What gloss level should I select?

• Gloss paint
• Semi-gloss paint
• Eggshell, satin or low sheen paint
• Flat paint
• Gloss level of selected Resene paints

• Gloss paint:
  "Gloss" paints have a highly reflective smooth surface. Solventborne gloss paints are generally the toughest, most durable and most stain-resistant type of paint. Gloss paints are easier to clean than paints with less surface smoothness. They are ideal for areas exposed to heavy traffic or heavy use - especially where fingerprints, grease or grime are common.

Some areas where gloss paints are useful include kitchen, bathroom and laundry room walls; cabinets; banisters; doorways; windowsills and frames; and interior trim. Certain gloss paints also can be used on furniture.

Because of their highly reflective appearance, gloss paints tend to highlight surface imperfections. If walls or woodwork are either marred or irregular, it may be best to select a paint with less sheen.

Check out Resene's range of gloss paints.

• Semi-gloss paint:
  "Semi-gloss" paints have a slightly glossy appearance that is not as highly reflective as that of gloss paints. These types of finishes offer good stain resistance and are easy to clean, so they are especially popular among families with young children.

Paints with a semi-gloss appearance are excellent for use on many of the same areas as gloss paints. They are ideal for walls and woodwork which are subject to wear, including: kitchens and bathrooms; hallways; foyers and bathrooms; children's rooms; playrooms; doors and doorways; windows and trim.

Check out Resene's range of semi-gloss paints.

• Eggshell, satin or low sheen paint:
  Paint manufacturers use various names for finishes whose sheen level is lower than semi-gloss, yet more lustrous than flat paints. Among the terms commonly used are "eggshell", "satin" and "low sheen" paints. (Satin or low sheen paints sometimes have a slightly higher sheen than those with eggshell finishes).
  

Paints in this category tend to impart more warmth and depth to surfaces than do flat paints. They resist stains better than flat paints, although not as well as semi-gloss and gloss paints.

Eggshell, satin or low sheen paints are a good choice for rooms or areas where some sheen is desired and good cleaning properties are necessary. Examples include: hallways, bathrooms, children's rooms and playrooms.

Occasionally, these types of paints are used for ceilings. However, their slight sheen will tend to highlight surface imperfections more so than flat paints.

Check out Resene's range of satin and low sheen paints.

• Flat paint:
  "Flat" paints diffuse light, so they tend to conceal surface imperfections better than paints with higher sheen levels. As a result, they are a good choice for general use on walls and ceilings, especially those that are dented or rough. Colours appear less intense in a flat finish than in a glossier finish.
  
  Flat paints are also invaluable when painting over new drywall where the tape job is not thoroughly sanded, or where very porous joint compound has been used. In these cases, flat paints can help make the surfaces look smooth and uniform.
  
  Keep in mind that in some cases it can be difficult to remove stains from flat finishes. Their surfaces have a micro rough texture which can trap dirt and make cleaning difficult when compared to higher-sheen paints. It is wise to use flat paints only in areas that do not tend to get soiled.
  
  Check out Resene's range of flat paints.
  
  
• Using colour
  If you're interested in reading some information about using colour then ....

. Gloss level of selected Resene paints:

• Gloss:
  Resene Hi-Glo - Exterior house and roof paint.
  Resene Super Gloss - Exterior/interior solventborne paint for joinery, doors, windows and hard wearing surfaces.
  Resene Enamacryl - Exterior/interior waterborne paint for joinery, doors, windows and hard wearing surfaces.
• Semi-gloss:
  Resene Sonyx 101 - Exterior waterborne house paint.
  Resene Lusta-Glo - Interior solventborne paint for joinery, doors, windows and hard wearing surfaces.
  Resene Lustacryl - Interior/exterior waterborne paint for joinery, doors, windows and hard wearing surfaces.
• Satin:
  Resene Lumbersider - Exterior/interior all purpose waterborne.
• Low sheen:
  Resene Zylone Sheen - Interior washable wall paint.
  Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen - Interior waterborne paint for broadwall areas, wet areas and all interior/exterior trim and joinery.
• Flat:
  Resene Zylone 20 - Interior flat waterborne.
  Resene Ceiling Paint - Interior waterborne paint for ceilings.
  Resene Flatcote - Interior solventborne paint for ceilings and walls.