What Paint Brand, Sheen, and Color to Use for Your Interior Walls?
- Rick Smith
- May 14
- 2 min read
Here are some common questions, tips, and clarifications regarding paint color formulas, color matching, and paint sheens, shared by our local house painting partner, Rick Smith with Nashville House Painters.
1. Understanding Sheen Levels
Paint sheens come in various finishes: flat, matte, eggshell, satin, semi-gloss, and gloss, ranging from low sheen to very high shine. However, the definitions can vary between different paint brands. For instance, what one brand calls "flat" may actually align with another brand's "eggshell" or "matte" finish.
So, which sheen should you choose? There are trade-offs depending on your priorities. The lower the sheen, the more wall imperfections will be visible. Conversely, higher sheens are more scuff-resistant and easier to clean. If you're repainting a house to prepare it for sale, a cost-effective flat finish is often the best option. For high-traffic areas that require frequent cleaning, a higher sheen is more suitable. While you can use semi-gloss trim paint for the walls, which would make cleaning easier, it would be too shiny and highlight any minor wall imperfections.
2. Color Matching
Colors will not match the chip or swatch if they are in different sheens. Sheen can affect the perceived color. Most color decks showcase colors in a flat sheen, and increasing the sheen will slightly darken the color.
3. Color Formulas vs. Paint Brands
A paint company's formula does not mean you must use that specific paint brand to achieve a certain color. To prevent misunderstandings with customers, we have included the following statement in our agreement form:
“Regarding paint used, please note that a paint color formula is not the same as a specific paint type or brand. A paint color formula is merely a specification for a color, while paint is a tangible product. For example, SW 7029 Agreeable Gray is the Sherwin-Williams name for a color formula that can be mixed by Behr, Benjamin Moore, PPG, or other paint brands. This means you can achieve the same color with different paint brands. By using an alternative paint, we can offer you the best possible option for your specific application while still matching your desired color.”
Please note that there have been instances where a paint company could not even match its own paint formula. It was probably a bad day for the guy mixing it.
So, what are the best paints or my favorites for various situations?
That's a topic for another discussion. However, we always strive to use high-quality options—and we give you the choice to decide what suits you best.
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