Hi, Brad here. After 16 years painting (and 10+ around Otago), I’ve learned that sheen choice can make or break a room — more than colour in some cases. Wanaka’s bright light and big windows make reflections a real thing, so choosing the right finish saves you glare, fingerprints, and future repaint costs.
Quick take: Flat/ultra‑flat for ceilings, eggshell/low‑sheen for most living spaces, satin for wet areas, semi‑gloss or gloss for trim.
Why sheen matters more than you think
Two identical colours can look totally different as sheen changes. More gloss means:
- More reflected light — great for feature doors, not so great on wobbly old walls.
- A harder, tighter film — better stain resistance and wipe‑ability.
- Higher price — more resin, more cost.
NZ sheen terminology (decoded)
| Finish (NZ/AU label) | Typical gloss at 60° | Where it shines |
|---|---|---|
| Flat / Matt | < 5 % | Ceilings, media rooms |
| Low‑Sheen | 5–10 % | Bedrooms, feature walls |
| Eggshell / Pearl | 10–20 % | Most living areas, hallways |
| Satin | 20–35 % | Kitchens, bathrooms |
| Semi‑Gloss | 35–60 % | Trim, doors, skirtings |
| Full Gloss | > 85 % | Front doors, feature cabinetry |
Pro tip: suppliers sometimes blur eggshell into satin. Check the spec sheet for the actual gloss % — not just the marketing name.
Room‑by‑room (what I actually spec in Wanaka)
1) Ceilings
- Best finish: Flat or Ultra‑Flat
- Why: Hides joints/stopping; lowers glare in sun‑flooded rooms
- Local pick: Resene Ceiling Flat
2) Bedrooms & lounges
- Best finish: Low‑Sheen or Eggshell
- Why: Soft look, easy to clean, kinder to older GIB® and plaster
- Nice bonus: Low‑sheen mutes minor undulations common in Arrowtown/Wanaka villas
3) Kitchens & bathrooms
- Best finish: Satin
- Why: Condensation and cooking splatter need a washable, tighter film
- Brand pick: Dulux Aquanamel Satin — moisture and steam tolerant
4) Doors, skirtings & windowsills
- Best finish: Semi‑Gloss or Gloss enamel‑hybrid
- Why: Handles vacuums, scooters and dog claws
- Speed hack: Water‑based enamels like Resene Enamacryl give fast re‑coat with low odour
5) Feature walls & front doors
- Best finish: Full Gloss or a high‑gloss 2K system
- Why: Drama and UV resilience for bold colours
- Caveat: Prep must be laser‑flat — gloss shows everything
Field notes from local jobs (2021–2024)
| Room | Finish used | Touch‑ups after 3 years |
|---|---|---|
| Kid’s bedroom | Low‑Sheen acrylic | 2 minor scuffs |
| Kitchen | Satin acrylic | 0 — wipes clean |
| Hallway trim | Semi‑Gloss enamel | 0 — still mint |
Cost impact (Mitre 10, July 2025)
| Finish | Avg. $/L | % 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?
Usually — but premium low‑sheen lines now rival mid‑gloss for scrub resistance. Check the wet‑scrub rating.
Can I mix sheens in one space?
Absolutely. Eggshell walls with semi‑gloss trim is a classic combo that looks sharp.
How do I test glare at night?
Paint an A4 off‑cut of GIB®, tape it up under your room lighting, and walk past. If it flashes like a mirror, drop the sheen.
If you want a specific spec for your place in Wanaka, flick me a message. I’ll recommend a finish system that balances look, durability and budget so you’re not repainting again in two years.
