Paint Sheens

The phrase "flat paint" refers to a finish that does not reflect light and has no shine. This absence of reflection allows more paint pigment to show through, makes faults more forgivable, and allows for great hiding, resulting in a homogeneous surface. Waterborne Ceiling Paint (508) is Benjamin Moore's flattest paint; it produces a flawless finish and is suitable for ceilings and low-traffic areas due to its ability to cover defects.

When contemplating flat paint for high-traffic areas that require frequent care, proceed with caution. Low-sheen paint is more difficult to remove stains from, and frequent rubbing or washing can cause burnishing.

Matte finish is virtually as shine-free as flat, with slightly greater durability and outstanding hiding and color depth. Professional painters like Regal® Select Interior Matte (548) because of its ease of application and smooth finish after drying. Even in high-traffic areas like corridors and family rooms, matte finish paint can tolerate repeated cleaning.

Many interior spaces, including bedrooms and dining rooms, benefit from a matte finish. Aura® Bath & Spa (532), which was engineered to provide great durability, color retention, and mildew resistance in high-humidity situations, can be painted in a matte finish in bathrooms and other spaces that are exposed to excessive moisture.

The eggshell finish has a low sheen similar to flat or matte, but it is vastly more durable than its namesake. It is perennially popular with professional and DIY painters alike.

Eggshell (and its similar—but not identical—sheen brother, low lustre) gives an easy-to-clean, practically shine-free finish that is suitable for most sections of a house, including family rooms and corridors, and is widely available in a number of Benjamin Moore interior paints. While it reflects more light than flat or matte finishes, its gentle glow casts colors nicely, particularly in Aura® Interior Eggshell (N524), our most premium paint, making it an excellent choice for your most-loved areas.

A pearl finish has a medium shine and is quite durable. A pearl finish adds dimension to trim while also being simple to clean, making it ideal for high-traffic areas. Regal® Select Interior Pearl (550) is a mildew-resistant finish that may be used on everything from wainscoting to doors in high-humidity environments.

If you choose this finish, make sure to follow the manufacturer's application instructions and paint carefully, since pearl sheen paint is more likely to exhibit lap marks and other painting errors.

The distinction between eggshell and satin paint, which is sometimes mistaken with other finishes, is that satin has a higher gloss and is more stain resistant and durable than lesser sheens, such as eggshell.

Satin paint is perfect for areas that need to be defined. Use its unique sheen to draw attention to windows, shutters, trim, and even interior doors. Consider Aura® Grand Entrance Satin for front doors with architectural elements like beveling and paneling to produce a rich, shiny effect that inspires a sense of elegance and grandeur.

Soft gloss paint is another option in this category, which, although not a perfect match for satin paint, provides a similar higher-gloss, longer-lasting finish.

A semi-gloss paint's brilliant appearance is ideal for highlighting architectural details and adding dimension to millwork, trim, and doors. Most Benjamin Moore interior paints come in semi-gloss, but we particularly appreciate the look of ADVANCE® Interior Semi-Gloss (793); it cures to a smooth, furniture-like surface, and its glossy appearance makes it one of the finest paint finishes for kitchen cabinets.

High gloss is at the top of the sheen scale, with a mirror-like quality. This finish, which is available in select paints like ADVANCE® High Gloss (794), is exceptionally durable and provides a beautiful gloss. It's stain-resistant, simple to clean, and will transform the look of doors, trim, and even a high-traffic kitchen.

Many interior designers (and daring homeowners) like using high-gloss paint in unusual places, such as the ceiling or an accent wall. Keep in mind, however, that high-gloss paints need meticulous application and preparation, which is best left to a professional. If you're going to do it yourself, practice your technique and prep any surfaces that need to be painted to make sure they're level and clean. Avoid applying a gloss finish on areas that aren't fully smooth since it reflects light and can highlight imperfections.

There is no Sheen/Finish Placement which is set in stone. There are many factors you want to consider when choosing a sheen.

• Color

• Color Overlap

• Lighting

• Traffic

• Interior/Exterior

• Surrounding Sheens

• Durability

• Availability*

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