Common Paint Sheens Used in Charleston, SC

You already have the tools for choosing the perfect paint color in the Lowcountry, but choosing the correct paint sheen is equally as important, especially in humid and coastal climates. Paint sheen affects not only how the walls look, but also how easy they are to clean, durability, and how well they hold up against the elements. In this blog, we’ll look into some of the most common interior and exterior paints for Lowcountry homes.

Flat/Matte

Flat or matte finishes have no shine to them and create a smoother appearance. It is commonly used for hiding minor impurities or imperfections that walls may contain, such as small dents, cracks, or unevenly installed drywall. In the Charleston area, many homes are older and may be more prone to these construction errors, making it a common and reliable choice for most homes.

Flat finishes look elegant, classy, and neutral, giving it a lot of potential to be used in any room in the home. However, this finish is notably harder to clean than other finishes, making it less than ideal in rooms that experience more exposure to humidity or higher foot traffic. This type of finish is best suited for ceilings or lower traffic rooms, such as a formal dining or living room.

Eggshell

An eggshell finish is another popular choice. Its sheen blends matte and satin to create a unique finish that other textures can’t provide. The finish looks slightly reflective, but is easier to clean than matte finishes while still providing some of that classic look. This is the most popular interior sheen choice in the Lowcountry due to its versatility.

It works well in coastal environments like the Lowcountry due to its ability to resist moisture while still being able to hide wall imperfections. You might use paints with an eggshell finish in living rooms, dining rooms, or bedrooms.

Satin

Satin finishes are beloved for their velvety and smooth sheen and it’s definitely a choice that can be appealing to the eye. They are best known for their durability against humidity and daily wear-and-tear. This finish is easy to clean, making it a perfect choice for places that are used more frequently, like kitchens, bathrooms, hallways, and laundry rooms. Food residue, water, or cleaning supplies will easily be able to be cleaned off of your walls and looking good as new in no time.

Semi-Gloss

Semi-Gloss finishes can be used strategically both indoors and outdoors. It has noticeable shine and is best known for its durability. It is easy to clean and perfect for areas that may get more wear and tear than other low-traffic areas of the home. You’ll want to grab semi-gloss paints for trims or molding, doors, cabinets, or even in bathrooms, where its moisture resistance and ease to clean and maintain works best.

High Gloss

High Gloss is a step above the semi-gloss finish. It is going to be the most reflective and most durable option, making it one of the most common finishes that is seen both in and outdoors. Specifically for the exterior, high-gloss paints add curb appeal and serious protection against the elements. You may want to use this finish on accent features, front doors, decorative trims, or even on your shutters. 

While you’ll be getting the most durable paint possible, this sheen isn’t necessarily the best at hiding imperfections. You may want to take extra care to eliminate these impurities before applying this paint, but since it isn’t used as frequently around the home, this shouldn’t be too costly or tiring of a task.

What’s the Right Paint Sheen for Your Lowcountry Project?

It’s no secret that the Lowcountry has a coastal climate, and with that comes its own unique challenges, like salts, humidity, and dodgy temperature fluctuations. All of these play a role in the wear and tear of paint types, which is why selecting a proper sheen is important, for extending paint-job lifespan, protecting surfaces, and maintaining a sharp look year-round. Whether you’re looking for a refresh in your home or considering options, Lowcountry Painting LLC is equipped with all the tools you need to help make the best choice. We help homeowners select colors and finishes that will both complement personal style and hold up against the challenges that Lowcountry living may throw.