How to Choose Paint Sheen
Sheen, or gloss level, changes three things: how a wall looks, how easy it is to clean, and how much it shows surface flaws. This short guide helps you pick the right sheen for each room, with the paints we stock for each one.
How sheen works
The smoother the dried paint film, the more light it reflects and the shinier it looks. Low sheens scatter light, so they hide bumps, patches and uneven drywall. High sheens are harder and easier to scrub, but they show every flaw. Sheen also changes how a color looks: the same color appears slightly deeper and brighter in a glossier finish, so always test a sample in the sheen you plan to use.
Sheens from flattest to glossiest
| Sheen | Look | Best for | At PaintPro |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dead flat | No shine at all | Ceilings | Dead Flat Ceiling Paint |
| Flat | Very low shine, hides flaws, easy touch-ups | Living rooms, bedrooms, walls with imperfections | EVEREST® Flat |
| Matte | Flat look, but washable | Living rooms, bedrooms and hallways that need cleaning | EXQUISITE®, 420 Signature Ceramic |
| Velvet | Flat head-on, slight sheen at an angle | Hallways, kids' rooms, busy family spaces | EVEREST® Velvet |
| Eggshell | Soft glow, better stain resistance | Dining rooms, kids' rooms, hallways | Legacy Eggshell |
| Satin / low sheen | Visible sheen, cleans well | Kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms | Ask us in store |
| Semi-gloss | Shiny, very easy to clean | Kitchens, bathrooms, doors, trim, cabinets | ARISTOSHIELD® |
| Gloss / high gloss | Mirror-like, the toughest finish | Doors, cabinets, railings, metal | ARISTOSHIELD® |
Quick picks by room
- Ceilings: dead flat or flat
- Living room, bedroom: flat or matte; choose matte if you have kids or pets
- Hallway, kids' room: matte, velvet or eggshell
- Kitchen, bathroom: satin or semi-gloss
- Doors, trim, cabinets, railings: semi-gloss or gloss enamel
Tips
- Walls not perfectly smooth? Go one step flatter.
- Touch-ups blend best in flat and matte finishes.
- Use one sheen on all walls of a room, and a glossier one on trim for contrast.
- Test the color first with a paint sample or browse Dunn-Edwards colors.
Not sure which to choose? Visit us at Sayat-Nova 35 in Yerevan or message us on WhatsApp and we will help you pick.