There seems to be a lot of confusion in the marketplace regarding sheen terminology. Flat, matte, suede, velvet, silk, semi-gloss and gloss. What's the difference and why?
Matte/Flat paint absorbs the light, hiding the imperfections of the walls.
Suede/Velvet is a low sheen paint that is scrubbable.
Silk/Semi-Gloss has a medium shine. While it does not hide imperfections as well as flat, it can withstand a fair bit of regular cleaning. Hence it is ideal for high traffic and high maintenance areas like children's rooms and kitchens.
Gloss colours reflect the light, making a room appear brighter. Gloss is the best at withstanding regular cleaning but is unforgiving when it comes to any flaws on the surface. As a result, it is best used on trim and moulding.
The same colour in the different sheens will appear to be different, the higher the sheen the darker the colour will look.
