Most people who are looking to paint the interior of their home spend the most time considering what color they’re going to choose. It’s not until they’re asked what type of gloss they’re getting by the painting store attendant that they consider that factor as well. Choosing the gloss, also known as the sheen, of your paint is incredibly important, because it will affect the overall look of the room as well as whether the walls are easy to clean or not. Read on to learn about the different sheens of paint and three factors that you should think about before choosing the gloss.
The Types of Gloss
There’s an entire spectrum of paint gloss that ranges from flat matte to high-gloss. Essentially, the sheen of your paint determines how reflective it will be when it dries. No matter whether you choose a darker or lighter color, the shininess will solely rely on what gloss type you choose.
Flat or Matte
Flat paints are the least glossy ones that you can get, which means that they won’t be shiny when they dry on the wall. They’re excellent for rooms that don’t see a lot of traffic, such as bedrooms, because they’re not as easy to clean as higher gloss paints.
Low-Sheen
Low-sheen paints are slightly more glossy than matte or flat paints and can show imperfections on the wall more, which is why it’s a good idea to also choose this for less-trafficked rooms.
Satin
Satin sheen is a mid-gloss paint that is pretty versatile. These paints are more resistant to scuffing, staining, and showing imperfections, and they’re an excellent way to brighten up a room due to their reflective surface.
Semi-Gloss
Semi-gloss paints are pretty reflective when placed in a room with light sources and are easy to clean, making them a great option for rooms that are used a lot, like living rooms and kitchens.
High-Gloss
Finally, high-gloss paints are the most reflective types of paint that show the most imperfections on the wall, which makes them a great option decorative finishes like trim, windowsills, or to highlight natural wooden features.
3 Tips for Choosing Paint Gloss
When choosing the gloss of paint, you’ll want to keep three things in mind: what aesthetic you’re going for, how trafficked a room is, and how much lighting is in a room. Choosing high-gloss bright, bold colors can look loud and gaudy, and if that’s not what you’re going for, it can seriously make you rethink ever wanting to repaint your home. Typically, the more often a room is used, the more scuffs and dirt will get on the wall, which is why it’s a good idea to go with a high sheen that’s easy to clean. And finally, high-gloss paints in rooms with lots of natural or artificial lighting can be blinding and an eyesore, which is why it’s a good idea to take into account how many windows are in a room and whether the room you’re painting sees a lot of light.
Choosing a paint color is hard enough as it is, even without factoring in that you’ll need to consider the sheen as well. Having a professional by your side to help guide you through this process can ensure that you don’t achieve horrendous results that you’ll be unhappy with.
About Platinum Painting of Plano
Our team at Platinum Painting of Plano has years of experience improving and painting residential homes. They keep up-to-date with the latest trends and painting equipment to ensure that results are timeless and last for years to come. They’re happy to walk homeowners through decision processes like choosing a paint color, sheen and type, to make sure that the project is successful. For questions or to schedule a free in-house estimate, visit our website or call 972-372-0404.