What does Paint Sheen Mean?

The HBM team has for the last few weeks being covering up the topic of house painting. And to be sincere, it has been quite fun. We hope to continue to help you learn more about the art of painting.

Today, our team sets to answer the question "Paint does paint sheen mean?" Paint sheen is the glow or gloss of the paint. The paint could have high gloss or could have very low gloss. Neither is bad. Paint sheen could be seen as something of personal preference. While there is individuals that like paint to shine, there is others that prefer a flat effect.

Now, let's get a bit more technical about sheen, as there are different types. In general, the general, there exists five different types of sheen available. Once you have chosen the type of paint you will use (latex or oil-based) and the colors (this could be a tough one), you will have to choose what type of sheen you'd like:

1) Flat Paint has a matte finish to it, which can be very useful for hiding blemishes, dents, and dings. Indeed, flat paint's ability to absorb light can come handy. In fact, sometimes it is enough to use just one coat of flat paint. The negative side, however, is that flat paint shows dirt relatively easy and doesn't stand up to scrubbing very well. Thus, this type of paint is usually reserved for surfaces that do not require frequent washing.

2) Eggshell Paint has become a popular sheen choice for walls. The reason behind this is that it is more durable than flat paint and because it reflects a bit more light, creating a smoother finish that still hides away imperfections. 

3) Satin Paint has a silky finish and it is easy to wash. It is used heavily for children's room kitchen and bathroom walls. Indeed, this paint is practical for highly-trafficked areas. 

4) Semigloss Paint is a highly popular paint for woodwork, cabinetry and kitchen and baths. Why? The shiny surface produced by semigloss paint is easy to clean, so it is great for places that receive a lot of fingerprints. One downside is that most people find the finish to be too shiny. Thus, if you prefer a subtler finish, satin paint may be the way to go.

5) High Gloss Paint delivers the highest levels of shine and durability. One downside, however, is that any minor error on any surface will suddenly not appear minor anymore. 

Understanding the different types of paint shine can have a great impact on how your painting looks. 

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