What Is Sheen in Interior Painting?

Picking the right paint can make or break your interior makeover. One important consideration is sheen, which refers to the amount of light reflection on a painted surface. Sheen contributes to the glossiness of the paint, and it also impacts durability, washability, and performance. So what is sheen, and how many options are available? Learn what you need to know about paint sheen before kicking off your painting project.

What Is Sheen?

Sheen is a measure of light reflection on a paint’s surface, and you’ll come across the term when choosing paint colors for your home interior. Paints with higher sheen reflect more light, which gives them a shiny and glossy appearance. Low-sheen paints absorb light so they look flat, and they also have greater amounts of pigmentation. 

Aside from appearance, sheen also impacts the durability of paint. High-sheen paints resist damage better because they contain more enamel. They’re also easier to clean due to their protective coating. In contrast, low-sheen paints don’t hold up as well against stains or scratches, and scrubbing them can damage the finish. 

Sheen also influences the cost to paint the interior of a house, with prices increasing for higher sheens.

Different Types of Sheen

The right sheen depends on the look you want to achieve and the function of the room. Knowing the differences can help you decide between satin versus flat paint or eggshell versus semi-gloss paint. Below are the levels of paint sheen, from the least glossy to the most glossy.

Flat

Because flat paint doesn’t reflect light, it has no sheen. The finish makes colors appear more pigmented, and it masks minor flaws like scratches, stains, and scuffs. As a downside, the painted surface is easily damaged. Scrubbing the walls too harshly can result in scratching or fading. Homeowners often choose flat paint for low-traffic areas and walls that are blemished, large, or sun-washed. 

Matte

Another low-luster option, matte paint hides imperfections almost as well as flat paint. This sheen gives vibrancy to colors on the wall, though it’s not as durable as other options. As a result, some people avoid using matte paints in high-traffic areas, but they’ll choose this sheen for bedrooms, dining rooms, and formal living rooms. 

Eggshell

Eggshell is a popular choice for rooms with regular traffic. When comparing eggshell versus matte paint, the eggshell option has slightly more shine and durability. Homeowners can gently wash their walls without worrying about damaging them. Paints with an eggshell finish work in most areas of the home, as long as they don’t get much wear and tear. 

Satin

If you take eggshell paint and add a touch more shine, you’ll get satin sheen. This durable, versatile, and easy-to-clean option resists stains, and it works well in high-traffic areas. Satin paint can add pearl-like definition to features like trim, shutters, and interior doors. In fact, homeowners often decide between gloss versus satin for these decorative surfaces. 

Semi-Gloss

Semi-gloss is durable and washable with a shiny, sleek, and luminous finish. You should consider semi-gloss if you’re painting an interior room with high traffic and high moisture. It’s a popular sheen for bathrooms, laundry rooms, and kitchens, along with features like trim and cabinets. When comparing satin versus semi gloss paint, blemishes are more apparent on the latter because of its high reflectivity. 

High-Gloss

Like its name suggests, high-gloss sheen is characterized by its ultra-shiny surface. Homeowners use the durable paint in areas that need extra protection, given its stain resistance and washability. It’s a go-to choice for cabinets, trim, and doors. Keep in mind that high-gloss paint enhances imperfections, and some think it’s too shiny for interior walls. Application is best left to a professional because it requires careful prep work for a smooth finish.

How to Choose Sheen for Interior Painting

If you choose a sheen that’s unsuitable for your space, you risk enhancing imperfections or compromising durability. The wrong sheen can also make your walls look shinier (or more matte) than originally planned. An interior painter near you can help you choose the best sheen for your project.

Check out this room-by-room paint finishes chart for guidance on choosing sheen for different rooms in your home.