Marcus Chen
Benjamin Moore paints offer a range of sheen levels for both interior and exterior paints. Sheen refers to the shininess of a paint film and is a measure of how much light is reflected from the surface. Benjamin Moore offers six sheen levels for interior paints, including flat, matte, eggshell, satin, semi-gloss, and pearl. For exterior paints, the four sheen levels available are flat, low lustre, satin, and semi-gloss. These different sheen levels can affect how colours appear and add dimension to rooms.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sheen levels for interior paints | 6 |
| Sheen levels for exterior paints | 4 |
| Flat paint sheen | 0% |
| Matte sheen | 10% |
| Sheen range | No shine to high shine |
| Eggshell sheen | Low sheen |
| Low lustre sheen | Low sheen |
| Satin sheen | Medium sheen |
| Pearl sheen | Medium sheen |
| Semi-gloss sheen | Medium sheen |
| Soft gloss sheen | Medium sheen |
| High gloss sheen | High sheen |
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What You'll Learn
Flat paint: no sheen, more pigment, hides flaws, less durable
Flat paint, also known as matte, is a finish that does not reflect light, resulting in no sheen at all. This lack of reflection allows more paint pigment to come through, making it more forgiving of flaws and creating a uniform surface. Flat paint is perfect for hiding imperfections and is ideal for ceilings and very low-traffic areas. Benjamin Moore's Waterborne Ceiling Paint (508) is its flattest paint offering, with the ability to mask imperfections and provide a flawless finish.
Flat paint is also suitable for spots that don't see much action, as they hardly need any fixes. It provides a great depth of colour and is ideal for less-than-perfect surfaces. Flat paint is also referred to as ultra-flat or ulti-matte, with very little sheen.
While flat paint is excellent for hiding flaws, it is less durable than other finishes. If you're seeking durability, higher sheen options like satin or semi-gloss are easier to clean and more resistant to scuffing and staining. These finishes are ideal for high-traffic areas and surfaces that require frequent cleaning, such as hallways, kitchens, and cabinets.
When choosing between flat paint and higher sheen options, consider the amount of traffic the area receives and whether you prioritise ease of cleaning over concealing blemishes. Flat paint may be perfect for certain low-traffic areas, while higher sheen options can add dimension and highlight specific features in your space.
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Eggshell paint: low sheen, easy to clean, soft glow, durable
Benjamin Moore paints offer six sheen levels for interior paints and four sheen levels for exterior paints. The shininess of a paint film is referred to as its sheen, which is a measure of how much light is reflected from the surface. The higher the sheen, the shinier the surface.
Eggshell paint is a type of paint with a low sheen, reminiscent of flat or matte paint. However, it is more durable than its flatter counterparts. Eggshell paint is widely available in a variety of Benjamin Moore interior paints and is known for its easy-to-clean, nearly shine-free finish. This type of paint is suitable for most areas of a home, including family rooms, hallways, bedrooms, living rooms, offices, finished basements, and even higher-traffic spaces such as kitchens and bathrooms.
The slight sheen of eggshell paint gives walls a softly polished glow, allowing colours to be beautifully cast. While eggshell paint reflects more light than flat or matte finishes, it is not as reflective as satin, semi-gloss, or high-gloss paints. Eggshell paint is also more washable than flat sheens and resists stains and scuffs. It is a great option for coloured ceilings as it helps reflect light onto the colour.
Compared to satin paint, eggshell paint is less glossy, less expensive, and slightly less durable. Satin paint has better stain resistance and is more resistant to abrasive cleansers. Satin is ideal for areas that require definition, such as windows, shutters, trim, and interior doors.
Semi-gloss and high-gloss paints are even glossier options, offering a sleek and shiny appearance. These paints are ideal for high-moisture areas such as bathrooms and kitchens, as well as high-traffic spaces. They are also commonly used to highlight architectural details, trim, and doors.
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Satin paint: higher gloss, stain-resistant, durable
Benjamin Moore paints offer six sheen levels for interior paints and four sheen levels for exterior paints. The shininess of a paint film is referred to as its sheen, which is a measure of how much light is reflected from the surface. The shinier the surface, the higher the percentage of reflectance.
Satin paint falls on the higher end of the sheen spectrum, delivering a higher gloss than its counterparts. It offers better stain resistance and durability than lower sheens, including the popular eggshell finish. Satin paint is ideal for areas that require definition, such as windows, shutters, trim, and interior doors. Its distinctive lustre adds a rich, velvety look to surfaces, with just a hint of sheen. Satin paint is also suitable for upcycling furniture, allowing the colour to stand out without the distraction of a high-shine surface.
The satin finish is an excellent choice for a range of reasons. Firstly, it effectively conceals flaws and imperfections on surfaces, providing a smooth and uniform appearance. Secondly, it can brighten up spaces by reflecting light, making it perfect for darker rooms or corners. Satin paint also has water-resistant characteristics, making it a preferred option for high-traffic areas such as hallways and kitchens.
When compared to gloss paint, satin paint offers a more matte appearance with a subtle lustre. While gloss finishes provide higher durability and are known for their ease of cleaning, satin finishes stand up well to wear and tear and are less intense, providing a more authentic colour experience due to reduced reflection. Satin paint is a versatile option, enhancing the beauty of your spaces while also being practical and low-maintenance.
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Semi-gloss paint: durable, easy to clean, adds dimension
When choosing a paint sheen, it's important to consider the level of durability, ease of cleaning, and aesthetic appeal required for the specific space. Semi-gloss paint, with its luminous finish, strikes a balance between protection and shine, making it a versatile choice for various applications.
Semi-gloss paint is known for its durability, especially in high-traffic areas where surfaces are frequently touched or cleaned. Its hard, enamel-rich surface can withstand repeated scrubbings without showing signs of distress, a phenomenon known as burnishing. This makes it ideal for hallways, kids' rooms, and door frames, where fingerprints and scuffs are common. The higher sheen of semi-gloss paint also makes it easier to clean, as dirt and stains don't penetrate the surface as easily.
While semi-gloss paint is durable, it's important to note that it may highlight flaws or imperfections on walls. Its reflective properties can make bumps and scuffs more visible, so proper surface preparation is crucial before applying semi-gloss paint. Additionally, semi-gloss paint can be used strategically to add dimension to a room. Its lustrous finish can accentuate architectural details, making it perfect for millwork, trim, and doors. The light-reflecting properties of semi-gloss paint can create a sense of depth and make colours appear more vibrant.
Benjamin Moore offers a range of semi-gloss paints, such as Advance® Interior Semi-Gloss (793), that can enhance the beauty of your space while providing durability. When choosing a semi-gloss paint, consider the specific application and whether you prioritise ease of cleaning and durability over flaw concealment. Semi-gloss paint is a versatile option that can add a touch of elegance to your home while standing up to the wear and tear of everyday life.
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High-gloss paint: highest sheen, durable, but reveals flaws
Sheen refers to the shininess of a paint film, or how much light is reflected from its surface. The shinier the surface, the higher the percentage of reflectance. Benjamin Moore paints offer six sheen levels for interior paints and four sheen levels for exterior paints.
High-gloss paint has the highest sheen of all paint types. It is tough, ultra-shiny, and highly light-reflective. It is also the most durable and easiest to clean of all paint sheens. High-gloss paint is ideal for surfaces that need to stand out, such as cabinets, trim, and doors. It is also suitable for areas that are exposed to dirt, oil, moisture, and grime, such as kitchens and bathrooms.
However, high-gloss paint can emphasise surface imperfections such as bumps, roller or brush strokes, and other application flaws. It is therefore important to ensure that the underlying surface is smooth and that prep work is carried out thoroughly. High-gloss paint may also be too shiny for interior walls.
The higher the sheen, the more colourant is required, which increases the cost. The colour in a higher gloss paint will also appear brighter and richer than the same colour in a lower gloss paint.
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Frequently asked questions
Benjamin Moore paints offer 6 sheen levels for interior paints and 4 sheen levels for exterior paints. The sheen levels range from no shine to high shine, with flat or matte at the no-shine end of the spectrum, and high gloss at the other end.
Waterborne Ceiling Paint (508) is the flattest paint offered by Benjamin Moore. It is ideal for ceilings and very low-traffic areas.
Scuff X paint is described as having an eggshell sheen. It is more durable than regular Regal Eggshell and is ideal for high-traffic areas.
