Choosing the Right Paint Sheen

When we talk about choosing the right paint really we are talking about choosing the right sheen.  For information about latex versus oil-based paints  please see our page on that subject.

First let's quickly talk about quality paint versus low quality paint.  It is very easy to find paint that is cheap by the gallon and in some cases this may be the right choice.  Many times people are painting a garage or basement or room they know is going to receive heavy use and be repainted in the near future.  In these cases an inexpensive paint may be the right decision.  However, if you are looking to paint a kitchen or living area that will receive a lot of use you are best served by purchasing a high quality paint.  The finish will last longer, and you will be happier with the end result.

Paint comes in four basic sheens; gloss, semigloss, satin or eggshell, and flat.  A gloss sheen is highly reflective and will bounce light around the room, making them look very bright.  A gloss sheen is also easy to wash.  A semigloss sheen also has reflective qualities, but not to the same level as a gloss sheen.  Semigloss sheens are also very easy to wash.  A satin or eggshell sheen does not have the reflective finish, and so it does not reflect light and give off a bright appearance.  However, a satin sheen still has a high-level of wash ability.  A flat sheen has very little to no reflective qualities and a very low level of wash ability.

Although it is possible to put any sheen in any room and on any surface.  There are some general guidelines to follow.  In a kitchen or bathroom where there is heavy traffic lots of hand prints, and lots of dirt a washable sheen is preferable.  The size of the room, and how much light is in the room as well as personal preference will help you choose between gloss, semi-gloss and satin sheens.  Bedrooms and living areas such as the family room, dining room and living room will often have a finish that is either a flat or satin depending on how much traffic will be in the rooms and how many hands may be touching the walls.  A ceiling will often have a flat finish and be painted ceiling white.  This is because flat paint is generally less expensive, ceilings often do not get very dirty and the flat white finish provides a nice contrast to whatever sheen and color is on the walls.

The final thing to consider is the trim around the floors, ceilings windows and doors.  Many times the trim is in a complementary color to the walls.  Because of this the trim can also be in a different sheen without looking out of place.  It is very common for trim to be painted with a semi-gloss sheen throughout the entire house.  This allows for easy washing in areas by doors and around the floors, which often attract a lot of dirt.

If you are looking to paint a basement or garage that has concrete walls and floor.  Please see our section on painting concrete floors and walls.  For more information about types of paint please read our page on latex versus oil-based paints.