Paint and Painting Basics. How to Choose Paint Sheen (Matte, Satin, Gloss)
- WILLIAM KIM
- Aug 16
- 2 min read
1) What is Sheen?
Sheen refers to how much light the painted surface reflects. Higher sheen means more surface reflection, better durability, and easier cleaning, but also highlights surface imperfections.
Label | Approx. Gloss Level | Key Features |
Flat/Matte | ~5% | Excellent at hiding imperfections, premium look, lower washability (burnishing possible) |
Low-Sheen/Eggshell | 10–25% | Balanced choice; soft glow, moderate stain resistance |
Satin | 25–35% | Great durability and washability, ideal for living areas |
Semi-Gloss | 50–70% | Highly moisture/stain resistant, best for trim, doors, kitchens, and bathrooms |
Gloss/High-Gloss | 70%+ | Strong highlight effect, very durable, easy to clean, shows surface flaws |
2) Indoor Selection Guide
A. Room Usage & Traffic
Ceilings: Matte/Flat → Reduces light reflection and hides defects.
Living rooms/bedrooms/hallways: Low-Sheen/Eggshell or Satin → Balances texture and cleaning ease.
Kids’ rooms/high-traffic hallways: Satin → Resistant to fingerprints and scuff marks.
Kitchens/bathrooms/laundry: Satin to Semi-Gloss → Moisture and stain resistant.
Trim/doors/windowsills: Semi-Gloss/Gloss → Strong durability and clean edges.
B. Surface Condition
Rough or patched walls → Matte/Low-Sheen hides imperfections.
Smooth, flawless surfaces → Gloss for a striking finish (requires meticulous prep).
C. Cleaning Frequency
Frequent cleaning → Satin or higher.
Low wear areas, ambiance-focused → Matte/Low-Sheen.
D. Color & Lighting
Higher sheen: makes colors appear brighter/cooler.
Lower sheen: makes colors appear deeper/softer. Always test under actual room lighting.
E. Health Considerations
Bedrooms and children’s rooms: use low/zero VOC water-based paints.
3) Exterior Selection Guide
A. Exterior Walls
Low-Sheen to Satin: Easy cleaning, good UV and dirt resistance.
Avoid full Flat outdoors; stains and chalking appear faster.
B. Trim/Doors/Railings
Semi-Gloss/Gloss: Resists moisture and dirt, enhances crisp lines.
Metal surfaces: rust-inhibitive primer → Semi/Gloss topcoat.
C. Climate & Location
High UV: Satin or higher gloss for durability.
Coastal: Satin–Semi-Gloss for easy salt removal.
Humid: Choose mold-resistant coatings.
4) Quick Selection Scenarios
Ceiling: Matte/Flat ×2 coats.
Living room/bedroom: Low-Sheen/Eggshell ×2 (Satin for kids/pets).
Kitchen/bath: Satin ×2 (Semi-Gloss for wet areas).
Trim/doors: Semi-Gloss.
Exterior walls: Satin ×2 for better weathering.
Exterior trim/front door: Semi-Gloss/Gloss for bold impact.
5) Application Tips by Sheen
Matte/Low-Sheen: Avoid excessive scrubbing to prevent burnishing; easy touch-up.
Satin: Maintain a wet edge to prevent lap marks.
Semi/Gloss: Perfect surface prep essential (progressive sanding, priming); consider using a flow additive to reduce brush marks.
6) Common Mistakes & Prevention
Using interior paint outdoors → leads to chalking, fading, peeling.
Applying high-gloss on flawed walls → highlights defects.
Using matte in kitchens/bathrooms → traps stains and moisture.
Ignoring recoat intervals → causes sheen inconsistencies.
Skipping sample boards → leads to wrong sheen/color perception.
7) Fast Checklist
Where? (Interior/Exterior)
Surface type? (Plaster, wood, metal, masonry) + primer choice
Usage level? (Traffic/cleaning frequency)
Desired look? (Texture vs reflection)
Maintenance level? (Exterior: Satin↑ / Interior with flaws: Matte/Low-Sheen)
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