KEY TAKEAWAYS
- The shinier the finish, the more imperfections it shows.
- Shinier finishes are easier to clean.
- Flat for ceilings, low sheen for walls, semi-gloss for trim is a safe default.
Sheen is how much light the dry paint reflects. Names vary between manufacturers, but the order is always roughly the same.
From least to most shine
- Flat: no shine. Hides minor wall flaws, but it is harder to clean.
- Eggshell: a low shine at an angle. A good default for walls.
- Satin: some direct sheen and good washability, for busy rooms and corridors.
- Semi-gloss: moderate shine for trim, doors and frames.
- High gloss: looks wet when dry. Used for accents, and it needs a very smooth surface.
The trade-off
The further up the list you go, the more every patch and bump will show, and the easier the surface is to wash. So match sheen to how the surface is used and to the quality of what lies beneath it.
This guide is general information for strata councils and property managers in British Columbia, not legal advice. Check your registered bylaws and the current Strata Property Act, or ask your property manager or a lawyer, before relying on it for a decision.
