What is Sheen?

Sheen describes the level of light reflectivity in a dried paint film, ranging from flat (no reflectivity) through matte, eggshell, satin, semi-gloss, and high-gloss. Higher sheen levels are more durable and washable but amplify surface imperfections, while lower sheens hide flaws but are harder to clean. Selecting the right sheen for each surface — walls, trim, ceilings, cabinets — is one of the most important decisions in any painting project.