Help With Sheen
What is Sheen?
Sheen is the level of gloss or shine in a paint color, which determines how much light is reflected on the paint's surface. Paints with higher sheen levels appear glossy, while lower sheen levels appear flat.
Guide to Choosing a Sheen
Whether for interior paints, exterior paints or wood stains, determining which sheen type works best for your project is important. It impacts the surface's durability, its ability to hide flaws and how it reflects light. Here's a quick guide on key differences between the sheen types available at Aboff's Paints:
- Gloss level: How reflective or shiny the paint is upon application
- Durability: Ability to withstand daily wear and resist scratches and stains
- Washability: Resistance to dirt, spills and fingerprints
- Touch-up ease: Ability of a repainted area to blend seamlessly with the surrounding surface
- Imperfection hiding: Ability to conceal imperfections on the surface
- Best uses: Areas of the house where a specific sheen is most suitable for use
Refer to this table for a quick, comprehensive comparison of different sheen types available at Aboff's Paints.
| Sheen Type |
Appearance/Gloss Level |
Durability |
Washability |
Touch-up Ease |
Imperfection Hiding |
Best Uses |
| Flat |
None |
Low |
Low |
Easy |
Excellent |
Low-traffic areas
Ceilings
Adult bedrooms
|
| Matte/Ulti-Matte |
Very low |
Low to moderate |
Low to moderate |
Easy |
Excellent |
Low-traffic areas
Walls
Living rooms
Dining rooms
|
| Eggshell |
Soft, slight sheen |
Moderate |
Moderate |
Moderate |
Good |
Moderate-traffic areas
Family rooms
Hallways
|
| Pearl |
Subtle, soft luster |
Moderate to high |
Moderate to high |
Moderate |
Good |
Moderate and high-traffic areas
Bathrooms
Children's bedrooms
|
| Satin |
Noticeable, smooth |
High |
High |
Moderate |
Fair |
High-traffic and moisture-prone areas
Kitchens
Bathrooms
Doors
|
| Semi-Gloss |
Shiny, reflective |
Very high |
Very high |
Difficult |
Poor |
High-traffic areas
Trim
Doors
Cabinets
|
Still unsure which product and sheen type are suitable for your job? Contact us online or call us today at 631-427-2008 to discuss your needs with our product experts.
