Paint Sheens Explained: Flat vs. Eggshell vs. Satin vs. Gloss | Which Finish Is Right for Your Home?
When choosing paint for your home, most people focus on color—but sheen is just as important. The right finish affects not only the look of your space but also how durable, washable, and long-lasting the paint will be.
At Pro Image Painting LLC, we help homeowners across New Hampshire and Northern Massachusetts find the perfect combination of color and finish—especially when working with premium or high-gloss paint systems. If you’re wondering what the difference is between flat, eggshell, satin, and gloss sheens, you’re in the right place.
Let’s break it down in plain terms—so you can make an informed choice (or know when to call in the pros).
🎨 What Is Paint Sheen?
PAINT SHEEN COMPARISON CHART
Paint sheen refers to how much light a paint finish reflects. In simpler terms: it’s how shiny or matte the surface looks once it’s dry.
Each sheen has different characteristics in terms of:
Appearance (matte vs. shiny)
Durability
Washability
Surface imperfections visibility
And yes—the higher the gloss, the more prep you need. More on that below.
💡 Why Does Sheen Matter?
Because it completely changes the vibe and function of a room.
Want a soft, cozy feel? Try flat or eggshell.
Want easy clean-up for sticky fingers or splashes? Go satin or gloss.
Want to wow with a high-end finish? Consider high-gloss—but call in a pro.
Paint sheen also affects:
How light bounces around the room
How often you’ll need touch-ups
How smooth your walls or trim appear
🏆 What Makes High-Gloss Paint So Special?
High gloss is the luxury finish of the paint world.
When applied correctly, it creates a glass-like surface that elevates trim, cabinetry, furniture, and even entire rooms into magazine-worthy spaces.
But here’s the truth:
“High gloss is not a DIY-friendly finish. It requires precision, patience, and near-perfect prep.”
Any bump, ding, or scratch on the surface will reflect light like a mirror—and if the prep isn’t meticulous, it will show.
At Pro Image Painting, we specialize in high-gloss finishes using products like Fine Paints of Europe, along with dustless sanding, spray applications, and multi-step systems that ensure the flawless, reflective look our clients love.
🛠️ Sheen Selection Tips from the Pros
✔️ Ceilings: Go Flat
They reflect less light and hide imperfections better.
✔️ Living Rooms/Bedrooms: Try Eggshell or Satin
They offer subtle shine with easier cleanup than flat.
✔️ Kitchens/Baths: Use Satin or Semi-Gloss
These rooms deal with moisture and need wipeable surfaces.
✔️ Trim/Doors: Go Semi-Gloss or High Gloss
Add elegance and contrast—especially in high-end interiors.
✔️ Cabinets/Furniture: Choose High Gloss for Drama
Perfect for statement pieces and elevated aesthetics. But don’t DIY this unless you’re highly experienced.
👩🎨 When to Hire a Professional
Choosing the right paint finish is just the beginning—applying it correctly is what makes it shine (literally). This is especially true when:
You want a high-gloss finish (cabinetry, front doors, accent walls)
You have older walls or surfaces with flaws
You’re going for a clean, modern aesthetic with bold contrast
You want the paint job to last for years, not months
At Pro Image Painting LLC, our team of full-time professionals delivers flawless, high-end finishes that DIY just can’t match. We know what it takes to make gloss work—and when a softer sheen is the better call.
