What kinds of sheens are there?

Flat
A matte finish creates a reflection-free surface. This sheen will minimize visibility of surface imperfections due to lack of light. It is less washable and designed for places where no sheen is desired. The surface has a chalky appearance like unglazed tile. The matte finish diffuses light, so flat paint tends to hide rough or dented surface imperfections better than higher sheen finishes. This kind of sheen is perfect for low-traffic areas like master bedrooms, formal dining rooms, and the exterior surface of homes. Flat paints show soil and scuffs easily and are not known for being easy to wash. Their rough texture also traps dirt easily.

Eggshell
This sheen gets its name from the texture of an eggshell. Eggshell has a slight sheen that when the surface is side-lighted. This finish is great for projects where you want a deep, rich look, but only with a minimal sheen. This is designed for areas that require minimal washing and have limited use. Eggshell is often used for repainting aluminum or vinyl siding, because it closely matches original siding from the manufacturer.

Satin
This sheen is considered the most versatile because its rich velvety surface has good scruff resistance. This finish will minimize dirt pick-up and is washable. It is ideal in rooms that have an average amount of use and where a deep, rich look with some sheen and washing are desired. It performs well in any room or exterior surface because it has a surface texture that is smooth enough to shed rainwater, but not shiny enough to reflect much sunlight.

Semi-gloss
This finish has a slightly glossy appearance but is not wet looking. Semi-gloss is a high-sheen paint that is very washable and perfect for areas that are more susceptible to dirt, grease and moisture. Semi. It is a good choice for walls and woodwork that get heavy use and need frequent scrubbing. This kind of sheen is perfect for places like kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and children's rooms.

Gloss
Gloss paint dries to a mirror-like finish. This is definitely the easiest paint finish to clean. Gloss finishes are good for heavily used areas where fingerprints, grease, or grime are common. The durable smooth surface is highly moisture resistant. Gloss is most often used for trim work or on cabinets, banisters, doorframes, windowsills, and window frames.

Whatever kind of remodeling or building that you may be doing to your home, make sure you understand what type of sheen you need. Following these tips on choosing paint sheen will ensure that you properly paint every room in your home without having to do unnecessary painting in the near future.