We all know that choosing the right paint color is one of the most essential (and difficult) pieces of any home improvement project, but many people forget that picking the right paint finish is just as important. The finish you choose affects more than just the look of the room—it impacts your walls’ durability and cleanliness, too. From matte to gloss, each paint finish serves a different purpose, and some work better than others in certain spaces. Here’s a guide to some of the most popular paint finishes and which purposes they serve best.

1. Matte (Flat) Finish

Matte or flat finish paint absorbs light and creates a smooth, no-shine surface for your walls. It’s best for hiding imperfections because it doesn’t reflect light, making it perfect for older homes or uneven surfaces.

Pros:

• Hides surface flaws
• Creates a soft, sophisticated look in any room

Cons:

• Less durable and harder to clean
• Can show marks after scrubbing or wiping

Where should I use a matte finish?

• Living rooms and bedrooms. These are relatively low-traffic areas where walls don’t get dirty or scuffed too frequently, unlike the kitchen or bathroom. A matte finish will give your living room or bedroom a soft, cozy atmosphere.
• Ceilings. Flat finishes are often used on ceilings because they absorb light. This minimizes imperfections and creates a clean, polished look for flat ceilings.

2. Eggshell Finish

Eggshell finish paint is slightly more durable than matte but not as shiny as most other options. It has a very subtle sheen that resembles the surface of an eggshell, hence its name. This versatile finish offers a low-level luster, making it a popular choice in many homes.

Pros:

• Subtle, soft sheen
• Hides imperfections better than higher-gloss finishes
• More durable and easier to clean than flat finishes

Cons:

• Less durable than satin or gloss
• Shows imperfections under harsh lighting

Where should I use an eggshell finish?

• Living rooms, dining rooms, and hallways. Eggshell is a great option for rooms that see a bit of traffic and may need cleaned, but not as often as high-traffic areas.
• Home offices. Eggshell’s balanced finish is both classy and functional, which is perfect for rooms where durability is not a main concern.

3. Satin Finish

Satin finish is one of the most versatile paint options, giving a smooth finish with a soft glow. It’s more reflective than eggshell but not as shiny as semi-gloss, and it strikes a balance between beauty and durability.

Pros:

• Durable and easy to clean
• Soft glow without being too reflective
• Good for high-moisture areas

Cons:

• Can highlight flaws if not applied carefully
• More reflective than eggshell, which can overwhelm some spaces

Where should I use a satin finish?

• Kitchens and bathrooms: Satin’s durability makes it ideal for high-moisture areas like bathrooms and kitchens where the walls need to be cleaned frequently. It’s mildew-resistant and can handle scrubbing better than matte or eggshell.
• Children’s and family rooms: Satin provides the durability to handle playrooms and other spaces full of activity while still looking warm and inviting.

4. Semi-Gloss Finish

Semi-gloss finish is more reflective than satin and gives a noticeable shine to any room. It’s durable, moisture-resistant, and holds up well in high-traffic areas.

Pros:

• Can withstand regular cleaning
• Brightens rooms with its shiny finish
• Durable and moisture-resistant

Cons:

• Makes wall imperfections stand out
• Shows brush strokes more easily

Where should I use a semi-gloss finish?

• Kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms: Semi-gloss is the perfect paint finish for high-moisture, high-traffic areas that need to be wiped down regularly. Its reflective surface resists stains and water damage better than most finishes.
• Trim, doors, and cabinets: Semi-gloss is a great choice for trim and doors because it contrasts matte or eggshell walls while offering durability and a sleek finish.

5. High-Gloss Finish

High-gloss finish is the most reflective and durable of all the paint finish options. It creates a shiny, almost mirrored surface that stands out in any room.

Pros:

• Extremely durable and easy to clean
• Highly moisture and stain resistant
• Reflects light and creates a bright finish

Cons:

• Emphasizes imperfections
• Requires incredibly careful application to avoid streaks

Where should I use a high-gloss finish?

• Trim, doors, and cabinets: High-gloss paint is most commonly used on trim and doors because it can withstand constant cleaning and wear while offering a polished look.
• Accents: High-gloss can be used to create striking accent walls or focal points in a room, as its sheen adds drama and a modern flair.

Choosing the Right Paint Finish

When choosing a paint finish, you need to consider both the aesthetic and practical needs of each room. High-traffic areas like kitchens and bathrooms will benefit from using a durable finish, like satin or semi-gloss, while low-traffic spaces like bedrooms and living rooms look better with a soft, sophisticated matte or eggshell finish. 

Once you pick a finish, you don’t need to stick with it forever. You can add more visual interest to a room by adding a high-gloss accent wall or trim in a mostly-flat space, or create a divide in an open space by switching finishes between rooms. 

Picking the right paint finish for each room can make a huge difference in both the appearance and functionality of your space. Understanding the benefits of each type will help you make the best choice for your home, no matter what aesthetic you’re looking to create. By pairing the right finish with the right room, you’ll not only achieve the look you want, but you’ll ensure your paint job stands the test of time. 

Choosing your paint finish isn’t the only step—you also have to pick a paint color and painting technique, and if this is a DIY project, you might want to do a little prep work. And if you’re still unsure of which finish to choose, or maybe you just want a little bit of guidance in your painting project, we’ve got you covered! Visit paintersincorporated.com to chat with us today!