Paint sheen- Your Guide to Sherwin Williams Paint Sheens for your home
You’re ready to paint your house. You have a paint contractor hired! ( or maybe doing it yourself) You have your colors all picked out. Then you are asked- what sheen do you want? Oh crap!! now the certainty of your paint job is out the window, a panic sets in, fear of making a mistake sets in, and the little voice in the back of your head starts yelling at you “I told you so….”
Ok- a little too much? For some people yes, for others the question of sheen is a overwhelming as picking colors. You might wonder, “Why does it even matter?” Well, it does—and we get it! Choosing the right paint sheen for your walls isn’t just about the finish; it’s about durability, ease of cleaning, and how the paint will look in different lighting.
Let’s break down the different types of Paint sheens (or finishes) that Sherwin-Williams offers, what each one is best for, and why choosing the right one can make a big difference in how your paint job turns out. Keep in mind that these are paint sheens that Sherwin Willaims offers- they will be different from Benjamin Moore and Behr.
We have a PDF from Sherwin Williams in this article as well to help you with sheen levels!
Flat Finish: For Walls That Need to Breathe
Best Used For: Ceilings, bedrooms, low-traffic areas, and walls with imperfections.
Flat finishes have almost no shine to them, making them perfect if you want a soft, non-reflective look. They also do wonders for hiding wall imperfections, like bumps or small cracks. This makes flat paint a great choice for older homes or walls that need a little TLC. Flat paint is also the easiest to touch up!
Most designers we work with suggest flat paint as flat paint is the best representation of the colors you select for your home.
However, the downside is that flat paint isn’t the most durable or easy to clean. If you have kids, dogs, or just a high-traffic household, you’ll want to avoid using it in areas where things might get messy. Scrubbing a flat surface can cause the paint to wear off more quickly.
So- If you’re working on an older home with less-than-perfect walls, choosing a flat paint sheen can really make those imperfections disappear like magic. Just keep in mind it’s not ideal for areas where your little ones or pets might get into some messy fun.
Matte : The confused Middle Child
Matte paint sheens are the confusing sheen. Each paint has a sheen level and the matte is not flat, not pearl, not eggshell, it is its own thing.
I really do like Matte finishes, they have some sheen, cover well, and have some washability to them. AGAIN- each sheen-like Duration MAtte is almost an eggshell.
Flat hides almost everything, Matte will start to show things on the wall. Matte paint also has some shine to it and will start reflecting light on the walls.
Eggshell: The Perfect Middle Ground
Best Used For: Living rooms, dining rooms, hallways, and bedrooms.
Eggshell is exactly what it sounds like—it has a slight sheen but isn’t as shiny as satin or gloss. It’s one of the most popular choices because it provides that perfect balance between style and function. Eggshell offers more durability than flat paint but still keeps a soft, inviting look. You can wipe it down if needed, though it’s not as easy to clean as higher sheens like satin or semi-gloss.
Pros: Slight sheen, hides imperfections better than higher sheens, and more durable than flat.
Cons: Not as durable as satin or gloss, may not hold up well in high-traffic areas.
At the End of the day- Life happens, and if you want a paint that looks good but isn’t too shiny, eggshell is a solid pick. It’ll hold up reasonably well to occasional cleaning but still give you that smooth, almost velvety finish. Think of it as the “Goldilocks” sheen—just right for most rooms!
Satin: The Go-To for Busy Households
Best Used For: Kitchens, bathrooms, hallways, kids’ rooms, and family rooms.
Satin finishes offer a soft sheen that’s more durable than flat or eggshell finishes, making it a go-to choice for busy families. It’s a perfect option for rooms that need a little more durability and where easy cleaning is a must, like in kitchens or bathrooms. With satin, you’ll get a finish that’s easy to wipe down without sacrificing too much in terms of aesthetic appeal.
Sherwin-Williams Duration Home is a great option for satin finishes, offering excellent coverage and easy cleaning.
Pros: More durable, easy to clean, and adds a subtle sheen that reflects a little light.
Cons: Slightly highlights wall imperfections, not as elegant as eggshell in some spaces.
If you have kids or pets, you’re going to want a paint that holds up. Satin offers that extra durability while still maintaining a nice, soft finish. Think of it as “life-proof” paint—whether it’s crayon marks or splattered spaghetti, you can wipe it off without worry.
Semi-Gloss: For Shiny, Easy-to-Clean Surfaces
Best Used For: Trim, doors, cabinets, and high-traffic areas like kitchens and bathrooms.
If you want durability and don’t mind a little shine, semi-gloss is your friend. Semi-gloss finishes are ideal for high-traffic areas and rooms where moisture is a factor, such as kitchens and bathrooms. It’s also perfect for trim, baseboards, and doors because it stands up to scuffs and scrapes. One of the best parts? Semi-gloss finishes are super easy to clean. You can wipe away dirt and grime without worrying about damaging the finish.
Sherwin-Williams’ ProClassic Interior Waterbased Acrylic-Alkyd is a great option if you’re looking for a semi-gloss finish that’s easy to apply and durable.
Pros: Extremely durable, easy to clean, great for high-moisture or high-traffic areas.
Cons: Reflects a lot of light, which can highlight wall imperfections.
If you’ve got kids, pets, or just a house full of people, semi-gloss is your secret weapon. It’s easy to clean, making it perfect for kitchen cabinets or bathroom walls. The shine can be a little much for some, but hey, it’s better than scrubbing your walls all day!
Gloss: For the Bold and Beautiful
Best Used For: Doors, trim, furniture, and accents.
Gloss finishes are the shiniest of the bunch. They reflect a lot of light and create a bold, dramatic effect. Gloss is typically reserved for trim, doors, and accent pieces rather than entire walls, as it can feel a little too intense. However, if you love that bold look, don’t shy away from using it in smaller doses.
The best part? Gloss finishes are super durable and can stand up to a lot of wear and tear. They’re also very easy to clean, making them a great option for high-touch surfaces.
Pros: Extremely durable, adds a bold look, and super easy to clean.
Cons: Highlights imperfections and can feel too shiny for some.
If you’re going for a bold, statement-making look, gloss is the way to go. Just be prepared—it’s going to shine, and it’s going to show everything. But, on the bright side, it’s also easy to clean when life gets messy!
How to Choose the Right Sheen for Your Space
We know choosing the right paint sheen can feel overwhelming. There are so many options, and each comes with its own set of pros and cons. Here’s a quick rundown to help simplify the decision:
- Low-traffic rooms (bedrooms, dining rooms): Consider flat or eggshell finishes for a soft, elegant look.
- High-traffic or high-moisture areas (kitchens, bathrooms): Satin and semi-gloss are durable, easy to clean, and can withstand a little extra wear and tear.
- Doors, trim, and accents: Semi-gloss and gloss are perfect for adding a bit of drama while providing a durable finish that’s easy to maintain.
Paint sheen download for you!! Click here!
Final Thoughts on Paint Sheen
When it comes to paint sheens, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. It all depends on the room, your lifestyle, and your personal taste. At D’Franco Painting & Wallpaper, we get how confusing this decision can be. But by understanding the basics of each sheen and where they work best, you can confidently pick the one that will make your home look and feel exactly how you want it.
Remember, the paint sheen you choose will affect not only how your walls look but also how they wear over time. So, don’t be afraid to ask questions and test out a few samples before making your final decision.
Other related articles:
5 essential things to do before painting
Low or NO VOC paints for your home
Now, go forth and paint with confidence!
