Sheen Matters: A Guide to Paint Finishes & Gloss Levels

So, you’ve picked a color—great! But hold on, because now you have another decision to make: the sheen. That’s right, paint isn’t just about color; the finish you choose affects how your walls look, how they hold up over time, and even how much they’ll show fingerprints, dog slobber, and whatever mystery stains your kids create.

But here’s something most people don’t know: paint finishes are measured by their gloss level, which determines how much light they reflect. A lower gloss level means a softer, more muted finish, while a higher gloss level means more shine, durability, and visibility of surface imperfections.

Let’s break it down—without the jargon—so you can pick the perfect sheen and avoid any “Why does my wall look like that?” moments.


🎨 Flat (Matte) – The Instagram Filter for Your Walls

Gloss Level: 0-5% Reflective

Flat paint is like a good Instagram filter—it hides everything. Got dents, dings, or questionable drywall repairs? Flat paint forgives your sins. It gives walls a smooth, modern look, but there’s a catch: it’s a nightmare to clean. One scuff, and you’re either living with it or repainting.

✔ Looks Like: A soft, velvety finish—no shine at all
✔ Best For: Bedrooms, ceilings, low-traffic areas
❌ Avoid In: Kitchens, bathrooms, hallways
✔ Pros: Hides imperfections, gives walls a rich depth
❌ Cons: Hard to clean, not great for high-traffic areas


🎨 Eggshell – The Goldilocks of Paint Finishes

Gloss Level: 10-25% Reflective

Eggshell is the “just right” middle ground. It has a tiny bit of sheen, just enough to reflect some light and make the walls look elegant but not so much that it shows every fingerprint. It’s easier to clean than flat paint, but vigorous scrubbing can still leave marks.

✔ Looks Like: A soft glow, almost like the surface of an actual eggshell
✔ Best For: Living rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms
❌ Avoid In: Bathrooms, high-traffic kitchens
✔ Pros: Slightly more durable than flat, still hides some wall flaws
❌ Cons: Not the best for areas that get wet or need frequent scrubbing


🎨 Satin – The Overachiever of Paint Sheens

Gloss Level: 25-35% Reflective

Satin is where practicality meets style. It has a noticeable sheen, which means it reflects light and makes your space feel a bit brighter. It’s also super easy to clean, so it’s a great choice for places where walls take a beating (looking at you, hallway corners).

✔ Looks Like: A soft, almost pearly glow
✔ Best For: Kitchens, bathrooms, kids’ rooms, hallways
❌ Avoid In: Ceilings, unless you want to blind yourself
✔ Pros: Durable, easy to clean, great for high-traffic areas
❌ Cons: Shows more wall imperfections than eggshell or flat


🎨 Semi-Gloss – The “Look But Don’t Touch” Sheen

Gloss Level: 40-70% Reflective

Semi-gloss means business. It’s highly reflective, easy to clean, and moisture-resistant, making it ideal for areas that deal with steam, spills, and constant wiping. That said, because of its glossiness, it shows every flaw—if your wall has bumps, they’ll be front and center.

✔ Looks Like: A polished, noticeable shine
✔ Best For: Trim, doors, cabinets, bathrooms
❌ Avoid In: Large wall areas unless you love high shine
✔ Pros: Extremely durable, perfect for high-moisture areas
❌ Cons: Highlights every little imperfection


🎨 High Gloss – For When You Want to Go All In

Gloss Level: 70-90% Reflective

High-gloss paint is basically a mirror in paint form. It’s the most durable and easiest to clean, but it reflects EVERYTHING—every brushstroke, every speck of dust, every little dent in your wall. That’s why it’s usually reserved for doors, trim, and furniture rather than full walls.

✔ Looks Like: Super shiny, almost glass-like
✔ Best For: Cabinets, furniture, trim
❌ Avoid In: Most walls unless you’re designing a futuristic spaceship
✔ Pros: Ultra-durable, wipes clean easily
❌ Cons: Highlights every imperfection, difficult to apply smoothly


🛠️ How Gloss Levels Are Measured

If you’re wondering how these gloss levels are determined, it all comes down to light reflectance. Paint manufacturers use a gloss meter, which shines a beam of light at the surface and records how much bounces back.

Sheen TypeGloss Level (Reflectivity)Common Use
Flat/Matte0-5%Ceilings, low-traffic walls
Eggshell10-25%Living rooms, dining rooms
Satin25-35%Kitchens, bathrooms, hallways
Semi-Gloss40-70%Trim, doors, cabinets
High Gloss70-90%Furniture, high-impact areas

The higher the gloss level, the more light it reflects—which means it enhances details (good or bad) and is easier to clean but also harder to apply smoothly.


🎨 Different Paint Brands, Different Sheen Names

To make things more confusing, different paint brands use different names for the same gloss levels. For example:

The sheen you choose might be called something completely different depending on the paint manufacturer. So, when selecting a finish, don’t just go by the name—always check the actual gloss level and reflectivity percentage.


So, Which One Should You Pick?

Your paint sheen affects both the look and function of your space, so choose wisely! And if you’re still unsure, don’t worry—that’s what the professionals at Color Unlimited Painting are here for. We’ll help you pick the perfect finish for your home or business!

📞 Call Us: 214-269-7481
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📍 Serving Dallas, TX & Surrounding Areas