Sheen Guide

FLAT
Flat paint is used to conceal surface imperfections on walls that are damaged, dented or rough. Flat paints are completely non-reflective, making them an excellent choice for ceilings. Because they have no sheen the surface tends to be porous, often making it difficult to remove stains. It is best to use flat paints in area that will not be exposed to dirt.

Recommended for:
Interiors – ceilings, new drywall
Exteriors – wood, aluminum, vinyl, brick, masonry and block

MATTE
Matte finishes are similar to flat finishes. Unlike conventional flat paints that show burnish marks easily and do not allow surface stains to wipe away, the matte sheen delivers exceptional stain and burnish resistance giving you a durable surface while still maintaining a flat appearance.

Recommended for:
Interiors – bedrooms, family rooms, living rooms, dining rooms and hallways
Exteriors – N/A

EGGSHELL/EGGSHELL PLUS
More lustrous than flat paints, this sheen imparts warmth and depth in a room, so it is ideal for areas where “living” takes place. The higher sheen is also more forgiving of marks and stains than a flat finish, but less forgiving than a satin, pearl, semi-gloss or gloss finish.

Recommended for:
Interiors – bedrooms, family rooms, living rooms, dining rooms and hallways
Exteriors – N/A

SATIN/PEARL
Satin/pearl paints, much like eggshell paints, also convey a soft, warm, “lived-in” feeling to a room. They have a slightly higher sheen than an eggshell, making them easier to clean and more stain resistant. This sheen offers a medium between the warmth and subtlety of an eggshell and the excellent moisture resistance and washability of a semi-gloss or gloss.

Recommended for:
Interiors – kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms, family rooms, living rooms, dining rooms, kid’s rooms, hallways and furniture
Exteriors – wood, aluminum, aluminum accents and trim, vinyl, painted metal, brick, masonry and block

SEMI-GLOSS
The hard, smooth finish of a semi-gloss paint makes it ideal for high-moisture and wet areas both on the inside and the outside of a home. The high level of gloss begins to spotlight surface imperfections, but it also makes for excellent stain resistance and very easy cleaning. Semi-gloss paints are an especially good choice for families with small children.

Recommended for:
Interiors – kitchens, bathrooms, kid’s rooms, trim, doors and furniture
Exteriors – wood accents and trim, aluminum accents and trim, painted metal, brick, masonry and block

GLOSS
This highly reflective sheen offers the most stain and water resistant finish available. Gloss paints are very easy to clean and therefore are ideal for areas where dirt, grime and a strong need for regular cleaning are present. Because of their mirror-like or wet appearance, gloss paints will draw attention to every surface imperfection. If you painting an area with a lot of surface imperfections, you may want to consider a lower level sheen.

Recommended for:
Interiors – kitchens, bathrooms, garages, workrooms, doors, banisters, cabinets, furniture
Exteriors – wood accents and trim, aluminum accents and trim, painted metal, brick, masonry and block