EXPERT ADVICE

How to Choose a Paint Finish

You've finally narrowed down your paint colors, and now you must make another decision – it's time to choose a sheen.

Picking a paint finish may seem like a minor design consideration, but this choice will determine to the final look and durability of your project.

Here's a look at popular sheens and the benefits of each help to you make the best choice.

The Sheen Spectrum

Popular Sheens

Gloss

Gloss sheens have higher light-reflective characteristics. This shiny, durable finish works great for any element of a room you would like to highlight such as:

  • Wood trim
  • Cabinets
  • Doors
  • Furniture

Semi-Gloss

This moderately reflective, durable finish is perfect for areas that get cleaned frequently, such as:

  • Kitchens
  • Bathrooms
  • Utility area
  • Closet doors
  • Trim

Satin / Eg-Shel

With a slight shine, Satin and Eg-Shel finishes offer a richer look. Washability makes these sheens ideal for high-traffic areas most likely to attract nicks and scuff marks such as:

  • Hallways
  • Woodwork
  • Children's bedrooms
  • Family rooms
  • Exterior surfaces

Matte

This flat finish is great for hiding surface imperfections, while its angular shine helps make walls smooth and washable. Use this sheen for:

  • Living rooms
  • Dining rooms
  • Exterior siding

Flat

A non-reflective sheen that helps hide surface imperfections, making walls appear smooth. Visually this finish smooths walls that are dented or rough. However, it can be harder to clean. Best for:

  • Adult bedrooms
  • Formal Living Rooms
  • Ceilings
  • Uneven or textured walls

Additional Sheens

High Gloss - The most lustrous and reflective option. Very durable but can give surfaces a high glare. Use this finish on:

  • Trim
  • Doors
  • Windows
  • Cabinets
     

High Gloss Finish Interior Paints
High Gloss Finish Exterior Paints

Medium Lustre - This higher-gloss finish is perfect for doors and trim. We like this sheen for:

  • Doors
  • Trim
     

Medium-Lustre Finish Interior Paints

Pearl - A subtle shimmer midway between eg-shel and semi-gloss offering a lustrous finishing touch. Try this sheen for:

  • Kitchen
  • Bathroom
  • Hallways
     

Pearl Finish Interior Paints

Low-Lustre - A smooth, subtle sheen that's durable and easy to clean. Ideal for:

  • Office
  • Kitchen
  • Bathroom
  • Hallways
     

Low-Lustre Finish Interior Paints
Low-Lustre Finish Exterior Paints

Velvet - A flat finish option with some sheen and a smooth finish. Works best for:

  • Entryways
  • Hallways
  • Ceilings
  • Bedrooms
     

Velvet Finish Interior Paints

Find the Best Sheens for Each Room

 

  Flat Matte Velvet Eg-Shel/Satin Low
Lustre
Pearl Semi-Gloss Medium Lustre Gloss High Gloss
Living /Great Room
Dining
ROOm
Office
Bedroom
kids' room
Kitchen & Bath (Walls)
Hallways
Ceiling
Trim & Millwork
Cabinets
Doors & Windows
Exteriors


Find the Best Sheens for Each Room

Sheen FAQs

A: Bathroom walls are best served by paint sheens that reflect light and are easy to clean. Go with a gloss or semi-gloss finish.

A: Children can cause a lot of wear and tear in their bedrooms so we recommend a durable, easy-to-clean semi-gloss sheen for this type of space. For adult rooms with less traffic, try a light-absorbing flat finish.

A: It really depends on the space, but here's a designer trick to keep in mind. Light-reflecting paint finishes with a higher-gloss can help brighten dark spaces. Matte and flat finish paints soak up light and can hide surface imperfections.

A: Most exterior surfaces look best in a satin or eg-shel finish. However, paint with a matte finish can help hide blemishes on exterior surfaces. Durable gloss or semi-gloss finish are ideal for exterior trim that's exposed to the elements.

A: We love a durable gloss finish for kitchen and bathroom cabinets. Paint with this sheen can be easily cleaned with damp cloth, so your cabinets will look sleek and smooth for years to come.

Guide to Gloss & Sheen

As a designer, nothing is more important than your vision. Find the best finish with our Gloss & Sheen Guide to bring designs to life for your clients.

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DESIGNERS

Try the collection developed to deliver a flawless finish with 200 exclusive colors you’ve asked for, including our brightest, purest whites.