Sheen to suit

The Resene Total Colour System provides a huge variety of colours available in different gloss levels to suit all applications.  The current trend in finishes sees semi-gloss and low sheen finishes replacing higher gloss finishes on exterior weatherboard, stucco and other uneven surfaces.  On the interior, low sheen finishes are extending from broadwall living areas into well-ventilated bathrooms and kitchens.  A mix of gloss levels within one area is becoming a popular way to create a subtle visual effect or highlight feature areas.

Gloss paints have a highly reflective smooth surface and 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.  Colours tinted into high gloss paints appear cleaner and more intense than colours tinted into flat paints.  Due to their highly reflective appearance, gloss paints tend to highlight surface imperfections.  If the surface to be painted is marred or irregular, it is best to select a paint with less sheen.  Gloss greater than 80%; Resene Hi-Glo, Resene Enamacryl, Resene Super Gloss.

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.  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 that is subject to wear and on weatherboards and exterior cementitious surfaces.  Semi-gloss 30-45%; Resene Sonyx 101, Resene Lustacryl, Resene Lusta-Glo.

Satin paints tend to impart more warmth and depth to surfaces than do flat paints.  They are more stain resistant than flat paints, but less stain resistant than semi-gloss and gloss paints.  Ideal for exterior or interior use, they are most commonly used over exterior concrete and timber.  Satin 10- 15% gloss; Resene Lumbersider. 

Low sheen paints are the most popular finish for interior broadwall areas and an ideal choice where some sheen is desired and good cleaning properties are necessary, such as in living areas, hallways, bedrooms and playrooms.  Occasionally, these types of paints are used for ceilings, however, their slight sheen will tend to highlight surface imperfections.  Low sheen 3 – 7 % gloss: Resene Spacecoat Low Sheen, Resene Zylone Sheen.

Flat paints diffuse light, so they tend to conceal surface imperfections better than paints with higher sheen levels making them a good choice for general use on walls and ceilings, especially those that are dented or rough.  Colours appear muddied and darker in a flat finish than in a glossier finish.  “Flat” finishes have a micro-rough texture that may trap dirt and make cleaning more difficult than higher sheen paints.  It is wise to use flat paints only in areas that do not to get soiled.  Flat/Matt less than 2%: Resene SpaceCote Flat, Resene Zylone 20, Resene Ceiling Paint.