Which Paint Sheen Level is Perfect for Your Project

Paint Sheen Level

The paint sheen level is crucial in the final painting results. When you start a painting project, it is essential to select the right paint sheen.  The sheen affects the look of the finished surface and impacts its durability and maintenance. Some of the sheens may result in a surface that can be cleaned easily while the other ones might be difficult to clean.

There are several sheen levels available in the market. Therefore, it is important to choose the right sheen for your painting project such that it suits your specific needs. This article explains the different sheens and their respective uses to help you choose the best for you.  

What is Paint Sheen?

Before, you start deciding the best paint sheen levels, it is crucial to understand the paint sheen itself. Paint sheen defines the amount of shine or gloss you get on the painted surface. The level of sheen determines how much light the surface reflects and how durable the paint will be. Sheens range from flat to high-gloss. 

The flat sheen means negligible shine and high-gloss means a very shiny surface. Different paint sheen levels are suited for different uses depending on the specific needs. It is, therefore, important to explore different sheen types before you choose a sheen level of paint for your project. 

Common Types of Paint Sheen Level in Singapore 

Flat or Matte

This paint sheen level means the paint has no shine. This results in a smooth and non-reflective finish. Since there is no shine on the surface, the imperfections of the surface are easily hidden. This makes the matte finish ideal for low-traffic areas of the home such as bedrooms, living rooms, and ceilings. However, durability is an issue with this type of finish. Therefore, it’s less suitable for high-traffic and high-moisture areas of the home.

Eggshell

Eggshell paint offers a finish with a slight sheen, which makes it more durable than flat paint. It’s a popular choice for spaces that have moderate use in the house. Eggshell finishes maintain a balance between smoothness and durability. Painted surfaces with this kind of finish are relatively easier to clean than the high gloss ones. 

Paint Sheen Levels

Satin

Satin paint provides a soft finish and makes the surface moderately shiny. Its shine is more than the eggshell and it is also more durable. Moreover, it is also clean, which makes it ideal for high-traffic areas of the home. 

Satin is also a good choice for doors and trims. However, with the increased sheen, the imperfections. Therefore, it’s important to prepare the surface well and make the surface close to perfect.

Semi-Gloss

Semi-gloss paint makes the painted surface highly shiny and the paint more durable. It’s moisture resistant and therefore, perfect for areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and utility rooms. It’s also used for doors and trims. Semi-gloss finishes are easy to clean and can bear frequent scrubbing. However, they highlight imperfections more than lower-sheen paints.

High-Gloss

High-gloss paint is the shiniest and most reflective option. It’s highly durable and resistant to dirt and moisture. Therefore, it is ideal for doors, trims, and cabinetry. High-gloss paint is usually used in modern spaces for an attractive look. However, it highlights any imperfections, so it should only be applied to well-prepared surfaces.

How to Choose the Right Sheen Level in Singapore for Your Project?

PS Painting Singapore is a known service provider in Singapore and offers professional house painting, office painting, and condo painting services. According to their experience, you should consider the following factors to make a well-informed decision. 

Room Function

For high-traffic areas, you should opt for more durable sheens like satin or semi-gloss. These sheens are easy to clean and can resist moisture and are suitable for frequently used areas. For bedrooms or living rooms, flat or eggshell finishes are more appropriate because they give a softer look. 

Perfect Paint Sheen Level

Surface Condition

If your walls have imperfections, flat or matte finishes will help hide them. On the other hand, glossier finishes such as semi-gloss and high-gloss will highlight the imperfections. Therefore, use these finishes if your surface is well-prepared.

Aesthetic Preference 

The level of sheen can dramatically change the appearance of a room. Flat or matte paint creates a sophisticated look, while high-gloss finishes give a modern, polished appearance. Select the paint sheen that complements the overall style of the space you’re decorating.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is essential to choose the right paint sheen level to achieve the best results for your project. Each paint sheen level the specific attributes that make it suitable for specific requirements. You should consider room function, surface condition, and the desired room appearance before you choose the sheen level for your painting project. By selecting the perfect sheen, you can make a beautifully painted space that meets your practical needs and makes your space an aesthetic heaven. 

Frequently Asked Questions

It is the measure of reflected light from the painted surface. If the sheen is higher it means the surface is more shiny and vice versa.
It affects the color perception and durability of the paint. Some paint sheens are more durable than others.
Choosing the sheen depends on the room's function, durability, and surface condition. You should choose different sheen levels for different parts of your home.