Picking A Paint Sheen

One of the oft-overlooked aspects of a paint job is the choice of sheen, in other words, how shiny or dull the paint is.  In my twenty plus years of painting, it seems that most customers view the choice of sheen as an afterthought.  While it may seem trivial, the choice of sheen is important.  The greater the sheen, the more it will reflect light and resist dirt and water.  In addition, higher sheens will clean up better and more easily. Typically, “wet areas,” such as bathrooms and kitchens are painted with gloss or semi-gloss.  Having full gloss in your living room may be a bit over the top.  Therefore, I recommend either eggshell or low-sheen in all other areas.  These sheens offer better protection than flat, but with less sheen than gloss or semi-gloss.  Occasionally, I will have a customer that is dead set against the appearance of any sheen.  They will sometimes ask for a “scrubbable flat.”  This flat paint is formulated to give you some of the benefits of high-sheen paint.  Truthfully, I have yet to find a scrubbable flat the yields consistent, quality results.  For those who like the flat look, periodic touch up of your walls may be the best way to fight staining and wear. 

Ceilings exception:  Flat sheen paint tends to hide flaws batter.  Thus, on the ceilings, you may want to use a flat paint, even if you put gloss on the walls.  Wet areas are generally painted with a high-sheen on the ceilings no matter what, but the large expanse of your living room ceiling may look much better with the blemish hiding flat paint.

Here is a break down of the grades of sheen.

• Gloss – Gloss paint is the shiniest of the four. It will reflect more light and it is highly washable.  It’s commonly used on door jambs and other wood trim.
• Semi-gloss – Semi-gloss paint is less reflective and more subdued than gloss but is still easy to clean. This makes it a good choice in wet areas, such as bathrooms and kitchens.
• Eggshell, satin or low-sheen– This paint is a bit duller than semi-gloss.  Most commonly used for walls in non-wet areas. 
• Flat – Flat sheen paint does not reflect light at all, which makes it ideal for ceilings. One drawback is that it is difficult to clean.

I hope this tip was useful and helps you produce a beautiful and professional finish on your home. Remember, a fresh coat of paint on the exterior of your home adds a great deal to the curb appeal and value of your home.