How to choose a sheen level
Gloss, semi-gloss, low sheen, or matt? With each option offering different benefits, here are some helpful tips for choosing the sheen level that’s right for you.
How To Guides
When it comes to selecting paint, there are a few important decisions to make. As well as finding the right colour and working out the correct litreage, you’ll also need to choose a sheen level or paint finish. Here’s what you need to know to ensure you achieve the best result on your next paint project.
What is a sheen level?
Sheen refers to how shiny a paint is and how much light is reflected from its surface. Choosing the right level of sheen depends on what you are painting as well as your preferred finish.
While product quality is important, one of the most essential things to consider when selecting a sheen level is the amount of foot traffic in your home, including wear and tear on the surface. Rooms like kitchens will benefit from a more durable finish such as Dulux Wash&Wear® Low Sheen, while front doors and skirting might require a product like Dulux Wash&Wear® Gloss for ease of cleaning and reduced marking.
Can a sheen level affect colour?
In addition to durability, the level of sheen in paint can impact the way colour appears. Higher gloss paints are shiny and therefore very reflective, which can sometimes make colours appear lighter than their low sheen or matt counterparts.
To help make sure you are happy with your selected paint, we always recommend purchasing a sample pot to test your chosen colour on your surfaces before starting your project.
Get to know the types of paint finishes
Gloss paint is just that – glossy. The highly reflective finish is hard-wearing and easy to clean, so it is great for family homes. This type of paint is more durable than paints with a low sheen finish but may show some minor surface imperfections, so preparation is key. It is perfect for doors and architraves and available in Dulux Aquanamel®, a water-based alternative to enamels.
Semi-gloss paint has a slightly glossy appearance but isn’t as reflective as gloss paints. It has a satin sheen that is suitable for all interior surfaces, including walls, doors, trims and cupboards. It is also great for high-traffic areas in your home, such as kitchens and lounge rooms.
Low gloss paint dries with a hard-wearing and chip-resistant finish. It is designed to closely match your low sheen or matt wall paint with a lovely low gloss finish. Low gloss paint helps reduce the appearance of imperfections, making it an ideal choice for doors, windows and trims.
Low sheen paint forms a velvety finish that is super hard-wearing and easy to keep clean. It can also hide surface imperfections better than gloss paints. Low sheen paints are suitable for almost all interior surfaces and great for areas where frequent cleaning is necessary such as kitchens, laundry rooms and bathrooms.
Matt paint has low light reflection which gives it a stylish, sophisticated finish. The lower light reflection also helps hide surface imperfections, which can be helpful in family homes. We recommend using a matt finish to soften the effect of glare along hallways or in rooms with large windows.
New and improved
Dulux Wash&Wear®
For a superior washable finish, check out the all new Wash&Wear® Low Sheen, with its stain resistance and mould & mildew resistant technology which makes it ideal for all interior walls including high traffic areas.
Explore the Dulux range
View our range of gloss, semi-gloss, low gloss, low sheen and matt paint products.
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