✨ Choosing the Right Paint Sheen

 

Durability, Style & the Finish That Fits Your Life

Not all paints are created equal — the sheen (or finish) affects how it looks, how it lasts, and how it cleans.

The right sheen depends on where you're painting, how much wear and tear it sees, and your personal preference for light, texture, and shine.

​

🛋️ Interior Walls

Recommended: Eggshell or Satin

• Eggshell is soft with a slight sheen — great for a clean look that hides wall flaws.

• Satin has a bit more shine and is easier to clean.

👉 Best For: Living rooms, bedrooms, hallways
💡 Want a brighter space? Go satin. Prefer cozy and calm? Try eggshell.

​

🪶 Ceilings

Recommended: Flat or Matte

• Hides imperfections and absorbs light — no shine or reflection.

• Makes ceilings look higher and cleaner.

👉 Best For: Bedrooms, living areas, dining rooms
💡 Flat paint is also great for low-traffic walls if you want a velvety, elegant look.

​

🚪 Trim, Doors & Cabinets

Recommended: Semi-Gloss or Gloss

• Tough, wipeable, and adds a nice contrast against flat walls.

• Gloss offers high shine; semi-gloss is more subtle.

👉 Best For: Baseboards, crown molding, doors, kitchen cabinets
💡 Gloss pops beautifully — just make sure surfaces are prepped smooth!

​

🚿 Kitchens, Bathrooms & Kids' Rooms

Recommended: Satin or Semi-Gloss

• Moisture-resistant and highly durable.

• Easy to scrub clean without dulling the finish.

👉 Best For: Bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, playrooms
💡 High humidity or sticky hands? Semi-gloss is your best friend.

​

🌤️ Exterior Surfaces

Siding/Stucco: Satin or Low Sheen

• Offers protection without too much shine.

Trim/Doors: Semi-Gloss or Gloss

• Adds visual pop and stands up to weather.

Decks/Fences: Use a stain or specialized coating for wood.
💡 Bay Area sun, salt, and fog demand the right sheen to protect your investment.

​

🎯 Shine vs. Strength: What's the Trade-Off?

• Higher Sheen = More Durable but shows flaws more easily

• Lower Sheen = More Forgiving but not as wipeable

👉 Love durability but not shine? Satin or low-luster finishes are the sweet spot.

​

🧠 Need Help Picking the Right Finish?

At Oak Tree Painting, we help you pick the perfect sheen based on:
✔️ Your lifestyle
✔️ Lighting and layout
✔️ Traffic level and moisture exposure

We make sure your home looks great — and stays looking great.

​

🏠 Get the Finish That Works For You

From cozy flat walls to durable gloss trim, the right finish makes a huge difference.
Let our team guide you through it with care and precision.

👉 Contact us for expert advice and a free estimate!