Understanding Paint Sheens
Choosing the right finish is just as important as choosing the right color. Use this guide to find the perfect balance of shine and durability, or read the full Benjamin Moore Sheen Guide.
| Common Sheen Uses | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flat | Matte/Ulti-Matte | Eggshell | Low Lustre | Pearl/Satin | Semi-Gloss/Soft Gloss | Gloss/High-Gloss | |
| No shine; hides imperfections and surface texture. | Very low sheen with good hide; touch-up friendly. | Soft low sheen — balanced look and cleanability for living spaces. | Subtle sheen offering slightly more durability than eggshell. | Moderate sheen with durable, washable finish for active areas. | Shiny, durable, easy-to-clean finish for trim and cabinets. | Very high shine; extremely durable and highlights architectural details. | |
| INTERIOR | Ceilings, Walls in Low Traffic Spaces | Walls, Living Rooms, Dining Rooms, Bedrooms | High Traffic Walls, Living Rooms, Dining Rooms, Bedrooms | Doors, Trim | High Traffic Walls, Trim, Doors, Cabinets | Trim, Doors, Cabinets, Wainscoting | Trim, Doors, Cabinets, Architectural Details |
| EXTERIOR | Siding, Trim | Siding, Trim, Shutters, Doors | Trim, Shutters, Doors, Architectural Details | Doors, Architectural Details | |||