How to Choose a Paint Finish

Choosing an Interior Paint Finish: Sheen and Gloss 101

Put the finishing statement on your paint colour of choice by selecting a sheen that enhances the look of the surface. Sheen, or paint finish, is a measure of how much light reflects off a painted surface, resulting in gloss — or a lack thereof. Consider some of the common sheen uses listed below, or break from tradition and get creative with sheen. While some types of paint finishes may work better in certain areas than others, Benjamin Moore’s legacy of innovation ensures that our portfolio of products delivers premium performance across the sheen spectrum.

Sheen and Gloss 101

Sheens and glosses range on a scale from no shine to high shine. Different levels of sheen can affect how colours appear and add dimension to rooms. While there are many different types of sheen, you are most likely to see these seven key interior Benjamin Moore paint finishes during your painting journey:

  • Flat

  • Matte

  • Eggshell

  • Pearl

  • Satin

  • Semi-Gloss

  • High Gloss

If you’re stuck on sheen, visit our showrooms for recommendations on the best finish for your project.

Common Sheen Uses

SHEEN

INTERIOR

EXTERIOR

Flat
(most forgiving of imperfections)

Ceilings, Walls in Low Traffic Spaces

-

Matte

Walls, Living Rooms, Dining Rooms, Bedrooms

-

Eggshell / Low Lustre

High Traffic Walls, Living Rooms, Dining Rooms, Bedrooms

Walls

Pearl / Satin

Doors and Frames, Cabinets, Skirtings

Doors and Frames

Semi-Gloss

Doors and Frames, Cabinets, Skirtings

Doors and Frames

High Gloss
(most durable)

Doors and Frames, Cabinets, Skirtings

Doors and Frames

Flat Paint

Flat paint is a term for a finish that does not reflect light, resulting in no sheen at all. This lack of reflection allows more paint pigment to come through, is more forgiving of flaws and allows for excellent hide, creating a uniform surface.

Our Anti-mould Ceiling Paint is the flattest paint Benjamin Moore offers; with its ability to mask imperfections, it offers a flawless finish and is an ideal choice for ceilings and very low-traffic areas.

Similar sheens you may see in our portfolio are ultra flat or ulti-matte. These are close to flat in that there is very little sheen, but you may find slight differences between the three.

Use caution when considering flat paint in high-traffic areas that require frequent attention. Stains are harder to remove from low-sheen paint, and constant rubbing or cleaning can result in burnishing.

Matte Paint

Matte finish is nearly as shine-free as flat, again providing excellent hide and depth of color, with slightly more durability.

ben Interior Matte is a professional painter favourite for its ease of application and smooth feel after drying. Matte finish paint also withstands frequent washing, even when applied in busier areas like hallways and family rooms.

A matte look lends a luxurious touch to many interior spaces, including bedrooms and dining rooms. Bathrooms and areas that are exposed to more moisture can be painted in a matte finish using Aura Bath & Spa, which was designed to achieve exceptional durability, colour retention and mildew resistance in high-humidity environments.

Eggshell Paint

Eggshell finish is our most popular sheen, and has a low-sheen reminiscent of flat or matte, but it is more durable.

Widely available in a variety of Benjamin Moore interior paints, eggshell (or low lustre for exterior paints) provides an easy-to-clean, nearly shine-free finish, suited for most areas of a home, including family rooms and hallways. While it reflects more light than flat or matte finishes, its soft glow casts colours beautifully, especially in Aura Interior Eggshell, our most premium paint - a great choice for your most-loved spaces.

Satin Paint

The difference between eggshell and satin paint is that satin delivers a higher gloss, while offering better stain resistance and durability than lower sheens, including eggshell.

Satin paint is ideal for areas that crave definition. Use its distinctive lustre to highlight windows, trim, doors, and cabinets. Where architectural details like beveling and paneling are customary, consider Advance Interior paint in satin for a rich, lustrous look.

Semi-Gloss Paint

The luminous look of a semi-gloss paint is perfectly suited to highlight the architectural details of your home and create dimension on millwork, trim, and doors. Semi-gloss is available in Advance Interior paint; it cures to a smooth, furniture-like finish, and its glossy look makes it one of the best paint finishes for kitchen cabinets.

High Gloss Paint

Offering a mirror-like finish, high gloss is the glossiest finish in the sheen chart. This finish, offered in Advance Interior paint, is extremely durable and offers elegant shine. It is easy to clean, stain-resistant and will add a stunning look to doors, trim, and even a high-traffic kitchen.

Many interior designers (and adventurous homeowners) like to experiment with high gloss paint in unexpected areas, such as the ceiling or an accent wall. Keep in mind, however, that high gloss paints require careful application and preparation.Since a gloss finish reflects light and can accentuate blemishes and imperfections, avoid using it on areas that are not completely smooth.

Get Advice & Complimentary Swatches

If you need help in choosing your colour, come by any of our stores today to see all our colours on display. Our colour experts will also be glad to assist you in choosing the shade that truly suits your space. Also, you get to bring home complimentary swatches which are true to colour for your consideration.

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