All About Sheen
It’s a term that we use a lot in the decorating world. But what does sheen actually mean? And why does it matter? Today, we’re shining the spotlight on sheen.
Sheen is the amount of light reflected off a painted surface. The higher the sheen, the more light is reflected and the shinier a surface appears. So, you could simply think of sheen level as shine level. Full Gloss is an example of a very high sheen finish, while our ultra-matt Dead Flat is a very low sheen option.
How does sheen affect colour?
The same colour can look different in different finishes with different sheen levels. A colour often looks darker in a higher sheen finish, especially colours that are already darker to begin with. It’s all to do with how light reflects off the finish into our eyes.
We formulate all of our colours with this in mind, taking into consideration the sheen of each finish and refining the balance of pigments accordingly. Even so, there are still very slight differences. Take a look below to see for yourself.
Which sheen should you choose?
It used to be the case that the higher the sheen, the more durable the finish. But that’s not true anymore. Our Dead Flat finish is our most matt finish and impressively durable. Our new Flat Eggshell is just as durable as our Modern Eggshell, but with half the sheen.
So, it mainly comes down to aesthetic. Do you prefer the rich, understated depth of a matt finish or the glamorous elegance of Full Gloss? If you have a low-light room, you might prefer a higher sheen level to bounce the light around more or you might want to embrace the darkness with a matt finish for a calm, cosy feel.
One thing that is always worth considering, is that a higher sheen level will highlight imperfections more. So, if you want to use Full Gloss on your walls, you’ll likely need to do more prep work to make sure the surface is near perfect before painting. In contrast, a more matt finish will help hide bumps, texture and flaws in the surface underneath.
Dead Flat
2% Sheen
Dead Flat is our multi-surface, ultra-matt finish with added toughness. Suitable for walls, woodwork and metal, it’s ideal for colour drenching. The flat matt look creates richer colour from every angle, while the washable, scuff-resistant finish is more than a match for mess — perfect for hallways, playrooms and other high-traffic areas.
Modern Emulsion
7% Sheen
Modern Emulsion is our super-tough, matt finish for interior walls and ceilings. Washable, scuff-proof, and protected against mould, it’s particularly perfect for moisture-prone kitchens and bathrooms.
Flat Eggshell 
20% Sheen
Flat Eggshell is our low sheen, super tough finish for interior wood, metal and concrete. Scrubbable, stain-resistant and scuff-proof, it’s even tough enough for floors. With a 20% sheen, it subtly highlights skirting boards, stairs and kitchen cabinets for a classic look.
Modern Eggshell
40% Sheen
Modern Eggshell is our toughest interior finish, adding lasting colour and protection to interior wood, metal and concrete. It’s even tough enough for floors and kitchen cabinets. With a mid sheen finish, Modern Eggshell is available in our full range of colours.
Full Gloss
95% Sheen
Full Gloss is an ultra-high-gloss water based finish suitable for both interior and exterior wood and metal, as well as bringing a touch of glamour to walls and ceilings.