The Perfect Paint Sheen for Your Walls

So you’ve selected your new paint color!  You looked through color booklets, been to the store, looked online, even had some help from a designer.  You did your research on which brand of paint you should use for your home too.  You hear people say “you want durability, go with eggshell” or “Go with that washable flat”.  Just when you thought picking a paint color was difficult, now you have to pick a sheen?

We hear this question all of the time.  You are not alone!  Choosing the right paint finish can save you time, money, and even regret.

Here are some questions we like to ask our clients:

1. Do you have kids?
2. Do you have pets?
3. Are you someone who likes to clean the wall, or would you use the paint to touch up?
4. How dark is the paint color?

Refer back to these questions, as you read through the list of paint sheens.

Let’s review the different paint sheens and explain their benefits.

Flat: (The Pro’s Choice for Walls) 

• Most common surfaces:  Ceilings, closets, walls
• Flat paint has the least amount of shine.  The light is absorbed, rather than reflected.
• Easy to touch up.  Less likely to see a roller or brush mark after it’s touched up
• It shows the paint color in its most natural state
• While not great for high traffic areas, premium flat paint is more durable than something you would apply to your ceiling.

Matte: (Most Popular Choice for Lauro Painting Clients)

• Most common surfaces:  Walls
• Matte is one step up from flat
• It has a slight sheen, which you can see from an angle
• The premium matte paints can provide a washable surface
• If the paint color is on the lighter side, the premium matte products can be touched up

Egg Shell:

• Most Common surfaces:  Bathrooms, High Traffic Areas
• Premium eggshell paints are washable and easy to clean
• Best for bathrooms with high moisture content
• Shows more imperfections than flat and matte finishes
• Not best when choosing dark paint colors

Satin:

• Most Common surfaces:  Bathrooms, High Traffic Areas
• Very close to the color of an eggshell.  In some cases, it is the same exact sheen level as an eggshell.
• Easy to clean
• Shows more imperfections

Semi-Gloss:

• Most common surfaces:  Trim
• No, it’s not a great idea to paint your walls in semi-gloss
• Allows the trim the durability it requires
• Has a high shine

Something to consider when choosing your next paint color is your sheen level.  The higher the sheen, the shinier your newly painted surfaces will be.  Today’s premium products offer a more durable and cleanable surface and have come a long way with zero VOC options.  Always ask your professional painter for their advice when choosing the correct sheen for your home.