House paint is the most commonly used, cheap surface finish. It offers an infinite variety of colours and textures and protects the surface. Paint is available in different types of paint sheens to suit your requirements. A paint sheen is the glossiness of a paint finish; in other words, a paint sheen is about how much light the surface of the paint reflects when it dries. The level of paint sheen you choose has a significant impact on both appearance and serviceability. It also affects the colour perception of the occupants.
Different types of paint sheen will give you a different appearance of the surface for the same colour. The colour with a higher sheen appears brighter and richer than the same colour with a lower sheen of the paint. The paint sheen type you choose for the different areas of your home will help you in the following ways:
- The sheen you select for a particular area can help extend the durability of the paint.
- How easy is it to clean the surface? (i.e. scrub, stain, and moisture resistant)
- Aesthetic looks and feelings.
- To hide defects and imperfections on a surface.
There are various sheen scales available, and each has its own characteristics. Different sheens are used for specific rooms due to their performance, features, and aesthetic qualities. The higher the sheen, the higher the durability of the paint. Here, we have given information on different types of paint sheens and their pros and cons, which will help you select the right paint sheen for your home.
Different Types of Paint Sheen and Their Pros and Cons
01. Flat or Matte Finish
Flat or matte-finish paint absorbs light rather than reflecting it. It has the least amount of shine because it is a no-sheen paint with a non-reflective finish. The flat type of paint sheen is most commonly used for interior wall paints. However, the flat sheen is not recommended in children’s rooms as the wall can get stained or spoilt by children while playing.
Pros:
- It is easy to touch up and hide minor surface imperfections like undulations or cracks.
- A matte finish is an ideal paint sheen for low-traffic areas.
- It gives a calm and serene feeling because of its textural element.
- It is an excellent choice for older walls because it conceals flaws.
- It is less expensive as compared to other paint sheens.
Cons:
- It creates a gloomy look.
- Matte-finish paint holds and shows dirt marks and fingerprints very easily.
- It is difficult to clean the wall painted with matte finish paint as it can easily peel off.
- Walls that have a flat sheen need regular retouching.
- It is more porous.
Recommended Areas:
A flat or matte finish is the perfect choice for the living room, dining room, bedrooms, ceilings of all rooms, etc., where traffic is low.
02. Eggshell Finish
The eggshell sheen, or paint finishes, is similar in appearance to the surface of an egg. It is more lustrous than a flat sheen, but less lustrous than satin. The eggshell finish has a soft and velvety appearance.
Pros:
- It is more reflective than flat paint.
- It is washable and resists stains and scuffs.
- The eggshell finish does not highlight imperfections.
- It offers more depth and warmth.
- It is easy to apply and can cover well with a single coat.
Cons:
- The eggshell finish has less durability compared to the satin finish. It requires periodic refinishing to increase its durability.
- The paint can peel off when scrubbed hard to remove stains.
Recommended Areas:
The eggshell finish is perfect for the dining room, gathering room, children’s room, etc. It will look elegant in rooms that receive natural sunlight, as it will reduce the glare of the light.
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03. Satin Finish
The satin finish gives the appearance of a pearl when dry. It has a smooth and silky finish. The satin finish reflects more light than the eggshell finish. A satin finish is perfect for people who do not like glossy surfaces but want to make their wall-cleaning task easier.
Pros:
- A satin finish offers good stain resistance and traps less dirt than a matte finish.
- One can wash or scrub the walls with a satin finish.
- It has more durability compared to matte and eggshell finishes.
Cons:
- This type of paint sheen does not hide imperfections on the surface. Hence, it needs a very well-rendered wall surface.
Recommended Areas:
A satin finish is best suited for the family room, playroom, laundry room, dining room, children’s bedroom, trim, and doors. The satin finish is the most commonly used paint sheen on interior walls.
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04. Semi-Gloss Finish
A semi-gloss finish reflects most of the light when dry and provides a bright sheen. It has a slightly glossy appearance, but is less reflective than glossy paints. It has excellent durability and is washable.
Pros:
- The semi-gloss finish offers exceptional stain resistance and is easy to clean and maintain.
- It is easy to scrub off the stains, without peeling the paint.
- It is most suitable for moderate-to-high-traffic areas.
- A semi-gloss finish goes well with indoor and outdoor spaces.
Cons:
- It brings out imperfections and hence needs a very well-finished wall surface.
- The semi-gloss finish paint is more expensive compared to a satin finish and an eggshell finish.
Recommended Areas:
A semi-gloss finish is the best paint sheen for doors, windows, trims, moldings, hallways, cabinets, kitchens, bathrooms, walls, or ceilings with little to no blemishes.
05. Gloss Finish
The gloss finish has the highest level of paint sheen and a highly reflective appearance, imparting a slick and contemporary look. It has a glass-like finish, reflecting most of the light from its surface.
Pros:
- A gloss finish is the most reflective paint sheen.
- It is sturdy, highly durable, and stands up to multiple cleanings.
- It is ideal for a surface that requires frequent washing.
- The gloss finish adds energy and excitement to the house.
- Due to its shiny nature, it tends to highlight the characteristics of any surface.
- It is an excellent choice for trim and cabinets.
- Gloss finishes can perform very well in high-traffic areas.
- Paint sheens with higher gloss brighten up the rooms. Hence, it is best suited for rooms with little natural daylight.
- Glossy sheens provide a look similar to plastic or enamel.
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Cons:
- It can highlight surface imperfections and hence needs a well-finished wall surface.
- Gloss finish paints usually take a longer time to dry.
- It is the costliest among all the paint sheens.
Recommended Areas:
A gloss finish is usually used for painting trims, woodwork, moldings, doors, cabinets, kitchens, and bathrooms.
The above information will help you select the right paint sheen for your home. Choosing the right types of paint sheen for your home depends on the look, durability, and ambiance you want. Select the paint sheen based on how much traffic the area will receive and the durability of the paint. For new homes, selecting the right paint sheen for the first time will help you avoid the hassle of frequent repainting.
Also Read:
20 Different Types of Paints for Interior & Exterior Surfaces