Paint Sheen 101 - How to Choose a Paint Finish

Tiffany Monreal
Tiffany Monreal
Jr Interior Designer
Feb 5, 2024

PAINT SHEENS AND WHERE TO USE IT

Let’s talk about paint sheens! Paint sheen is important to consider for both visual and functional reasons. Here are some suggestions as to what paint sheen you should use on your next project.

Let’s dive in!

MATTE/ FLAT:

It absorbs the most light and hides imperfections incredibly well. It is great for low-traffic areas in the interior of your home like bedrooms, ceilings and office spaces. The downfall to flat paint is that it’s difficult to clean. Scuffs and markings show up easily and often cannot be wiped off which means you’ll need to touch up paint from time to time.

EGGSHELL/ SATIN:

Eggshell and Satin are the matte's better cousins. As far as appearances go, it looks much the same as matte without the cleaning disadvantages. It wipes easily and still has a low sheen making imperfections on the wall less visible. Eggshell and Satin are recommended for most interior walls. Common areas like: entry room, living rooms and hallways.

SEMI GLOSS/GLOSS:

Semi-gloss and Gloss are great for rooms that deal with excess moisture. It’s highly durable and has a semi-high level of shine. Semi-gloss is not as commonly used because of its glossy finish and its ability to highlight imperfections. However, if you take the time to ensure that your surface is perfectly smooth, it can provide a beautiful luster. Semi-gloss paints can be used in bathrooms, cabinets, trim, baseboards, and exterior doors.

Share this post
Tiffany Monreal
Tiffany Monreal
Jr Interior Designer
Feb 5, 2024

With a BA in Design from California State University and an Associate's degree in Interior Design from Orange Coast College, Tiffany has demonstrated exceptional skills as a Color Consultant at Sherwin Williams and in crafting creative designs at Wildhouse Ink. Her remarkable design intuition and strong client relationships make her a valuable team member at Revive

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, legal, or real estate advice. ROI estimates, cost ranges, and market trends are based on publicly available data and general industry insights and may not accurately reflect individual circumstances, regional specifics, or current market conditions. Revive makes no guarantees regarding outcomes or returns on investment. Readers are strongly encouraged to consult with licensed professionals, such as contractors, real estate agents, or financial advisors, to assess their unique needs and conditions before starting any remodeling or home improvement projects. Revive is not liable for decisions made based on the information provided herein.

Unlocking equity is hard,
we've got your back.

See what's possible, it's your real estate.

Discuss home

The future
starts at home.

Get the app
Still have questions?
Visit our Help Center
Get in touch
80 Technology Dr. Suite 210
Irvine, CA 92618
1 (855) 684 5364
info@revive.realestate
Primary locations
Orange County   |   Los Angeles   |   San Francisco   |   San Jose

While there is an abundance of evidence that supports that renovated turnkey homes sell faster and for more, Revive, nor the Contractor, can guarantee a specific as-is or after renovation value or the exact time that it would take to get a renovated home sold. Further, Revive cannot provide a guarantee that the real estate market will not experience fluctuations or a decrease during the renovation or sales period.