Pros vs Cons of Using Glossy Interior Paint Sheens

When planning for an interior home painting in Omaha, Nebraska, you have several decisions to make before the brush meets the wall. Finding a local professional painting contractor in Omaha and choosing paint colors are the biggest concerns for many homeowners. However, not many homeowners or DIY painters consider paint sheen in the planning phase.

Paint is available in a wide range of finishes/sheens –ranging from the flats to the shiny high-gloss. You will find eggshell, satin, and semi-gloss finishes in between these extremes. These different finishes come with their unique properties, and depending on the surface and space you are painting, one might be suitable over another.

At Brush & Roll Painting in Omaha, NE, we know just how important the right color and sheen is for your painting project. With experience since 1996, we offer color consultations for any interior painting job we do, so that you can be confident in the color and sheen going into your project.

In this article, we will go over the pros and cons of interior glossy paint finishes. By reading this article, you will have a better idea of which paint sheen is right for your home painting project.

Pros of Glossy Interior Paints

1. Glossy Interior Paints Are A Brighter Sheen

A glossy paint finish offers a much brighter and bolder look than the same color shade in low-gloss. Glossy paints reflect more light and make the paint color seem more colorful and more vivid. A higher gloss sheen in darker colors such as dark brown will make the room look brighter and more extensive, while the same color in a flat finish tends to absorb light and makes the room feel darker.

2. Glossy Interior Paints are Decorative

Due to its high sheen, high gloss paint generally draws attention to the surface that is painted, which makes it a perfect candidate for decorating molding and the trim around the doors and windows.

Many home interior designers leverage the reflective quality of high gloss paint for decorative purposes. You can also create special effects and subtle glamour by painting alternating stripes and matte and high-gloss paint patterns in the same color (Here is an example of this). However, when misplaced –such as using it on a surface that receives too much natural light –the glare might be overwhelming.

3. Glossy Interior Paints are Waterproof

High-gloss interior paint tends to be highly water-resistant. While the shiny finish might show fingerprints and surface imperfections, it doesn’t absorb oils and dirt like the less glossy paints. You can clean surfaces painted in high-gloss using a damp cloth without the risk of damaging the paint job.

The paint can hold up well, even in spaces with high moisture exposure, such as kitchen walls, cabinets, laundry rooms, and even bathrooms. Using flat paint in these areas will most likely show water spots, and discoloration, and even allow mold growth when left wet for too long.

Cons of Glossy Interior Paints

1. Shows Every Little Imperfection

Glossy paint acts like a mirror—it reflects light and shows everything, including dents, cracks, or uneven areas on your walls. If your walls aren’t perfectly smooth, glossy paint will make those flaws stand out even more. For example, a small nail hole might go unnoticed with flat paint, but glossy paint will make it obvious.

2. Creates a Lot of Glare

Because it’s shiny, glossy paint reflects light from windows, lamps, and ceiling lights. This can create glare, which might make the room feel uncomfortable or harsh, especially in spaces with bright or natural light. If you want a cozy, soft look for your walls, glossy paint might not be the right choice.

3. Difficult to Apply Evenly

Glossy paint can be tricky to work with, especially for beginners. Because it reflects so much light, any uneven application—like roller marks, brush strokes, or overlapping layers—becomes very noticeable once the paint dries. Achieving a smooth, flawless finish with glossy paint often requires extra time, skill, and care, which can make the painting process more challenging and frustrating.

For walls, this difficulty might mean hiring a professional painter or spending extra effort to get it right. If you’re doing a DIY project, a less reflective finish like eggshell or satin might be easier to handle.

Painting With a High-Gloss Paint

Interior painting is an essential part of maintaining and protecting your investment, and the choice of the paint sheen is as important as the quality of the paint job. It's important that you choose the right sheen, so you love the look of your paint. 

To top it all up, once you pick your favorite paint color and an appropriate finish, consider hiring a professional painting contractor such as Brush & Roll Painting for a quality and durable interior paint job.

With more than 20 years in business, we are one of Omaha’s most experienced residential painting contractors. Book a free estimate below, or give us a call to get started on your interior painting project.

Next, download your comprehensive Paint and Design Guide. This is packed with expert tips, color inspiration, and detailed information on choosing the right paint sheen for every room in your home. Whether you're a DIY enthusiast or planning to hire a professional, our guide will give you with the knowledge to achieve stunning results.