Choosing the right sheen
How to Choose the Perfect Sheen – A Practical Guide for Spray Coating Projects
When selecting a sheen level for your project, consider the following factors:
- Traffic and Use: Areas exposed to high foot traffic or frequent cleaning—such as hallways, kitchens, or commercial spaces—benefit from lower-sheen finishes like matte or eggshell, which are more forgiving of wear.
- Appearance: Lower sheens are better at hiding surface imperfections, stains, and minor damage. Higher sheens such as satin, semi-gloss, or gloss highlight textures and details but also reveal flaws more easily.
- Lighting Conditions: Sheen appearance is influenced by lighting. In bright spaces, high-sheen surfaces can appear overly reflective, while lower-sheen finishes help diffuse light more gently.
- Fingerprints and Smudges: Glossy and satin finishes are more prone to showing fingerprints, smudges, and other marks—especially on dark colours or flat vertical surfaces like doors and cabinets. For areas where this is a concern, consider using matte or eggshell sheens, which help reduce visible markings and require less frequent cleaning.