Is Your Paint Too Shiny? Understanding "Sheen" Like a Pro!
Universal Khaki? Modern Lavender? Picking the perfect color is critical, but did you know that how that paint shines is just as important as the color?
We get asked all the time: "What’s the difference between eggshell and satin?" or "Why is my bathroom paint so shiny?"
Hopefully we can help: here’s a quick breakdown so you can pick the best paint for your room, just like a professional painter!
Download our Handy Reference Guide (PDF) for Free: The “Shiny Scale” Which Paint Goes Where?
What is Paint Sheen?
Imagine you are holding a smooth rock. If you hold it under a light, it doesn't really shine much, right? It just looks soft. But if you hold a mirror under a light, it shines a lot!
Sheen is basically how much light bounces off your paint.
More Shine = More Protection.
Less Shine = Hides Bumps/Dents.
Think of it like this: The shinier the paint, the tougher it is.
Here’s a Cheat Sheet of 5 Common Sheens
Here are the main types of sheen, from "not shiny at all" to "super shiny":
Flat or Matte (No Shine): This paint hides wall mistakes like tiny holes or bumps, but it is hard to clean. Best for low-traffic rooms like adult bedrooms.
Eggshell (A Tiny Bit of Shine): Just like a real chicken egg! It looks soft but is easier to clean than flat paint. Perfect for living rooms and dining rooms.
Satin (A Soft Glow): This is the most popular choice. It's tough enough for busy hallways, kids' rooms, and kitchens, but still looks smooth.
Semi-Gloss (Noticeable Shine): This is very shiny and very tough. It resists moisture, making it great for bathrooms and kitchens.
High-Gloss (Super Shiny): It looks like a mirror! It is super easy to clean, but it shows every tiny bump on the wall. Used on trim, doors, and cabinets.
Why Does It Matter?
If you use flat paint in a bathroom, the steam from the shower will make the paint turn bad quickly. If you use high-gloss paint on a whole living room wall, it will look like a spaceship!
The Golden Rule:
Dry Rooms (Bedrooms): Use Matte or Eggshell.
Wet/Messy Rooms (Kitchen/Bathrooms): Use Satin or Semi-Gloss.
Picking the right sheen can be tricky. Too little shine, and it gets dirty; too much, and it looks weird. We know exactly which sheen fits every room to make your home look amazing and last a long time.
What to update your colors and sheens? Give us a call today for a free estimate!
