UNDERSTANDING GLOSS

Gloss is about shine. It describes how much light is reflected from the surface of the paint. If a painted surface is very smooth and glass-like, the reflection is perceived to be “shiny” or “glossy.” Conversely, a flat or low sheen paint has a rough surface profile after it dries. Light that hits such a surface is reflected and scattered in many different directions so it appears “flat” to the eye.

WHY GLOSS IS IMPORTANT

The gloss level of paint can have a significant impact on both appearance and serviceability. Increasing gloss improves the durability of paints – including scrub-, stain- and moisture-resistance. However, higher gloss levels tend to highlight defects and imperfections on a surface.

Gloss level also affects color perception. The same color with a different gloss will appear as a different color. The color in a higher gloss paint will appear brighter and richer than the same color in a lower gloss paint.

LOW SHEEN PAINT VS HIGH GLOSS WHICH IS BETTER?

It’s not a question of which type of glossy, flat or low sheen paint is better, but which is suited for the correct job. Below, we take a look at a paint sheen chart and a definition for several types of paint such as flat, velvet, eggshell, low sheen, semi-gloss, gloss and high gloss and which uses they’re best suited for in the home, workplace and outdoors.

WHAT TYPE OF PAINT GLOSS IS BEST

INTERIOR GLOSS RECOMMENDATIONS

Flat Velvet Eggshell Low Sheen Semi Gloss Gloss High Gloss
WALLS - RESIDENTIAL
Family Room
Living Room
Dining Room
Bedroom
Kids’ Room
Kitchen & Bath
Hallways
Ceiling
Office
Doors & Windows
Shutters
Molding

EXTERIOR GLOSS RECOMMENDATIONS

Flat Velvet Eggshell Low Sheen Semi Gloss Gloss High Gloss
MAIN BODY
Stucco, Masonry & Brick
Wood Siding
Aluminum & Vinyl Siding
ACCENT, TRIM & ACCESSORIES
Doors & Windows
Soffit, Fascia & Eaves
Wood Fences
Shutters
Garage Doors & Gutters
Metal Gates

These are commonly used gloss levels for the surfaces listed above. Gloss may be affected by texture, porosity of the surface and atmospheric conditions. Please contact a Dunn-Edwards representative or your local store for specific product recommendations.