SHEEN – No, Not Charlie or Martin Sheen!
Let’s talk about sheen. Nope, not the Hollywood kind, but the amount of shine or glossiness in a paint finish. I promise to keep this fun and easy to understand – but first, let me get the technical stuff out of the way (sorry in advance if you didn’t ask for this level of nerdiness).
So here’s the deal: gloss and sheen are technically different, but most people use them interchangeably (even pros). The difference is all in the details: gloss is measured at a 60-degree angle, while sheen is measured at 85 degrees. What does this mean for you? Basically, the angle you view the wall from can make the "shine" look different. Do you feel smarter now? (If not, that’s okay – just smile and nod.)
Here’s a fun fact I just learned: Canadians (hello, fellow Canucks!) tend to prefer less shine on our walls compared to our friends in the U.S. Fascinating, right? It’s like we collectively said, “Meh, let’s tone it down.”
The Golden Rule of Sheen: Shinier = Trickier
The shinier the finish, the more noticeable imperfections become – and the harder it is to get a smooth, even look. Lower sheens, on the other hand, are much more forgiving.
Now, let’s break down the four main categories of paint sheens, from the flattest flat to the glossiest gloss. (Spoiler: there’s a lot of marketing fluff in paint names, but I’ll help you make sense of it.)
FLAT (and MATTE) – For Lovers of Zero Shine
Flat paint is at the far end of the no-shine spectrum. It’s velvety, soft, and hides imperfections like a pro. But here’s the catch: it’s not washable. Touch a flat wall, and you’ll likely leave behind a smudge.
On the slightly shinier side of flat is matte. It’s still very low-sheen but more durable, washable, and even scrubbable. (Yes, you can actually clean matte paint!)
Pro Tip: Keep in mind that paint tint adds a bit of sheen, so a heavily tinted matte paint might look shinier than one with less tint.
Best Uses:
- Flat: Perfect for ceilings. (No one touches them, hopefully!)
Matte: Great for walls if you hate shine but want durability. It’s also amazing for textured or damaged walls because it doesn’t reflect light onto imperfections. Bonus: I personally love matte for walls that get a lot of natural light – but that’s just me.
EGGSHELL – Not the Color, the Shine!
Eggshell paint has just a hint of shine – like the delicate sheen you see on an actual eggshell. (Clever name, right?)
Now, here’s where things get a bit messy. Eggshell is often lumped into a category with terms like satin, pearl, low luster, and low sheen. (Honestly, the names vary by brand, and some are just marketing fluff to sound fancy.) For example, Sherwin-Williams has a “low luster” that’s shinier than a typical eggshell. Confusing? A little.
Pro Tip: Don’t trust the name – ask to see a sample of the sheen and hold it up to the light. Most paint stores will have a sample strip (often in gray) to show the differences.
Eggshell and its cousins are the most popular choices for walls. They’re durable, easy to clean, and versatile. Plus, modern paint formulas make even the lower sheens easier to clean than ever before.
Best Uses:
- Walls! Especially in living rooms, dining rooms, and bedrooms.
SEMI-GLOSS – The Shiny Workhorse
Semi-gloss is shinier than eggshell and is typically used for trim and doors. It’s durable, easy to clean, and adds a subtle pop of shine to highlight architectural details.
But here’s a little trick for exterior doors: skip the semi-gloss if the door gets a lot of sun. Why? Over time, the sheen will dull unevenly, except where the weather stripping sits – leaving you with a weird shiny outline every time you open your door. Instead, I like to use eggshell for exterior doors in direct sunlight.
Pro Tip: Semi-gloss (and gloss) doesn’t have the best coverage, so you might need an extra coat for a flawless finish. Also, the shinier the paint, the more prep work you’ll want to do because imperfections will be very noticeable.
Best Uses:
- Trim, baseboards, moldings, and interior doors.
GLOSS – For the Brave (and Flawless)
Gloss paint is the queen of shine. It’s reflective, dramatic, and, honestly, a little high-maintenance. The surface you’re painting has to be absolutely flawless because gloss paints will highlight every single bump, scratch, and imperfection.
That said, gloss is stunning when done right. It’s perfect for statement pieces like furniture (think glossy black pianos or lacquered cabinets). But for walls? I’ve used it maybe twice in 25 years of painting. It’s just a lot – for both your eyes and your patience.
Best Uses:
- Furniture, decorative pieces, or small statement areas.
A Word of Warning: Don’t Mix Sheens!
Here’s a tip I’ve heard floating around: “If you don’t like a sheen, just mix two gallons of paint with different sheens together to create an ‘in-between’ look.” Please, don’t do this. It’s a recipe for disaster if you ever need to touch up your paint later. Instead, test samples of different sheens and pick the one you like best – no DIY chemistry experiments required!
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right sheen is all about balancing aesthetics, durability, and practicality. If you want a sleek, modern look, go for eggshell or matte. Need something durable for a high-traffic area? Semi-gloss has you covered. And if you’re feeling bold (and fearless), maybe give gloss a try on that old dresser you’ve been meaning to repaint.
Remember, there’s no “one size fits all” when it comes to paint – so don’t be afraid to play around with samples, ask your local paint store for advice, and hold those sheen samples up to the light!
Happy painting!