So you’ve been wanting to tackle that painting project in the kitchen or the bedroom for months now and you’ve finally found the right color for your room. So what sheen should you go with for the kitchen? The Bedroom? Does it even matter? Yes, the sheen of the paint can make a huge difference in your room or project!
Paints are available in a number of different sheens. Before you select the sheen that you will use for your room, it’s important to understand the qualities that each one has to offer. Paints without a shine or sheen are referred to as flat or matte finishes. They absorb light while paints with a semi-gloss or glossy sheen reflect light.
Nearly every sheen can be used in any room of the house, but some are better suited for high-traffic areas than others. If the sheen you want falls somewhere in between two styles, you can always mix them together to find a finish that falls somewhere in the middle.
No- and Low-Gloss Sheens (Flat, Matte and Eggshell):
No- and low-gloss sheens absorb light more than they reflect it. Flat, or matte, finish is frequently used in new construction and on ceilings because it hides flaws extremely well. Because it doesn’t reflect light, imperfections in walls and ceilings are much less noticeable. Flat finishes are ideal for use on new drywall that has an imperfect taping job or where porous joint compound has been applied.
Eggshell, or low-luster, finishes are so named because the slight sheen they provide is similar in appearance to the surface of an egg. This slight sheen creates a soft, velvety finish. Satin sheens provide a slightly more reflective surface and are excellent at resisting mildew, dirt and stains, making them better suited to more frequently used rooms. They can withstand cleaning and light scrubbing better than flat or eggshell finishes.
- Flat/matte paint provides a smooth, elegant finish
- Flat sheens tend to absorb dirt and may be somewhat difficult to clean
- Keep extra paint on hand to touch up nicks and scratches in flat sheens
- Eggshell finishes are easier to wash than flat finishes and resist stains and scuffs
- Eggshell and satin finishes offer more depth and warmth
- Satin finishes can withstand moisture, making them ideal for kitchens and bathrooms
Semi-gloss and Glossy Sheens:
Unlike lower-gloss sheens, semi-gloss and glossy sheens reflect light, providing a bright, shiny look. They are both durable and aesthetically pleasing. Glossy sheens do, however, show nearly every imperfection in a wall or ceiling’s surface, meaning it’s best to use them on walls with unmarred surfaces.
Semi-gloss finishes offer high resistance to moisture, though they may suffer a little from sticking. High-gloss sheens are brilliant, reflective finishes that are ideal for highlighting trim, railings, shutters and molding. Glossier finishes may be used on ceilings, but be sure the ceiling has no imperfections prior to applying.
- Sheens with higher glosses brighten rooms
- Semi-gloss and glossy sheens can be scrubbed and are easy to clean
- Both sheens require more prep work and sanding to ensure smooth application
- Semi-gloss sheens may be used in kitchens and bathrooms
- Glossy sheens provide a look similar to plastic or enamel
| Sheen | Things to Consider | Suggested Rooms |
| Flat/Matte | Provides a smooth, subtle finish Camouflages imperfections Ideal for low-traffic areas Absorbs light Holds dirt and is more difficult to clean Rubbing with cleanser may burnish the finish |
Living room Dining room Bedrooms Ceilings Family room Hallways |
| Eggshell/Low-Lustre | Offers an elegant low-sheen finish Best for low-traffic areas Smooth surface More washable than flat sheens |
Living room Dining room Bedrooms Foyer Family room Hallways Kitchen Trim |
| Satin | Can be wiped clean Provides an elegant finish Soft sheen reflects light Ideal for more active rooms Extremely versatile May be used indoors or outdoors |
Family room Playroom Laundry room Kitchen Guest bathroom Dining room Children’s bedroom Trim Shutters Doors |
| Semi-Gloss | Can be scrubbed clean with ease Smooth sheen reflects light Ideal for high-traffic areas Easy to wash May be used indoors or outdoors |
Kitchen Bathrooms Cabinets Doors Trim Molding Hallway |
| Gloss | Can be scrubbed clean with ease Offers a smooth, high-shine finish Ideal for surfaces that require frequent washing |
Trim Woodwork Molding Doors Cabinets Kitchen Bathrooms |
If i want to paint my closet over, do I have to sand it? and what type of paint?
I want to take down the popcorn ceilings in my house and put a textured ceiling up. I’m sure the reason that popcorn ceilings were put up were to hide any dings in the ceiling. How can I repaint the ceilings so they look nice but not from the 70′s?
Doris,
If you want to get rid of your popcorn ceiling it’s very easy. All you have to do is put some water in a spray bottle and squirt the ceiling. Then scrape all the popcorn off. You might want to try to paint a base like kiltz, before painting it the color you want. I would pick a matte color to make it look modern and professional.
I purchased Baer semi gloss cream color to paint over an almond semi gloss applied by the builder. It’s not covering well and I’ll need at least 2 coats and I’m disgusted with the poor coverage and work that this small great room will take. Let alone the cost. No vaulted ceilings. The paint specialist said it would cover well.
Joyce, I’m sorry you aren’thappy with your purchase of BEHR Paint. Did you purchase BEHR Ultra which is paint and primer in one? If not, a coat of primer will do your projects and your budget wonders. I have learned that sometimes you can get away without priming or using an all-in-one paint like BEHR Ultra, but when I don’t necessarily know what the base paint is other than sheen, I always have to end up priming. Not always, but in my case the builder used a very poor grade of paint to begin with so that made for a bit of a struggle on my first couple of painting projects.
I know that you are frustrated but please take the paint back to your store and talk with your paint specialist and/or manager. Explain to them in detail what the problems you are seeing are, what tools you are using, etc. I bet they can help you figure out how to get the coverage you want and how to make it easier for you!
Keep me posted?
Thanks for sharing Joyce and I hope we can help you get this resolved!