Transform Your Walls: The Ultimate Guide to Perfect Paint Sheens

Understanding the 'Why' Behind Diverse Paint Finishes

Paint finishes are not merely aesthetic choices; they serve functional purposes. As Trish Picariello from Cloverdale Paint highlights, different sheens are designed to conceal minor surface flaws, enhance durability in busy zones, and manipulate light interaction, either absorbing or reflecting it to achieve distinct visual effects.

Simplifying Your Paint Finish Selection Process

When deciding on a paint finish, it's essential to evaluate several key aspects: the amount of wear and tear the surface will endure, the overall aesthetic you aim to achieve, and the existing condition of the surface. For instance, high-traffic areas like entryways require more robust finishes compared to ceilings, which might benefit from a softer touch.

The Durability-Sheen Correlation: Expert Perspectives

David Underwood of Benjamin Moore explains that generally, a higher sheen correlates with increased durability and ease of cleaning. However, higher sheens also tend to accentuate surface imperfections due to their light-reflecting properties. Conversely, Sue Wadden from Sherwin-Williams notes that matte or flat finishes are excellent for minimizing flaws and creating a softer ambiance. Therefore, a balanced decision involves considering traffic, moisture exposure, cleaning requirements, and the inherent condition of the surface.

Behr's Range of Interior Paint Finishes

Karla Kratz, Behr's head of color, emphasizes that paint finishes are an integral part of the design narrative. She suggests using softer finishes for walls and introducing higher sheens on trim, cabinetry, or doors to add prominence to these architectural details. Behr offers six distinct interior finishes:

• Flat: A non-reflective option, best suited for areas with minimal traffic.
• Matte: Features a low-lustre, offers reflectivity, and is known for durability.
• Eggshell Enamel: A soft, velvety finish that effectively resists dirt and grime.
• Satin Enamel: Provides a pearl-like finish, making it easy to clean.
• Semi-gloss Enamel: Delivers a sleek, radiant look, ideal for high-traffic zones.
• Hi-gloss Enamel: A shiny, glass-like finish, perfect for areas with heavy usage.

Cloverdale Paint's Interior Finish Spectrum

Trish from Cloverdale Paint shares her personal preference for flat finishes on older plaster walls to camouflage irregularities, sometimes opting for eggshell for its subtle sheen. Cloverdale Paint presents six interior finishes:

• Flat Paint: The lowest gloss level, characterized by almost no shine.
• Eggshell Paint: A low-sheen finish that imparts a gentle glow.
• Pearl Paint: Offers more sheen than eggshell, with a soft luminosity.
• Low Gloss Paint: A smooth, soft, and satin-like finish.
• Semi-gloss Paint: Both reflective and highly durable.
• Gloss/High-gloss Paint: Extremely reflective and exceptionally durable.

Sherwin-Williams' Diverse Finish Options

Sue recommends always testing paint colors with their intended sheen before making a final decision, as lighting conditions can dramatically alter the perception of color and sheen. Sherwin-Williams provides ten interior paint finishes:

• Gloss: The shiniest option, creating a striking visual impact.
• Semi-gloss: Adds a subtle shine and is easy to clean.
• Satin/Eg-shel: Smooth and easily washable.
• Matte: A flat finish with an angular sheen.
• Flat: Non-reflective and offers low durability.
• High Gloss: The most reflective, shiny, and lustrous finish.
• Medium Lustre: A finish with a higher gloss.
• Pearl: Imparts a subtle shimmer and lustrous quality.
• Low-lustre: Features a subtle sheen.
• Velvet: A flat finish with a hint of sheen.

Benjamin Moore's Extensive Palette of Finishes

David from Benjamin Moore highlights their comprehensive portfolio, designed to cater to every room, surface, and style, from ultra-flat finishes for flawless ceilings to high gloss options that make a bold statement on doors or accent walls. Benjamin Moore offers seven paint finishes:

• Flat: A non-reflective finish.
• Ulti-Matte: Shine-free, with slightly more durability than Flat.
• Eggshell: Features a low sheen and good durability.
• Pearl: A medium gloss finish that is highly durable.
• Satin: Offers high gloss and excellent stain resistance.
• Semi-Gloss: Luminous, providing a smooth, furniture-like appearance.
• High Gloss: A mirror-like finish that is exceptionally durable.