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The sheen of a paint finish refers to how much light it reflects — from flat, light-absorbing surfaces to high-gloss, mirror-like finishes. Sheen not only affects the look of a space but in most cases how durable and easy to maintain the surface will be.

Use this guide to choose the right sheen level for your project, whether you’re after a soft, matt look for walls, a subtle glow for exteriors, or a tough, glossy finish for trims and doors.

Very little light reflection — perfect for creating a smooth, even ceiling finish.

Sheen level: 1.5 – 2.5%

Best for: Ceilings.

• Flat paint has an ultra-low sheen that gives ceilings a smooth, even look. The finish reduces light reflection, helping to hide roller marks and minor surface imperfections.
• It’s ideal for ceilings where a uniform appearance is more important than washability or frequent cleaning.
• Ultra Premium Ceiling can also be tinted to a wide range of colours from a white base, allowing you to add a subtle hint of colour or match your ceiling tone to the rest of the room.

Soft, low-sheen finish — great for walls with minor imperfections.

Sheen level: 2 – 5%

Best for: Living areas and medium-traffic spaces.

• Matt paint offers a soft, non-reflective finish with excellent hiding power, helping to conceal minor surface imperfections for a smooth, even look.
• It’s washable, mark and stain resistant, and provides excellent coverage — making it a great choice for family living areas.

Where you want durability with a soft matt look.

Sheen level: 5 – 7%

Best for: Living rooms, hallways, and high-traffic areas

• Eggshell offers a smooth, low-reflective finish that softens glancing light for a refined, elegant look. It combines excellent washability with superior durability, making it ideal for busy areas that need to withstand everyday wear and tear.
• Formulated with low VOCs, it provides a hard-wearing, easy-to-clean surface that maintains its soft, subtle sheen over time.
• Only available in Haymes Ultra Premium Eggshell, which offers class-leading washability and stain resistance.

A versatile, velvety finish — our most popular choice for interior walls.

Sheen level: 5 – 8%

Best for: Bedrooms, living areas, kitchens, and bathrooms

• Low Sheen delivers a velvety, even finish that combines a refined look with everyday practicality.
• It offers excellent coverage with a scrubbable, durable surface that resists marks and stains, making it ideal for everyday family living. Suitable for most interior walls — including moisture-prone areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and laundries.

A smooth, durable finish — ideal for moisture-prone and high-use areas.

Sheen level: 18 – 23%

Best for: Kitchens, bathrooms, laundries, and children’s bedrooms

• Semi-Gloss provides a sleek, easy-to-clean surface with exceptional washability and excellent mark resistance.
• Its smooth finish stands up to steam, moisture, and everyday wear, making it perfect for busy areas of the home. Offering excellent coverage and long-lasting durability.

A soft, mid-level sheen — durable protection with a gentle glow.

Sheen level: 30 – 35%

Best for: Exterior walls and trims

• Satin provides a smooth finish with a soft, subtle sheen that reflects light evenly without appearing glossy.
• It’s ideal for exterior surfaces, offering long-lasting durability and weather resistance while maintaining a refined, low-glare appearance.
• Available in a full range of COLORBOND® colours for a coordinated exterior finish.

A highly reflective finish — tough, durable, and easy to clean.

Sheen level: 55 – 65%

Best for: Doors, trims, windows, furniture, and exterior surfaces in harsh conditions

• Gloss delivers a smooth, mirror-like finish that provides the highest level of durability and protection. It resists dirt, mould, and salt, making it ideal for harshly exposed or coastal environments.
• The tough, non-yellowing surface is fast-drying, easy to clean, and offers ultimate UV protection with excellent flow and levelling for a superb final result.
• Suitable for skirting boards, architraves, windows, doors, furniture, and other contact areas where a hard-wearing, long-lasting finish is essential.

Watch the video below for more information on choosing a sheen level: