Finding the Perfect Sheen for Your Paint Project

Choosing the right paint goes beyond the right hue; sheens and finishes make a huge difference in how your finished project will look and how it will withstand daily wear and tear. Higher sheens mean higher shine and higher durability. When selecting the right sheen, it’s important to keep in mind the size of the space, natural lighting (or lack thereof), the amount of traffic the room will experience and, of course, the color.
BEHR’s eggplant-inspired color, Dangerously Elegant S540-6, was perfect for my dining room. The richness of this purple plays well with the white trim and light wood flooring, giving the room a regal look. Generally, darker colors like this one shouldn’t be painted using a flat sheen, as it’s more likely to show nicks and scratches than a lighter color. Eggshell, however, is a sheen that dresses up walls well due to its ability to absorb and reflect light around a room, making rich colors even richer. An eggshell finish was great for my dining room because it’s a more durable choice, meaning things like handprints, food and more are easily wiped away.
On the otherhand, for a room with a lighter paint color, a satin finish provides a silky appearance and reflects light, making it ideal for a space that sees high traffic and a lot of sunlight. This multipurpose laundry/mudroom has an airy feel thanks to the use of Greenwich Village N440-3 in satin on the ceiling. The satin finish makes the paneled ceiling pop, giving the room a coastal vibe while hiding any imperfections. Regardless of the paint finish, it’s always a good idea to keep extra paint at hand to touch up any nicks and scratches so you can keep a space looking polished.

Have a question on what finish to use for your next project? The BEHR® Color Clinic is here to help. Join us on March 14-16, 2018, on BEHR’s Facebook and Instagram channels, where BEHR color experts like myself will be live answering your color and sheen questions. Include #BEHRColorClinicSweepstakes for a chance to have your question answered and be entered for a chance to win a $450 gift card to The Home Depot®.
To learn more about the event visit https://www.behr.com/consumer/colorclinic/.
Want some help with sheen selection before the event? Download our Color Clinic Paint Sheen Guide and pick the perfect sheen for your next paint project.
Colorfully Yours,
Diana