Sheen describes how a painted surface reflects light. It affects appearance, how much texture you notice, and the care a coating needs. Names and performance vary by product, so compare samples from the line you are considering.
Flat and matte
Lower-sheen finishes have a soft appearance and can make small surface irregularities less noticeable. They are often considered for ceilings and living spaces. Washability varies by formulation; check the product's cleaning guidance instead of assuming every matte paint behaves alike.
Eggshell
Eggshell adds a gentle reflection without a glossy look. It can be a useful starting point for bedrooms, living rooms, and shared spaces. View a sample in both daylight and evening light before deciding.
Satin
Satin has more visible sheen. It is an option for spaces where cleaning and wear are priorities, provided the chosen product suits the surface. As sheen increases, preparation and wall texture tend to become more noticeable.
Semi-gloss
Semi-gloss can give doors, trim, and cabinetry a distinct finish. The coating matters as much as the sheen. For cabinet refinishing, we review the existing coating and preparation before selecting a compatible finish.
High gloss
A highly reflective finish can bring depth to a door, built-in, or feature room. It also emphasizes surface irregularities. Our high-gloss finish work starts with the surface and the intended appearance.
Gloss, high gloss, and lacquer
Gloss and high gloss describe how reflective a finish looks. The names can overlap between paint lines, so compare samples and the selected product's gloss measurements. Sherwin-Williams' gloss and sheen guide explains how reflection changes the appearance of a painted surface.
Lacquer describes a type of coating. It does not specify one level of shine: for example, Sher-Wood white lacquer is available in satin, while Kem Aqua pigmented lacquer includes a gloss finish. A highly reflective painted surface may use a different coating altogether.
For cabinets, doors, or millwork, confirm both the coating product and the desired sheen. The existing finish, surface preparation, and a sample in the room help establish a suitable system and the appearance you want.
Make the choice in your room
Consider the existing texture, light direction, daily wear, and preferred cleaning routine. Review sheen alongside the surface preparation: older plaster and new drywall may need different work to achieve the intended result.
A sample helps establish the effect in the actual space. Explore interior painting, or tell us about your project to review the finish and the preparation it needs.
Our project scopes use the PCA Industry Standards where applicable. See how we define preparation, samples, and finished surfaces.