Paint sheen is measured in gloss units, and each step up from flat to semi-gloss reflects more light, cleans more easily and shows more wall texture. Benjamin Moore's published ranges run from 0 to 2 units for its ceiling paint to 50 to 60 units for its Advance semi-gloss trim enamel.
Gloss is measured with a meter at a set angle; flatter paints are read at 85° and glossier paints at 60°. Published ranges from Benjamin Moore data sheets:
| Product and finish | Gloss range |
|---|---|
| Waterborne Ceiling Paint (flat) | 0 to 2 @ 85° |
| Regal Select Matte | 3 to 5 @ 85° |
| Aura Bath & Spa Matte | 3 to 4.5 @ 85° |
| Regal Select Eggshell | 15 to 22 @ 85° |
| Regal Select Satin/Pearl | 20 to 30 @ 60° |
| Advance Satin | 25 to 35 @ 60° |
| Advance Semi-Gloss | 50 to 60 @ 60° |
Flat and matte. The Gypsum Association's GA-214 says paints with sheen above flat are not recommended over Level 4 drywall finish and recommends Level 5 under severe lighting. Higher sheens reflect light off every ridge and patch.
Generally, higher sheens clean more easily, but premium flatter finishes have improved. Benjamin Moore describes Regal Select, including its matte and eggshell, as washable with stain release technology, and says it can be washed after two weeks. Trim and doors still benefit from satin or semi-gloss enamel.
Yes. Going from glossy to flatter needs dulling of the old gloss for adhesion; Benjamin Moore's Advance sheet says glossy areas should be dulled. Going flatter to glossier may need more wall prep, since a higher sheen reveals flaws the old flat finish hid.
Higher sheens need smoother walls. The Gypsum Association's GA-214 says Level 4 drywall finish suits flat paints, while paints with sheen above flat are not recommended over it, and Level 5 is recommended under severe lighting. Moving a room from flat to satin can therefore add skim coating, while going flatter mainly needs the old gloss dulled for adhesion.
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For walls, matte and eggshell are the most common because they hide wall texture and still clean reasonably well, especially in premium lines such as Benjamin Moore Regal Select. Ceilings are usually flat, and trim and doors are satin or semi-gloss enamel.
Satin is glossier. In Benjamin Moore's Regal Select line, eggshell is listed at 15 to 22 gloss units at 85°, and satin/pearl at 20 to 30 at 60°, a higher reading on the steeper angle. Satin cleans more easily; eggshell hides more wall texture.
Many premium matte paints are. Benjamin Moore describes Regal Select, including its matte finish at 3 to 5 gloss units, as washable with stain release technology, and says painted surfaces can be washed after two weeks. Very cheap flat paints can burnish or mark when scrubbed.
Semi-gloss or satin enamel. Benjamin Moore's Advance, made for doors, trim and cabinets, is listed at 25 to 35 gloss units in satin and 50 to 60 in semi-gloss. Semi-gloss cleans most easily; satin shows fewer imperfections on older woodwork.
Sources: Benjamin Moore Waterborne Ceiling Paint (N508) technical data sheet; Benjamin Moore Regal Select Interior Matte (N548) technical data sheet; Benjamin Moore Aura Bath & Spa Matte (532) technical data sheet; Benjamin Moore Regal Select Interior Eggshell (N549) technical data sheet; Benjamin Moore Regal Select Interior Satin/Pearl (N550) technical data sheet; Benjamin Moore Advance Waterborne Interior Alkyd Satin (792) technical data sheet; Benjamin Moore Advance Waterborne Interior Alkyd Semi-Gloss (793) technical data sheet; Gypsum Association GA-214, Recommended Levels of Gypsum Board Finish. Figures checked October 2026.
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