Your choice of paint finishes can make the all difference between a stunning finish and a disappointing result. And a cleaner home. And the “feel” you want. It goes on and on.
Truly, paint gloss level determines not just the final look, but also how durable and cleanable your painted surfaces will be.
With over 15 years of experience as a professional painting company in Milwaukee, we’ve learned a few things over the years. Trends come and go, for one, but there are a few paint glosses that we consider timeless.
All that, and more, below.
Key Takeaways
- Paint sheen isn’t just about looks – it affects durability and maintenance too. A higher gloss finish is easier to clean but highlights imperfections, while a flat finish hides flaws but requires more careful upkeep to avoid smudges and grease from fingerprints.
- Choosing the right sheen depends on the space and its use. High-traffic areas like hallways and kitchens benefit from satin or semi-gloss finishes on walls, while formal spaces can shine with a matte or flat look. Trim generally benefits from semi-gloss or higher gloss.
- Proper prep and application make all the difference. Rushing through wall repairs, picking the wrong sheen, or neglecting cleaning strategies can lead to disappointing results; professional painters help you avoid these pitfalls.
What is Paint Sheen?
Paint sheen measures how much light reflects off a painted surface. This level of reflection influences both appearance and performance. Higher gloss levels bounce more light back to your eye, creating more shine, while also providing better durability and easier cleaning.
Glossier surfaces also reveal more surface flaws!
Paint sheen plays a role in the overall appearance and durability of a painted surface. The right paint sheen can enhance the beauty of a room, while the wrong one can, put simply, detract from it. Paint sheen affects how much light is reflected off a surface, which in turn influences the appearance of the color, too: warmer, colder, etc.
A higher gloss level can make a color appear more vibrant and lively, while a lower gloss level can create a more muted and subtle look. Additionally, paint sheen impacts the durability and maintenance of a painted surface. Higher gloss levels are generally more durable and easier to clean, making them ideal for high-traffic areas and surfaces prone to dirt and moisture.
On the other hand, lower gloss levels, like flat paints, are more prone to scuffs and stains but excel at hiding surface imperfections.
The interaction between paint sheen and light changes as daylight shifts, creating subtle variations in how your color looks from different angles. Your room’s lighting setup plays a real role in this effect, influencing how the paint color and sheen work together.
Your paint’s gloss level shapes how colors appear in your space. Higher gloss finishes reflect more light, making colors appear richer and more vibrant against your walls. Flat finishes, by contrast, create a more subtle, muted appearance that many homeowners prefer for certain spaces.
The Paint Finish Spectrum
Flat Paint: Maximum Coverage
At the “lowest” end of the gloss level spectrum, flat paint creates a zero-shine, velvety appearance that works beautifully in formal spaces. It provides great coverage of wall imperfections, making it perfect for ceilings and low-traffic areas.
While flat paint effectively hides flaws, it’s more vulnerable to stains and harder to clean without damaging the finish.
Matte Finish: Subtle Sophistication
A step up from flat, matte finish provides minimal light reflection with better durability. Its texture-hiding ability and more washable surface make it a great choice for bedrooms and formal spaces.
The finish maintains a low-sheen look while offering improved cleanability over flat paint.
Eg-Shel/Satin: The Versatile Choice
These popular finishes (and generally our go-to for walls) add subtle depth to your walls while providing good durability for daily life. They strike a perfect balance between hiding imperfections and creating visual interest. Their easy-to-clean surface and versatile appearance make them an excellent choice for living rooms and hallways.
(Note: “Eg-Shel” and “Eggshell” are the same thing.)
Semi Gloss Paint: The Practical Performer
Semi gloss paint creates a smooth, reflective surface that’s particularly well-suited for trim, moldings, and window frames. Its durability and moisture resistance make it the top choice for high-traffic areas, kitchens, and bathrooms.
The semi gloss finish has become the standard for trim these days, creating beautiful contrast against lower-sheen walls.
High Gloss Paint: Maximum Impact
High gloss paint stands out as the most reflective option available, creating a stunning glass-like shine in your space.
Its maximum durability and stain resistance make it exceptionally practical for high-touch surfaces. The visual impact of this finish draws attention to architectural features, such as doors and cabinets where you want to combine beauty with functionality.
Choosing Paint Finish by Room Type
Low Traffic Areas
In formal living rooms and dining rooms, our view is that you have the freedom to prioritize appearance over durability.
Flat or matte finishes excel in these spaces, where their ability to hide minor wall imperfections creates a smooth, refined look. Since these rooms typically see less daily wear, you can focus on creating an elegant atmosphere without worrying about constant cleaning or touch-ups.
This may not be the case for families with small children, but we’ll let you be the judge of that.
High Traffic Areas
Busy spaces like hallways, kitchens, and family rooms need more durable finishes.
Low sheen paint is also a great option for high traffic areas due to its minimal light reflection and durability. Satin or semi gloss paint offers the clean-ability and moisture resistance these active areas demand. Regular cleaning is often helpful in these spaces, so choosing a paint that can withstand frequent washing is essential. Consider how foot traffic patterns might affect wear on your walls when selecting your finish.
Special Considerations
Kitchens, bathrooms, and architectural details can have unique requirements.
A sophisticated look in these areas can be achieved by using paints that provide a smooth surface.
Semi gloss or high gloss paint works best in these areas due to superior moisture resistance and easy cleaning properties. Proper surface preparation becomes particularly important with these sheens, as they tend to highlight any imperfections in the wall surface.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Wrong Sheen Selection
Have you truly Matched the paint sheen to your room’s purpose?
Using flat paint in bathrooms can lead to moisture problems.
High gloss on old or imperfect walls (like plaster) draws attention to every flaw.
Consider how each space is used when selecting your finish. Many homeowners underestimate traffic patterns, leading to paint that wears poorly in high-use areas. Working with professional painters can go a long way towards avoiding these decisions.
Inadequate Surface Preparation
A beautiful paint finish starts with proper preparation.
Skipping wall repairs or rushing through the cleaning and priming stages often leads to disappointing results. Take time to repair holes, sand rough spots, and make sure surfaces are clean and properly primed before painting.
Poor Application Strategy
Your painting strategy affects the final look.
Mixing different sheens without purpose can create an uneven appearance, while using low-durability finishes in high-wear areas leads to premature wear. Pay attention to how natural and artificial lighting will interact with your chosen sheen to avoid unexpected results.
Paint Sheen Maintenance
The right cleaning approach preserves your paint’s appearance and extends its life. Each gloss level can demand some special care.
High Gloss and Semi Gloss Paint
Clean these durable finishes with mild soap and water. Skip abrasive cleaners to protect the surface, and fix scratches quickly to maintain the protective barrier.
Satin and Eg-Shel
Use gentle cleaning methods on these mid-range finishes.
A soft cloth for dusting and careful spot-cleaning helps maintain their subtle sheen. Consistent cleaning technique prevents uneven wear.
Flat and Matte
These delicate finishes last longer with minimal cleaning.
Dust rather than scrub, and save wet cleaning for stubborn spots. Keep matching paint ready for touch-ups, and blend repairs into surrounding wall areas for invisible fixes.
The Professional Advantage
At Culver’s Painting, we help clients find the perfect paint sheen to match their needs. Our team applies premium Sherwin-Williams paints with the skilled technique that glossy AND matte finishes demand, delivering flawless results that last.
Want expert help choosing and applying the right paint finish? Contact Culver’s Painting for a free estimate and consultation.
