Quick take: Go flat or low-sheen on ceilings for flawless light diffusion, eggshell or satin on living areas for wipe-ability, and semi-gloss or gloss on trim for bullet-proof durability.
Why paint sheen matters more than colour
Two identical colours can look wildly different—and age very differently—depending on the finish you choose. Higher gloss:
- Reflects more light – highlights surface imperfections.
- Builds a harder film – better stain and scuff resistance.
- Costs more – extra resin means higher RRP.
Understanding these trade-offs saves you re-painting (and money) down the track.
NZ sheen terminology cheat-sheet
| Finish (NZ/AU label) | Typical gloss level at 60° | Where it shines |
|---|---|---|
| Flat / Matt | < 5 % | Ceilings, media rooms |
| Low-Sheen | 5–10 % | Bedrooms, feature walls |
| Eggshell / Pearl | 10–20 % | Living areas, hallways |
| Satin | 20–35 % | Kitchens, bathrooms |
| Semi-Gloss | 35–60 % | Timber trim, doors |
| Full Gloss | > 85 % | Front doors, feature cabinetry |
Pro tip: NZ suppliers sometimes merge eggshell into satin—always check the spec sheet for gloss % rather than marketing names.
Room-by-room recommendations
1. Ceilings
- Best finish: Flat or Ultra-Flat
- Why: Hides joints and stopping lines in GIB®; minimal light bounce reduces glare.
- Resene option: Resene Ceiling Flat (93 % maximum light scatter)
2. Bedrooms & lounges
- Best finish: Low-Sheen or Eggshell
- Why: Soft look, scrub-able up to 8,000 wet rubs (per Dulux Wash&Wear Low-Sheen).
- Bonus: Lower sheen mutes minor wall undulations common in older Queenstown villas.
3. Kitchens & bathrooms
- Best finish: Satin
- Why: Condensation and cooking splatter demand a tighter, washable film. Satin offers mildew-resistant additives without the mirror glare of semi-gloss.
- Brand pick: Dulux Aquanamel Satin – moisture and steam tolerant.
4. Doors, skirtings & windowsills
- Best finish: Semi-Gloss or Gloss enamel hybrid
- Why: Handles vacuums, muddy boots and dog claws. Higher resin content = harder finish.
- Speed hack: Use a water-based enamel (e.g., Resene Enamacryl Gloss) for 2-hour re-coat and low odour.
5. Feature walls & front doors
- Best finish: Full Gloss or High-Gloss 2K system
- Why: Dramatic shine makes colours pop; Best UV resistance for bold hues.
- Caveat: Laser-level prep—gloss will amplify every dent.
Queenstown durability field data (2021-2024)
| Room | Finish used | Touch-ups required after 3 years |
|---|---|---|
| Kid’s bedroom | Low-Sheen acrylic | 2 minor scuff repairs |
| Kitchen | Satin acrylic | 0 – wiped weekly |
| Hallway trim | Semi-Gloss enamel | 0 – still pristine |
Cost impact (Mitre 10 pricing, July 2025)
| Finish | Avg. $/L | % Price vs Low-Sheen |
|---|---|---|
| Flat | $24 | –10 % |
| Low-Sheen | $27 | Base |
| Eggshell | $29 | +7 % |
| Satin | $31 | +15 % |
| Semi-Gloss | $34 | +26 % |
| Gloss | $36 | +33 % |
FAQs
Is higher gloss always more durable?
Generally yes, but modern premium low-sheen lines rival mid-gloss for scrub resistance—check the scrub-cycle rating.
Can I mix sheens in one space?
Absolutely. A popular combo is eggshell walls with semi-gloss trim for subtle contrast.
How do I test glare?
Paint an A4 off-cut of GIB®, place it under your room lighting at night—you’ll instantly see if reflections are distracting.
Need help selecting the ideal finish for your project? Hit the button below and Daniel will spec a fool-proof system customised to your lifestyle.
