What type of Sheen should I paint my walls?

What type of Paint should I use in my Kitchen and Bathroom?

What type of Sheen is easy to clean?

What Sheen hold colour best? 

• 0 - 5 GU = "Flat"

Highly favored for ceilings but can also be used to retain colour saturation darker environments. Holds up nice in places that do not receive high traffic as wiping a flat can cause a hazing look where it has been wiped. Not suggested for high moisture areas like bathrooms and kitchens. 

• 5-12 GU = "Matte"

A step up in sheen from flat but not a drastic difference. Suggested for bedrooms and closets. The flat and matter range refract light in a way that keeps the original colour tone more true, meaning that you can see the colours better in darker environments. 

• 10 - 25 Gu = "Eggshell"

The time tested and "Go To" sheen because it offers the durability and ease of cleaning without discoloration. 

• 20 - 35 GU = "Satin"

A touch above an eggshell with a bit more sheen and durability. Nice on all walls and suitable for moisture areas when buying the right type (paint formula) and brand. 

• 35 - 70 GU = "Semi-Gloss"

Get the shine that keeps the surface easier to clean without discolorations or haziness.  Best for doors, baseboards, crown molding and any high traffic surface that needs frequent cleaning and durability. If you want durability without the heavy sheen just look for the lower sheen semi-gloss line ups - every manufacturer has a label that is formulated to be semi-gloss with a lower grade of sheen like a 50.  

• 70 - 100 GU = "High Gloss"

Light becomes highly reflective and I have personally found that it blocks out the underlying colour and instead flashes what ever colour of light is being put upon it. In other words a high gloss black just looks like shiny light at night and the underlying black takes back stage in the visual effect.