When you’re tackling a painting project, choosing the right paint finish is just as important as picking the perfect color. Why? Because the finish (or sheen) affects both the look of the room and how well your paint holds up over time. If you choose the wrong type of paint finish, you might end up with a result that looks great but doesn’t last—or worse, a finish that highlights every little imperfection on your walls. Here’s a handy guide to help you pick the right paint sheen for every space in your home.
High Gloss: The Ultimate Shine
If durability is what you’re after, high gloss paint is your best bet. This type of paint is tough, super shiny, and reflects light like crazy. It’s perfect for areas where sticky fingers or lots of contact happen, like cabinets, doors, or trim. High gloss is easy to clean, making it ideal for kitchens and kids’ rooms.
However, it’s not all rainbows with high gloss—it’s probably not what you want for your walls. Just like Spandex, it’ll show every bump, roll, and imperfection, so make sure to spend extra time on prep work if you go this route.
Best for: Doors, trim, and cabinets
Durability: Very high
Semi-Gloss: The Best of Both Worlds
Semi-gloss paint is another durable option but with a bit less shine than high gloss. This makes it a popular choice for rooms where moisture, stains, or general wear and tear are a concern—think kitchens, bathrooms, or areas with a lot of trim or molding. Semi-gloss is easier on the eyes than high gloss while still giving you a finish that’s easy to wipe clean.
Best for: Kitchens, bathrooms, trim
Durability: High
Satin: Smooth and Stylish
Satin paint has a lovely, velvety finish that many homeowners love. It gives a soft glow to walls, making it great for high-traffic areas like family rooms or hallways. Satin is also easy to clean, which is why it’s a popular choice for kids’ bedrooms.
One downside? Satin paint can show application flaws, like roller or brush strokes, so you’ll want to be careful during the painting process. Touching up later can also be tricky, as it might not blend as seamlessly as other finishes.
Best for: Family rooms, hallways, foyers, and kids’ bedrooms
Durability: High
Eggshell: A Low-Luster Favorite
Eggshell paint sits between satin and flat on the sheen scale. It’s named after—you guessed it—the look of a chicken’s eggshell. Eggshell has a slight sheen that makes it more durable than flat paint, but it’s still subtle enough to hide imperfections on your walls.
It’s an excellent choice for spaces like dining rooms or living rooms, where you want a little bit of durability without too much shine.
Best for: Dining rooms, living rooms
Durability: Medium
Flat or Matte: Perfect for Hiding Imperfections
If your walls aren’t in perfect shape, flat paint (also known as matte) is your new best friend. It has zero shine and soaks up light instead of reflecting it, making imperfections like cracks or bumps less noticeable. Flat paint also has the most pigment, which means better coverage—so you’ll need fewer coats.
However, flat paint is not as durable as other finishes, and cleaning it can be tricky. Scrubbing too hard might take the paint off, so it’s best used in low-traffic areas or adult bedrooms where walls won’t get roughed up too much.
Best for: Bedrooms, low-traffic areas
Durability: Medium-low
Tips for Choosing the Right Sheen
Now that you know the different types of paint finishes, here are a few extra tips for choosing the right sheen for your project:
- Darker colors boost sheen: If you’re painting with a rich or dark color but don’t want too much shine, consider stepping down one level on the sheen scale. Darker paints naturally have more colorant, which increases the sheen.
- Imperfections show more with higher sheen: The higher the gloss, the more your walls’ imperfections will stand out. For large, sunlit walls or older walls that aren’t perfectly smooth, you might want to avoid higher-gloss finishes.
- Sheen impacts cost: Higher sheens typically cost a little more per gallon, so if you’re on a budget, consider where you really need that extra durability and where you can get by with a lower sheen.
Wrapping Up
Whether you’re freshening up a family room or giving your kitchen cabinets a makeover, understanding the different types of paint finishes can save you time, money, and frustration. Use this paint sheen guide to find the perfect finish for your next project, and don’t be afraid to mix and match sheens throughout your home based on each room’s needs.
