There are plenty of terms you may hear when talking about or looking at paint, such as base, sheen, color, flat, and gloss. With all the different terms, it can be a little confusing. Here is a quick look at two of these terms: color and sheen.
Of the two terms, color is more straightforward. Color refers to the pigment in the paint that will determine the exact shade the paint will be when it is dry after being applied to a surface.
The sheen, also sometimes called finish, of a paint refers to the gloss level of a paint when it dries. From a more technical perspective, sheen indicates the amount of light the paint will reflect once it is dried on a surface. There are several types of sheens available that range from reflecting very little light to reflecting light in even low light conditions. Sheen also impacts the durability of the paint. Certain sheens stand up better against a high amount of wear and tear and cleaning.
One important piece to consider when choosing a paint for your project is not all paint products come in a full spectrum of colors and sheens. When you’re selecting your color and sheen, be sure to consult with your estimator or paint representative to see if you are able to get the color and sheen in the product you would like to use.
JMJ Painters offers guidance on picking a paint sheen as part of every project estimate. We also work with a color specialist who can help you choose a great color for your space. We would love to partner with you on your next painting project. You can schedule a free estimate online or call us at (612) 255-3351.