Paint sheen

![Scattering of light on finishes with 75% (matte), 50% (satin) and ~35% (glossy) pigment-volume concentration. Still lower PVCs (below critical) do not affect sheen, but only permeability.[2]](/uploads/202502/09/Paint_reflection_75_pct.svg0432.png)


In paint technology, the sheen is the glossiness of a paint finish. Glossy and flat (or matte) are typical extreme levels of glossiness of a finish. Glossy paints are shiny and reflect most light in the specular (mirror-like) direction, while on flat paints most of the light diffuses in a range of angles. The gloss level of paint can also affect its apparent colour.