Light Reflectivity value (LRV) | The light reflectivity value (LRV) is a measurement of how much light a paint color reflects. It tells us what percentage of light is reflected back after hitting the painted surface. The higher the LRV, the lighter and brighter the color looks, and the more light it reflects. On the other hand, a low LRV means the color is darker and absorbs more light, making it look less bright.
When picking paint colors for a room, it’s important to think about the LRV. A color with a high LRV can make a dark room feel brighter and bigger. But, a low LRV color can create a warm and cozy feeling. When choosing paint, it’s important to think about the LRV, the colors around the room, and how much natural light the room gets.
Flat/Matte (Sheen) | Matte house paint is a type of paint that gives walls and surfaces a flat, non-shiny finish. Unlike glossy or semi-gloss paints that are very shiny, matte paint has little shine and doesn’t reflect much light. This makes it a good option for walls you want to look more understated and not stand out.
Matte paint also hides imperfections well, making it a good pick for walls with dents, dings, or other blemishes. And, if you need to touch up the paint, it’s easier to do so because it doesn’t show brush or roller marks as easily.
However, keep in mind that matte paint is not as strong as other types of paint and may show signs of wear and tear more quickly. It’s also more likely to stain, so you may need to clean it more often.
Eggshell (Sheen) | Eggshell house paint is a type of paint that has a slight shine, like the texture of an eggshell. It’s less shiny than semi-gloss or high-gloss paint, but still has a little bit of shine, making it a good pick for walls that need extra protection or to be more durable.
Eggshell paint is good at resisting stains, so it’s a good option for areas with a lot of foot traffic or for homes with kids or pets. And it’s easy to clean, because it doesn’t show marks like fingerprints or smudges as easily as flat paint.
In terms of appearance, eggshell paint has a soft shine that gives walls a subtle, sophisticated look. It’s a good choice for people who want a polished look in their home but don’t want it to be too shiny.
Satin (Sheen) | Satin house paint is a type of paint that has a smooth, velvety finish with a moderate amount of shine. It is less glossy than semi-gloss or high-gloss paint, but more glossy than eggshell or matte paint.
Satin paint is known for its durability and resistance to wear and tear, making it a good choice for high-traffic areas such as hallways, stairs, and doors. It is also easy to clean and resistant to stains, making it a good option for homes with kids and pets.
In terms of appearance, satin paint gives walls a soft, subtle shine that adds depth and richness to the color.
Semi-Gloss (Sheen) | Semi-gloss house paint is a type of paint that has a high shine and a smooth, hard finish. It is shinier than eggshell or satin paint, but less shiny than high-gloss paint.
Semi-gloss paint is known for its durability and resistance to moisture, making it a good choice for areas that are frequently exposed to water or moisture, such as kitchens, bathrooms, and trim. It is also easy to clean, as it does not show fingerprints, smudges, or other marks as easily as a flat or matte paint.
In terms of appearance, semi-gloss paint gives walls a bright, glossy look that adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to a room. It is a good choice for those who want a modern, high-shine look in their home.
High-Gloss (Sheen) | High-gloss paint is a type of paint that has a very shiny finish. It is the shiniest of all paint finishes and has a smooth, hard, and glossy look. It is good for high-traffic areas or places that often get wet, like trim, doors, and cabinets. It is also easy to clean and does not show marks as easily as flat or matte paint.
In terms of appearance, high-gloss paint gives walls a very bright, shiny look that is modern, elegant, and sophisticated. It is a good choice for those who want a bold, high-shine look in their home.