It's great to find the perfect colour for your interior painting project, but finding the proper sheen is just as important. Choosing the proper sheen for the different surfaces and areas of your home will help you choose the best interior product and get the most from your paint for a beautiful look that will stand the test of time. Visit the Colour Center at your local Home Depot for more tips on choosing the right sheen for your project.
ABOUT INTERIOR PAINT SHEENS
GET THE LOOK YOU WANT AND THE PROTECTION YOU NEED FOR ANY ROOM IN YOUR HOME.
Flat
A flat sheen has a non-reflective finish that touches up well and hides minor surface imperfections.
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APPLICATIONS:
Wood and vinyl walls and siding; brick and other masonry; fences
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AREAS:
Family rooms, living rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms, ceilings
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DURABILITY:
Medium-Low
- PRODUCT(S):
Matte
A matte sheen has a low-luster, reflective finish that is durable, easy to clean, touches up well and also hides minor surface imperfections.
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APPLICATIONS:
Low-traffic areas; interior walls
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AREAS:
Family rooms, living rooms, kids' rooms, bathrooms, dining rooms, ceilings
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DURABILITY:
Medium
- PRODUCT(S):
Eggshell Enamel
An eggshell enamel sheen has a soft, velvety appearance that resists dirt and grime, as well as mildew.
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APPLICATIONS:
Moderate-traffic areas
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AREAS:
Family rooms, living rooms, bedrooms, kids' rooms, hallways, dining rooms
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DURABILITY:
Medium
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PRODUCT(S):
BEHR DYNASTY™ Interior Eggshell Enamel BEHR MARQUEE® Interior Eggshell Enamel BEHR ULTRA® SCUFF DEFENSE™ Interior Eggshell Enamel PREMIUM PLUS® Interior Eggshell Enamel
Satin Enamel
A satin enamel sheen has a pearl-like finish that's easy to clean.
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APPLICATIONS:
All interior surfaces; moderate- to high-traffic areas
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AREAS:
Family rooms, living rooms, bedrooms, kids' rooms, hallways, kitchens, bathrooms, doors, windows, trim, cabinets, shutters, interior furniture
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DURABILITY:
Medium-High
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PRODUCT(S):
BEHR DYNASTY™ Interior Satin Enamel BEHR MARQUEE® Interior Satin Enamel BEHR ULTRA® SCUFF DEFENSE™ Interior Satin Enamel PREMIUM PLUS® Interior Satin Enamel
Semi-Gloss Enamel
A semi-gloss enamel sheen is sleek and radiant resisting mildew, moisture and wear.
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APPLICATIONS:
Cabinets and trim; high-traffic, high-moisture areas
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AREAS:
Kids' rooms, hallways, kitchens, bathrooms, doors, windows, trim, cabinets, shutters
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DURABILITY:
High
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PRODUCT(S):
BEHR DYNASTY™ Interior Semi-Gloss Enamel BEHR MARQUEE® Interior Semi-Gloss Enamel BEHR ULTRA® SCUFF DEFENSE™ Interior Semi-Gloss Enamel PREMIUM PLUS® Interior Semi-Gloss Enamel
Hi-Gloss Enamel
Hi-Gloss enamel sheens have a brilliant, shiny appearance and a durable, glass-like finish that allows dirt and grime to be wiped clean.
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APPLICATIONS:
High-use surfaces
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AREAS:
Kitchens, bathrooms, doors, windows, trim, cabinets, shutters, interior furniture
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DURABILITY:
High
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PRODUCT(S):
BEHR ULTRA™ Interior Hi-Gloss Enamel BEHR PREMIUM PLUS® Interior/Exterior Hi-Gloss Enamel
INTERIOR SHEEN USAGE CHART
Use this chart to help you easily choose the best sheen of paint for your upcoming indoor paint projects.
| Projects | Flat | Matte | Eggshell Enamel | Satin Enamel | Semi-Gloss Enamel | Hi-Gloss Enamel |
Flat
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Family Rooms | Applicable | Applicable | Applicable | Applicable | |||
| Living Rooms | Applicable | Applicable | Applicable | Applicable | |||
| Bedrooms | Applicable | Applicable | Applicable | Applicable | |||
| Dining Rooms | Applicable | Applicable | Applicable | ||||
| Ceilings | Applicable | Applicable | |||||
| Kids' Rooms | Applicable | Applicable | Applicable | Applicable | |||
| Hallways | Applicable | Applicable | Applicable | ||||
| Kitchens | Applicable | Applicable | Applicable | ||||
| Bathrooms | Applicable | Applicable | Applicable | ||||
| Doors | Applicable | Applicable | Applicable | ||||
| Windows & Shutters | Applicable | Applicable | Applicable | ||||
| Trim | Applicable | Applicable | Applicable | ||||
| Cabinets | Applicable | Applicable | Applicable | ||||
| Interior Furniture | Applicable | Applicable | Applicable |
