Interior Paint Sheens

Did you know there are many different types of paint? Not only are there different colors, there are also different sheens that impact how your finished product looks. There are generally six options: flat, matte, satin, eggshell, semi-gloss, and gloss paint (the below descriptions can vary by manufacturer).

A flat sheen is one of the more common sheens for interior paint. It works quite well for covering up imperfections on walls. However, it will not clean up very well. Matte is similar to flat paint in that it will cover up imperfections very well.  It will clean a little better and doesn’t need refinishing quite as often.

Satin is easier to clean than flat or matte and it has a slightly higher sheen than either. The downside to satin is that it doesn’t hide imperfections in walls as well as flat or matte - it usually makes them more visible. Eggshell can be a great option for interior paint. It has a slightly higher sheen than satin, but will clean up very well. It is common to find eggshell paint in places like the kitchen, or rooms where you will need to wipe down walls often, like with children.  

Semi-gloss is the most common sheen for interior trim paint. It is very easy to clean with a fairly high sheen, although not quite as much as gloss paint. Gloss paint is not a common interior wall paint because the sheen is so high. Gloss paint will greatly exaggerate any wall imperfections.

As we’re jumping into spring, we’re starting to get busier and busier! If you would like the interior – of your house or commercial building – repainted after the winter wear, let us know soon! March and April are starting to look full, but we do have a couple more openings to squeeze you in!

Thanks for checking in,
Ryan