Wall Paint Gloss Levels: Matt, Eggshell, Satin, Semi-Gloss and Gloss

Wall paint gloss levels — matt, eggshell, satin, semi-gloss and gloss — are not only an aesthetic choice. The industry measures gloss with a gloss meter at 60° under ASTM D523; the Master Painters Institute (MPI) defines seven Gloss Levels. In practice: matt/flat tops out near 5 units, eggshell 10–25, satin 20–35, semi-gloss 35–70, gloss 70–85, and high gloss above 85. Higher gloss cleans more easily but shows wall defects more clearly. This article summarises what the gloss units mean, which rooms fit each level, and how to maintain them, with matt and mid-sheen product examples sold in Indonesia.

Key Facts

• MPI Gloss Level 1 (flat/matt): max 5 units @60°; Level 3 eggshell 10–25; Level 4 satin 20–35; Level 5 semi-gloss 35–70; Level 6 gloss 70–85; Level 7 >85 (2026-11-06, source: Rodda Paint, Selecting gloss level (MPI Gloss Levels 1–7, ASTM D523)).
• Gloss is measured at 60°, sheen at 85°; the 0–100 scale is independent of colour; higher means glossier (ASTM D523) (2026-11-06, source: Rodda Paint, Selecting gloss level (MPI Gloss Levels 1–7, ASTM D523)).
• Sherwin-Williams: flat/matte reflects very little; eg-shel/satin low to medium; semi-gloss medium; gloss reflects strongly (2026-11-06, source: Sherwin-Williams, Gloss and sheen guide).
• Nippon Satin Glo: acrylic wall paint with a mid-sheen (silk-like) finish, positioned as easy to clean and anti-fungal (2026-11-06, source: Nippon Paint Indonesia, NIPPON SATIN GLO (mid sheen)).
• Dulux Pentalite: Matt / Ultra Matt Smooth Finish, spreading rate 12–14 m²/L, low VOC (2026-11-06, source: Dulux Indonesia, Dulux Pentalite (matt finish)).

What wall paint gloss level means at 60°

A gloss meter shines light onto the paint film and reads specular reflection. Per Rodda Paint's guide, which references ASTM D523 and MPI specs:

• 60° is the most common angle for separating flat from high gloss.
• 85° (called sheen) helps distinguish low-gloss finishes that are hard to judge by eye at 60°.
• The practical scale runs 0–100: 0 barely reflects, near 100 looks mirror-like.

Trade names (matt, eggshell, pearl, sheen, satin) are not standardised across brands. What you can compare between TDS sheets is the gloss-unit number, not just the word on the can. One brand's "sheen" may sit in another brand's "satin" range.

Matt, eggshell, satin, semi-gloss, gloss: which rooms fit

• Matt / flat (≤5 @60°): ceilings, bedrooms, living rooms with imperfect walls. Hides filler marks and roller tracks. An Indonesia-market example is Dulux Pentalite in the Matt category. Less ideal for oily kitchen walls unless the matt product is specifically washable.
• Eggshell (10–25): living-room and corridor walls with a soft glow; a bit more scrub-resistant than pure matt.
• Satin / mid sheen (20–35): kitchens, kids' areas and walls that are wiped often. Nippon Satin Glo, for example, is positioned as mid sheen with a smooth, easy-clean surface.
• Semi-gloss (35–70): door/window trim, waterproofed bathroom walls, lightly wet zones; stronger reflection demands a flatter substrate.
• Gloss / high gloss (70–85 / >85): accents, wood/metal doors or architectural details; rarely used on full wall planes in homes because every wave shows.

Care by gloss level

• Matt: wipe with a soft, slightly damp cloth; avoid harsh scrubbers that leave shiny patches.
• Eggshell and satin: usually tolerate damp wiping; use mild soap, rinse and dry.
• Semi-gloss and gloss: grease and fingerprints come off more easily, but scratches and dust show more — wipe regularly with microfibre.
• Whatever the sheen: let the film fully dry per the TDS (often 1–2 hours touch dry, but full cure can take days) before the first wash.

Buying tips at the building store

• Compare gloss numbers on the technical data sheet, not only the sheen name.
• Sample the colour on the real wall: gloss changes how colour looks as the viewing angle shifts.
• Contrasting sheens (matt walls + semi-gloss trim) often sharpen architectural lines without changing hue.
• For children's rooms or low-VOC spaces, check VOC content as well as gloss (see the wall-paint VOC article).

homeX, an Indonesian one-stop building materials and furniture platform with showroom, warehousing and delivery, helps compare gloss and VOC data sheets from several paint brands before you order.

wall paint gloss level: related articles and products

• Wall-paint VOC content and the 30 g/L matt limit
• Wall paint prices: Avian, Nippon, Dulux
• Anti-alkali primer for new walls
• homeX building materials catalog

FAQ

What is the difference between matt and gloss paint? Matt reflects very little light (MPI Level 1, max about 5 units @60°) and hides defects; gloss is 70–85 units, cleans easily but shows every wall wave.

Which rooms suit satin paint? Satin/mid sheen (about 20–35 units @60°) is common in kitchens and frequently wiped walls, balancing soft shine and cleanability.

Is "eggshell" the same for every brand? No. Trade names are not standardised; compare ASTM D523 gloss units on the TDS, not only the word on the can.

For building and renovation material needs, reach the homeX team on WhatsApp +62 821 1818 998, by email at homex9998@gmail.com or through our contact page.

Sources: Rodda Paint, Selecting gloss level (MPI Gloss Levels 1–7, ASTM D523); Sherwin-Williams, Gloss and sheen guide; Nippon Paint Indonesia, NIPPON SATIN GLO (mid sheen); Dulux Indonesia, Dulux Pentalite (matt finish)