What sheen should I use in a bathroom or kitchen?

Semi-gloss is the standard for moisture-resistant, easy-to-wipe surfaces. Flat paint in a bathroom leads to peeling within 1-2 years in the PNW.

Why does my freshly painted wall show every imperfection?

You likely used a sheen that's too high for the surface prep level.

🔨 Construction & RemodelingSimpleAlso: paint finish, gloss level, paint luster

Paint Sheen

Definition

Paint sheen refers to the level of gloss or reflectivity in a paint finish, ranging from flat to gloss. There are 5 main levels: flat, eggshell, satin, semi-gloss, and gloss.

Common Questions

Real-World Example

You'd see this when a homeowner in Fisher's Landing, WA asks CRM Services to paint their open-concept main floor with the right sheen for each space.

Why It Matters

Every interior painting project involves a sheen decision.

Related Services

Painting Drywall

Related Terms

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Drywall Finishing Levels (Level 0-5)

Drywall finishing levels are a standardized 6-step scale (Level 0 through Level 5) defined by the Gy...

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Skim Coat

A skim coat is a thin layer of joint compound — typically 1/16 to ⅛ inch thick — applied over an ent...

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Primer

Primer is a preparatory coating applied to a surface before paint to improve adhesion, seal porous m...

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