HouseChalk
Back to glossary
Paint sheen
Paint sheen is how shiny the paint is, from flat to satin to semi-gloss.
Why it matters
Sheen changes durability and changes how much wall flaws show.
Where people get this wrong
Higher sheen is easier to clean but shows more drywall imperfections. Flat paint hides flaws but can mark easier in high traffic areas.
Real-world example
A homeowner uses semi-gloss on a hallway wall for durability, then sees every seam under side light. That is the sheen tradeoff.
Where this hits your build
This comes up during the finish phase. Lighting, angles, and personal expectations collide here. What looks fine at noon can look rough at dusk.
Most people do not just struggle with terms. They struggle with the decisions tied to them.
See how HouseChalk helps with the decisions behind terms like this