Home Improvement

Paint Sheen: What It Is and Why It Matters

Paint Sheen_ What It Is and Why It Matters

Have you ever wondered what the difference is between paint sheen levels asks the B&R Property Management team. What is the purpose of each type of sheen? In this article, we will discuss what paint sheen is and why it matters. We will also take a look at how sheen affects colour and how to choose the right level of sheen for your project.

So, what is paint sheen?

Paint sheen is the level of gloss or shine in a paint. It is created by the ratio of resinous binders to pigment levels in the paint. The more resinous binders, the higher the sheen. There are three main types of paint sheens: flat/matte, eggshell and semi-gloss. Let’s discuss each of them.

Flat or matte finishes have very little shine and are often used on walls and ceilings where imperfections are not as noticeable. Eggshell finishes have a slight amount of shine and are often used on walls and woodwork where a bit more durability is needed.

Lastly, semi-gloss finishes have a high amount of shine and are often used on trim work, doors and cabinets where a durable finish is most important.

How does sheen affect colour?

The level of sheen can also affect the way a paint colour is perceived. A flat or matte finish will often appear to be darker than the same colour in an eggshell or semi-gloss finish. This is because the light is not reflected as much off of a flat or matte surface.

A semi-gloss finish will often appear to be brighter than the same colour in a flat or matte finish because the light is reflected more off of the surface.

So why does sheen matter?

Sheen levels can play an important role in hiding imperfections and durability. If you are painting a wall that has imperfections, you may want to consider using a flat or matte finish. If you are painting a surface that will be subject to a lot of wear and tear, you may want to consider using a semi-gloss finish.

Choosing the right sheen

Now that we have discussed what paint sheen is and why it matters, let’s talk about how to choose the right sheen for your project. When choosing a paint sheen, you should consider the following:

  • The type of surface you are painting on – Walls, ceilings, trim work, doors and cabinets
  • The level of durability you need – High-traffic areas may need a more durable finish
  • The look you are going for – Flat or matte finishes can appear darker while semi-gloss finishes can appear brighter
  • Your personal preferences – Some people prefer the look of a semi-gloss finish while others prefer a flat or matte finish

Summary

Paint sheen is an important aspect to consider when painting as it can affect both the look and durability of your paint job. Be sure to take into account the type of surface you’ll be painting, the level of durability you need and your personal preferences when choosing a sheen. With this information in mind, you’ll be sure to choose the right sheen for your next project!