Different “sheen” Applications

What is paint sheen?

Paint sheen refers to how much light a paint reflects. Paints with a sheen reflect light, while paints without a sheen absorb light.

1. Paint sheens are not the same and should be used accordingly
Paint sheens are designed with specific purposes in mind. Some hide, protect and others are personal preference.

2. Ceilings
You’ll find that most ceilings in a home have a popcorn or stucco texture. This was designed to hide the builders’ imperfections after the drywall stage. This is important to know when choosing a paint sheen for a ceiling. FLAT paints are a common choice for ceilings because of its ability to hide imperfections with a streak-free finish and its cheaper price tag.

3. Frames, baseboards and doors
These are typically the most heavily used and abused areas of the home. When I first started my company 15 years ago, I always used a SEMI-GLOSS finish. However, times change and styles evolved over the years. I have noticed clients leaning more towards a PEARL/SATIN finish for the areas due to its high durability and easy cleaning. SEMI-GLOSS has a much more reflective finish than PEARL for example.

4. Walls
The most important thing to me when choosing a wall sheen is my client’s needs. Do they have small children or pets? In this case, I would suggest something more durable with some ability to clean. EGGSHELL is pretty standard for these areas. In other cases, clients don’t want as much sheen (light reflection) and in this case I will recommend a MATTE finish because it provides a soft elegant look to walls

5. Washability
Although paint products have come a long way in terms of washability, washing or wiping down EGGSHELL on walls will result in streaks left behind. FLAT paints are uncleanable due to the chalky nature of the paint and will need to be repainted as time goes on. The best option for a cleanable paint sheen would be PEARL/SATIN on trim and doors.

Understanding paint sheen is essential for achieving the perfect finish in your home. Choosing the right sheen from ceilings to walls and trim can impact durability, maintenance, and overall appearance. At LC Painters, we bring years of expertise to every project, helping homeowners make informed decisions for flawless results. If you’re looking for high-quality residential painting in Burlington, contact LC Painters today for a consultation or a quote!