metallic sheen
Reflective silvery glow
A metallic sheen is the lustrous, reflective quality characteristic of metals—the way light bounces off polished steel, gold, or aluminum.
The phrase describes surfaces that mimic this effect: The beetle's wings had a metallic sheen, fabric with a metallic sheen.
It suggests something catches light in a hard, bright way rather than a soft or matte finish.
- reflectivityLight-bouncing capacity
- lusterSoft reflected light
- iridescenceColor shift from interference
- gleamFaint reflected light
- chrome platingElectroplated reflective metal finish
brilliance · burnished · mirror finish · wet look · anodizing · shimmer · electroplating · glossiness · radiance · polish · gilding · galvanized steel · glint · stainless steel · chrome · chrome bumper · mirror · silver bullet
- light effectsshine, glow, gleam, shimmer, glitter
- sheenluster, shine, gloss, gleam, polish
- iridescenceoil slick, soap bubble, mother-of-pearl, nacre, opal
- shineshine, gleam, glint, gloss, luster
- Bronze effectsbronzer, patina, antiquing, oxidation, weathering
- mirrorswall mirror, hand mirror, bathroom mirror, floor mirror, full-length mirror
metallic sheenmatte finish
Non-reflective surface treatment
dull finish · matte · flat finish · non-reflective · lusterless
metallic sheenrough texture
Uneven tactile quality
porous surface · unpolished · weathered · grainy texture · oxidized