Paint Finishes

Sherwin Williams Dark Night, Walls in Matte finish, Trim in Satin finish
via Park & Oak

Is there anything more vexing than paint finish? Well…besides rocket science and high school calculus? Eggshell. Modern Eggshell. Modern emulsion. Pearl. Matte. Satin. Is your head spinning yet? We can help. Let’s take some of the mystery out of what finishes are available and where one might use them.

What is Sheen?

First, you should know that each paint company uses slightly different terminology to describe similar finishes, just to keep us on our toes! Second, the word finishes refers to the sheen of the paint, and is a measure of the amount of light that reflects off a painted surface. A low sheen, like 2%, reflects almost no light, and would be considered a flat finish. A high sheen, like 90%, reflects light like crazy, and would be considered a high gloss finish. If you are researching the specific sheens of a particular paint finish, keep in mind that some paint brands measure sheen at a 60° angle, some at an 85° angle, and some use both units depending on whether the finish is matte or high gloss.

With that in mind, instead of getting deep into the different types of finishes each paint brand offers (it’s dizzying), let’s instead focus on where you might use a low sheen paint, a medium sheen paint, and a high sheen paint. Once you have a handle on the level of sheen you want, it will be much easier to dig into the finishes offered by your favorite paint brand.

Low Sheen

Flat or matte finishes are made to be used for interior walls in spaces without high traffic and moisture. Because the sheen level on these paints is so low, they have an understated, chalky look, which many find very beautiful. However, that finish makes them a less protective choice and more prone to scuffs and scratches. If you want the chalky finish but need some level of cleanability, look for a washable matte paint for the most longevity. 

Park & Oak Favorite: Farrow & Ball, Estate Emulsion

Medium Sheen

As the title suggests, this is the middle ground between glossy and matte. A medium sheen paint offers more protection than a matte paint and is made to withstand the wear and tear on walls in high-traffic areas, as well as the moisture that occurs in a bathroom or kitchen. A medium sheen paint is an all-purpose, go-to paint.

The category of medium sheen has the largest array of options. And just to illustrate how confusing the terminology can be, two major paint brands offer a finish with the same name – Satin – but are very different on the medium sheen scale. On the high sheen end, Benjamin Moore’s Satin Finish (35%) will work for trim, stairs and millwork. Lower on the medium sheen scale, Sherwin Williams’ Satin Finish (11%) is perfect for playrooms, kids rooms, and other high traffic areas.

Park & Oak Favorite: Farrow & Ball, Modern Emulsion Finish

High Sheen

High sheen is great for a polished design, or if you are looking for a way to highlight a smaller room. We call this a jewel box moment. A high-gloss wall in a library full of traditional furniture creates a beautiful juxtaposition between old and new and will balance the space beautifully. And important consideration when using high sheen paint is that there is significant cost and time in the preparation. A high sheen paint requires a skim coat first to ensure a smooth surface before paint is applied, otherwise imperfections will be highlighted.  

Park & Oak Favorite: Benjamin Moore, High Gloss Finish

---

We hope this helps you on your paint journey! Still perplexed? We have experts at Park & Oak Collected who offer paint consultations. Reach out for help! And here is some of our favorite color inspiration…