Types of Paint Sheen

Types of Paint Sheen Quick List

Here are the 6 types of paint sheen finishes for your interior:

• Satin
• Semi Gloss
• Eggshell
• High Gloss
• Flat/Matte

Types of Paint Sheen : What are the Different Types of Paint Sheen Explained

Satin

Satin paint offers a soft, low-sheen finish that strikes a nice balance between flat and glossy. It doesn’t reflect too much light, which makes it an excellent choice for spaces where you want a smooth, even look without the shine of semi-gloss or high-gloss finishes.

This finish is ideal for rooms that get a lot of natural light like hallways, bedrooms, and ceilings, because it won’t create harsh glares the way glossier paints can. Satin paint has a velvety texture that helps conceal surface flaws such as patch jobs, nail holes, or slight wall unevenness.

If your walls have imperfections you’d rather not spotlight, satin helps them fade into the background.

Cleaning satin-painted surfaces is fairly simple; just use warm water and a bit of dish soap. However, it’s not as scrub-resistant as semi-gloss or high-gloss paints, so take it easy. Use a soft sponge and avoid scrubbing too hard; pressing too much can leave marks or dull the finish.

In short, satin paint is a go-to for anyone looking to create a clean, polished feel without the reflectivity of glossier sheens.

Semi Gloss

Semi-gloss has a shiny, light-reflective finish that makes surfaces look bright and crisp; but it also highlights imperfections like uneven patches or dents in the wall. Because of its glossy surface, semi-gloss is more durable and much easier to clean than satin, making it ideal for high-traffic areas.

It’s especially well-suited for trim work like baseboards, doors, window casings, and even bathroom vanities. These spots take a lot of wear and tear, and semi-gloss holds up beautifully. For exteriors, it offers extra durability against the elements; rain, sun, wind, you name it. Plus, it makes cleaning a breeze.

You’re not going to want to use this finish for spraying paint on your walls though.   Semi gloss will show more random imperfections on your walls, which doesn’t look very professional. If you plan on using semi gloss you will have to spend more time preparing your walls and removing imperfections.

Semi gloss is between eggshell and gloss paint.  It dries with a sheen that reflects light and looks shiny.  I find it looks cleaner and adds a touch of class to a room.  This paint finish will draw the eye to the area and brighten up the room.   

Industry standard lists its’ paint sheen at anywhere from 20 to 59%. 

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Semi gloss paint is a bit easier to clean than satin paint.  That’s why we recommend it for high moisture and trafficked areas like your kitchen or bathroom even trim, doors, and closet doors.   

You can wipe the grease and hand prints right off semi gloss without too much issue.  

Using a soft cloth or sponge, add a small amount of dish soap to hot water and rub your problem area until gone.    

If that doesn’t work you can try a solution of 1 gallon cold water and 2 cups of ammonia.  Ammonia is toxic so use a respirator, latex gloves and ventilate your room.  

Eggshell

An eggshell paint finish is exactly that.  When you look at an eggshell, the surface is not shiny and doesn’t reflect light.  Eggshell paint has an approx 5-19% sheen to it so it looks flat or low luster.  

As eggshell paint dries on your surface, it leaves behind a smooth, matte (non shiny) finish.

Because eggshell paint isn’t very durable, you’ll need to take care when cleaning the surface.   

You can’t scrub hard or use abrasive cleaners or you’ll end up with discolored and faded areas. 

Best to use all natural solution such as hot water and vinegar with a soft clean cloth.  You can also try hot water with a small amount of dish soap. 

Use your judgement, but you might want to just retouch the problem area and call it a day. 

High Gloss

High gloss paint delivers a super shiny, reflective finish that really pops. It’s packed with binders and resins that make it tough, durable, and resistant to scratches, scuffs, and stains. This makes it perfect for doors, trim, cabinets, furniture, and even metal surfaces where you want extra protection against rust and wear.

One of the biggest perks of high gloss is how easy it is to clean—just soap and water, no fuss—unlike more porous finishes like eggshell or satin. The glossy surface also adds a sleek, modern vibe to your space.

That said, high gloss can be a bit unforgiving; it tends to highlight any bumps, dents, or uneven spots on your walls or ceilings. So, prep and application need to be spot-on to get that flawless, mirror-like finish.

Flat/Matte

Flat paint, also known as matte paint, is a type of paint that has a very low sheen or gloss level. It has a smooth, velvety finish that absorbs light rather than reflecting it, which gives it a soft and subtle look.

Flat paint is ideal for covering walls and ceilings in areas where high durability is not required, such as bedrooms, living rooms, and dining rooms.

However, because flat paint has a porous surface, it can be more difficult to clean than other paint sheens and can show marks or stains more easily. We prefer to use flat on ceilings only, or an eggshell because those areas are not trafficked and won’t need more than a dusting to clean them.

Flat paint is also not recommended for high-moisture areas, such as bathrooms and kitchens, because it’s more prone to mold and mildew growth due to it’s porous surface.

It’s important to note that some brands offer flat paint with added durability and washability, making it suitable for certain high-traffic areas.

What Type of Sheen is Best for Which Room Paint Sheen Chart

Which paint sheen to use in which area can be confusing. You want to pick the perfect paint sheen for every surface the first time. You can also wonder what paint sheen is best for a wall, trim, doors, cabinets etc. Check out this handy infographic from House Logic that explains it all.

It’s important to keep in mind that different paint brands may have slightly different formulations, so always check the manufacturer’s recommendations for the best sheen for your specific surface or project.

With the right paint sheen, you can achieve a beautiful and functional finish that will stand the test of time.

What is the Best Paint Sheen for Your Bathroom

In general, it’s a good idea to choose a paint that is specifically designed for bathrooms or high-moisture areas. These paints are formulated to resist mold and mildew, and have better water-resistance than standard paints.

The best paint sheen for your bathroom depends on your personal preferences and the specific needs of your space. Here are some general guidelines to help you choose:

• High-gloss: This sheen is the most durable and water-resistant, making it ideal for bathrooms with high humidity and moisture. It’s also easy to clean and maintain. However, high-gloss can be too shiny and reflective for some people’s taste.
• Semi-gloss: This sheen is also durable and water-resistant, but has a less shiny finish than high-gloss. It’s a good compromise between durability and appearance, and is easy to clean.
• Satin: This sheen is a popular choice for bathrooms because it has a subtle sheen that adds some depth and interest to the walls without being too reflective. It’s also easy to clean and maintain.
• Matte/Flat: This sheen is not typically recommended for bathrooms because it is not as water-resistant or durable as the other sheens. However, if you really prefer the look of a matte finish, you can use a bathroom-specific matte paint or add a clear coat of water-resistant sealant to protect the walls.

What is Gloss Paint Sheen Used For

Gloss paint sheen is typically used for surfaces that require a high level of durability and are subject to heavy wear and tear. This is because gloss paint has a hard, shiny finish that resists scratches, scuffs, and stains. Gloss paint also reflects more light than other sheens, giving surfaces a bright, shiny appearance.

Another advantage of gloss paint is that it’s easy to clean and maintain. The hard, smooth finish allows dirt and grime to be wiped away easily, and the glossy surface resists water and moisture.

However, gloss paint is not always the best choice for every surface or project. Its high shine can be too reflective for some people’s taste, and it can highlight imperfections in walls or ceilings. It’s also not recommended for textured surfaces, as the gloss can emphasize the texture and create an uneven appearance.

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding the different types of paint sheen is important for achieving the desired look and functionality of your painted surfaces. Each sheen has its own unique properties that make it suitable for different areas of your home or office.

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