Finishes / Sheens

When beginning your paint project, you'll want to consider the sheen of the paint -- or the gloss level. The higher the gloss level, the shinier the appearance and the more scrubbable the finish.

There are different types of sheens for different areas of your home.

• Flat sheens are ideal for low-traffic areas such as formal dining rooms and master bedrooms. They provide a beautiful matte coating that hides minor surface imperfections. Ideal for living rooms, dining rooms and bedrooms.
• Eggshell paints provide excellent coverage that is washable and scrubbable. It has a slightly lower sheen than satin, but offers the same type of durability. Eggshell paints are ideas for living rooms, bedrooms and family rooms.
• Satin paints go a step above flats in scrubbability, providing a nice balance between washability and subtle gloss. They perform and look great in just about any room.
• Semi-gloss paints ensure maximum durability. They are commonly used in children's rooms and high-moisture areas, such as bathrooms, as well as for trim.
• High-gloss paints are highly reflective and work well for highlighting details, such as trim and decorative molding. They are also the best choice for doors and cabinets -- or any area that sees a high volume of abuse.
• Ceiling flats are designed specifically for ceilings. These are usually extra spatter-resistant.