When it comes to color selection for your home or office, many people focus solely on the hue of the paint without considering another important factor: gloss or sheen level. However, referencing gloss/sheen measurements can help compensate for distortions in color perception.

Glossy finishes, for instance, can appear lighter or slightly mottled if the surface is rough, uneven, or has other imperfections. They may also look flat when viewed straight on and only seem lustrous from an angle. On the other hand, matte colors tend to look darker when viewed from an angle or in low light.

The intensity and direction of the light source can also factor into how we perceive color. Straight-on, dark glossy finishes tend to look darker than their matte counterparts, while light glossy finishes skew brighter and sharper. However, change your angle, and the color appears to change, sometimes dramatically, from strip to strip.

When viewed directly from above, colors should appear close. To demonstrate this, paint three strips side by side in the same color but with different gloss levels. While gloss and sheen are separate from color (and measured differently), they can still profoundly affect how we perceive color.

The sheen of matte or other low-gloss finishes doesn't reflect as much light or in the same way as glossy surfaces, which reflect a great deal of light. Technically speaking, however, gloss and sheen are two aspects of the same thing: the amount of light reflected off a painted surface independent of its color.

Sheen looks softer and has more depth and luster than gloss, but to the eye, they are very different. Gloss is shiny and crisp, while sheen is more subtle. At Sherwin-Williams, our color and coatings experts make it simple sense of gloss and sheen so your designs can finish strong.

In addition to color, gloss and sheen levels also contribute to the overall aesthetic appeal of a paint specification. These characteristics affect the look, feel, texture, and durability of the final product. Understanding the outcomes different finishes deliver when all is done and dry is essential for making informed decisions about your paint selection.

So, while color is certainly important, it's not everything when selecting paint. By considering gloss and sheen levels in conjunction with hue, you can achieve a finish that meets your design goals and exceeds expectations.

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