Paint Sheens
I often get asked which paint sheen is best for certain projects. This is sometimes confusing because many companies have their own labels for their different paint sheens. Common naming conventions include semi-gloss, eggshell, and flat. Here is a quick guide to helping you select the best sheen:
Flat: This sheen has a matte finish that does not reflect light. Because of this, it is often good to distract from imperfections in the surface. However, it’s rough texture traps dirt and is not known for its washability. Washing scuffs off this surface often results in minor paint removal. This is my favorite sheen right now – especially on a flat-surfaced wall, because I think it looks modern.
Eggshell: Like the shell of an egg, it has a tiny bit of a sheen when you look at it at an angle. Because of this, is slightly more washable than flat.
Satin: This has a bit more shine than Eggshell. This can be a great finish for furniture so it has a little gloss and protection to it. It is the best of both worlds because it has a great surface and is scrubable.
Semi-Gloss: Somewhat less attractive, but great for cleaning. This type of paint is ideal for a rental because of its ability to be scrubbed clean. For the same reason, it is great for heavily used areas were fingerprints and scuffs are often found. This finish is more durable, making it better served in rooms with high-moisture like laundry rooms, kitchens and bathrooms.
Bob Vila’s website has great advice for choosing the right sheen here.
design solutions, landlord tips, making your rental a home, seller hints