A new coat of paint can make a world of difference to the look and feel of your home, especially if you choose to go with a different colour. While all interior paint products are intended to perform the same job, the sheen of the paint can drastically affect the results. As a leading provider of hand tools, hardware, and paint products, the team at Country Lumber knows how difficult it can be to select the perfect paint solution for your home. That is why we have compiled some information on the different types of interior paint sheens to help you make an informed decision.
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6 Common Interior Paint Sheens
Though paint sheen is largely based on preference, some options are a more common choice for certain areas of the home over others. The most common types of paint sheens include:
1. Flat
This type of paint has no sheen at all because it does not reflect light. Flat paint is more forgiving of flaws in a surface as it masks imperfections by allowing more pigment to come through, though it can be more difficult to clean than glossy sheens. A flat sheen is often used for ceilings and walls for low-traffic spaces.
2. Matte
Matte sheens are similar to flat, though they do have a slight shine. Matte paint provides excellent depth of colour and has a smooth feel after proper application. Unlike flat paint, a matte sheen can withstand more frequent washing, making it a great choice for high-traffic areas including walls, living rooms, dining rooms, and bedrooms.
3. Eggshell
Eggshell features a low amount of shine while being easy to clean. While it reflects more light than flat and matte sheens, it is not nearly as shiny as semi- or high-gloss sheens. Eggshell paint is a popular choice that is suitable for high-traffic walls in dining rooms, bedrooms, and living rooms.
4. Satin
Satin paint is a medium-gloss option that grants depth to trim and other surfaces while remaining easy to clean. Satin paint is also great for high-traffic walls, doors, and cabinets, but is more susceptible to showing flaws such as lap marks or other instances of user error.
5. Semi-Gloss
Semi-gloss paint is luminous and reflective, making it a great choice for highlighting details within your home such as trim and kitchen cabinets. While it is easy to clean, it is also extremely difficult to apply without cosmetic flaws.
6. High-Gloss
This option offers a mirror-like finish that reflects light exceptionally well, especially for lighter colours. It is highly durable, easy to clean, and stain resistant, but also the most difficult to apply properly. If you will be applying semi-gloss or high-gloss paint throughout your home, it is often best to hire a professional.
To learn more about our selection of paint and other products for your project, get in touch with the experts at Country Lumber. We can be reached through our online contact form and will be happy to answer any questions you may have regarding our products or services.