathrooms. It is also highly resistant to moisture and staining, making it ideal for high-traffic areas. High-gloss finishes require more preparation than other sheens, as they can easily pick up dirt and grime if not properly prepped.
How to Choose the Right Sheen
Consider the room
When it comes to choosing the right paint sheen for your home, it is important to consider the room. Different rooms require different finishes as they are subject to different levels of wear and tear. For example, matte finish is ideal for bedrooms and living rooms, as these areas are not prone to moisture or high levels of activity. In contrast, semi-gloss and high-gloss finishes are more suited to areas such as kitchens and bathrooms, as they are more resistant to moisture and staining.
Think about the furniture
When selecting a paint sheen, it is also important to consider the furniture. If you have pieces with intricate details or carvings, it is best to opt for a lower sheen such as matte or eggshell so that the details don’t get lost in the reflection of the finish. If you have more modern, smoother pieces of furniture, then higher sheens such as semi-gloss or high-gloss may be more suitable.
Look at lighting
When selecting a paint sheen, it is also important to consider the lighting in the room. Different levels of light will affect how each finish looks, so it’s important to take this into account. High-gloss finishes can be quite reflective and may become too shiny when exposed to direct sunlight, making them unsuitable for rooms that have lots of natural light. On the other hand, matte finishes don’t reflect any light and may appear dull in areas that have low lighting.
Consider the type of paint
When selecting a paint sheen, it is also important to consider the type of paint being used. Latex paints typically have a more matte finish than oil-based paints, which are more likely to have a higher sheen. Oil-based paints can provide a glossy finish that is resistant to staining and moisture, making them suitable for areas such as kitchens and bathrooms. However, latex paints are more flexible and easier to work with, making them a better choice for most home improvement projects.
Conclusion
When selecting the right paint sheen for your home, it is important to consider the room, furniture, lighting and type of paint being used. Matte sheen is a great choice for bedrooms and living rooms as it provides good coverage without a glossy finish. Eggshell sheen has more of a velvety shine than matte and is better suited to areas that require frequent cleaning. Semi-gloss sheen is slightly more reflective than eggshell which makes it a great choice for doors, trim and cabinets. This finish can be easily wiped down and is more resistant to staining and grease, making it an ideal choice for busy areas such as kitchens and bathrooms.
A paint sheen chart can be an invaluable tool when it comes to selecting the right paint sheen. Paint sheen charts provide a comprehensive overview of the different types of paint sheens available, as well as the benefits and drawbacks of each finish. This makes it easier to compare and contrast different options and determine which one will be best suited for your particular needs. For example, a paint sheen chart can help you decide if a matte, eggshell, semi-gloss or high-gloss finish would be the most suitable for your home.
