Which sheen of paint to use

Com Copyright holder: Glidden on Friday, December 22, The good news is, many paint formulas clean up easily with soap and water, but people still tend to shy away from flat paint in favor of other sheens that are easier to care for. Satin: Satin paint has some sheen to it, and is an excellent choice for hardworking rooms, like kitchens and bathrooms.

It stands up exceptionally well to scrubbing and regular cleaning. Gloss paints have a highly reflective appearance imparting a slick, contemporary look. They are tough, durable and stain-resistant. Gloss paints are easier to clean than lower gloss paints and are typically used in kitchens, bathrooms and on doors and cabinets exposed to fingerprints and grime. Because of its high reflection, gloss paint can highlight surface imperfections.

High gloss paints have the highest reflective appearance. They are the toughest, most durable and most stain resistant of all finishes. High gloss paints are the easiest to clean and are typically used on doors and cabinets exposed to dirt and oil and can also be used for trim and some woodwork. High gloss paint can emphasize surface imperfections. These are commonly used gloss levels for the surfaces listed above.

Gloss may be affected by texture, porosity of the surface and atmospheric conditions. In fact, the same paint color can look completely different based on the finish, from matte to glossy and every sheen in between. The question to ask yourself: How glossy should I go? A slight change in sheen can make a major difference in both durability and light.

This added layer of possibility means more options for finding the perfect paint for your space. To demystify the topic a bit, we asked Jessica Barr at Behr Paints to break it all down. Who knows, you might just surprise yourself with what you pick.

The Look: Non-reflective, a flat finish will soak up light and hide any bumps or scratches in the surface of the wall.

Best For: Low-traffic rooms with lots of light, like an office or a formal sitting room. This popular finish is not shiny but not totally matte, and easier to clean than flat.

The look: Right in the middle of the sheen spectrum, a satin finish is more light-reflecting than eggshell without appearing as shiny as semigloss. Sleek and easy to live with, semi-gloss is a happy middle ground. Shinier sheens tend to be more durable than their flatter counterparts.

A qualified professional can help you select the right paint sheen for your home. Remember that flat paint doesn't shine at all, while high-gloss paint is completely shiny. Eggshell, satin and semi-gloss sheens fall somewhere in between. While most sheens overlap, some are best when used in specific spaces.

The shiniest high gloss sheen is also the most durable. It's a top choice for any space involving dirty or sticky fingers, such as trim, doors and cabinets.

Some of the most practical applications for this type of paint are kitchens, doors and window trim. Any room with moisture-laden walls are best suited for semi-gloss sheen, which also stands up to drips and grease. With a high level of durability, it's no surprise that semi-gloss is a great match for trim, chair rails, bathrooms and kitchens.

Satin is easy to clean and livens up the appearance of family rooms, hallways, foyers and kids' bedrooms with its soft and velvety appearance. This type of sheen is a safe bet for most high-traffic areas, but it has one drawback: it shows a fair amount of application flaws, such as those from rollers or brush strokes. While later touchups are possible, they can be a bit difficult. Satin sheen is also highly durable. Eggshell isn't as durable as its higher-gloss counterparts.

However, it does an excellent job of concealing imperfections on walls and ceilings. You'll want to use this sheen in dining rooms and living rooms, as long as the walls aren't often bumped or scratched. Although it's tough to clean, flat and matte sheens are a good choice for spaces with lots of flaws or imperfections. It also gives the most amount of coverage, which is great for saving time and money.

You might need to keep some extra sheen handy if you really want to thoroughly clean the walls, as the paint may come off during the process. Some of the most ideal uses for this type of sheen are in adults' bedrooms and spaces with minimal chances of scuffs and damage, especially from kids. When you're researching the various types of sheen, the next logical step is to determine the best fit for your needs. Consider how effective your desired paint color will be with a specific sheen type.

For example, if you're thinking of using a darker and richer paint but don't want it to be very shiny, go with a medium-gloss sheen. Darker and fuller paints often have more colorant, which actually enhances the sheen. If you're painting a brighter wall, or one with lots of imperfections, keep in mind that higher sheens show more defects. Another helpful hint is cost — the more sheen you desire, the more you can expect to spend.