The greatest transformation and probably one of the easiest remodeling features you will most likely change at some point in homeownership is your wall color. Although some may think the color is all that matters, the finish type is just as important. Some finishes compliment lighting better while others may show markings much easier. On the other hand, a more glossy finish might reflect light and show glares while a more flat paint will absorb the light. Therefore, your color’s sheen or lack of sheen greatly affects and displays how your color is portrayed in the room.

At your local hardware store, you will find a hand full of finish options to choose from. Flat, eggshell, satin, semi-gloss and high gloss are the most common. So, our goal is to help you understand the difference between the paint finishes and how to choose the finish that’s right for your home.

Flat Paint

With the least sheen of all, flat paint is just that, flat (or sometimes called matte). It has a non-reflective, non-shiny finish, yet provides great coverage on walls. Flat paint’s density helps to cover small deformities or flaws. It is the least likely of all the other finishes to clean making it best for areas with lower traffic and usage. 

Flat is best used in the dining room, on ceilings, and other low-traffic rooms. 

Semi-Gloss Paint

This type of paint has a more reflective finish and does have a slight shine to it. Although it does not cover the blemishes like flat does, it is much more durable. It is better to scrub and clean from markings while is tolerable to rooms with high moisture. Consequently, semi-gloss paint is great for high traffic and high used areas in your home. 

Semi-gloss is best used in kids’ rooms, the kitchen, bathrooms, laundry room, mudroom, and utility room. Also works well on window sills, moldings, trim, and doors. 

High Gloss Paint

Last but not the least shiny and the most similar to the semi-gloss finish is high gloss. Guaranteed to be the most durable, high gloss is also the shiniest finish of all with the most reflections. It is very scrabble and the best for high traffic rooms. Because of its durability, it requires the most amount of coats and does not cover imperfections like flat paint does. The work to get flawless high gloss walls are worth it all in the long run.

Like semi-gloss, high gloss is best used on window sills, moldings, trim, and doors along with the rooms listed above. High gloss is also great for cabinets and outdoor use, such as on shutters or windows.

Eggshell Paint

The eggshell paint finish is named such because it looks just as you would imagine, an eggshell. Its very slight shine but soft look has low sheen and covers imperfections well. Its durability is slightly better than flat paints, but still remains less durable than the rest. Because of its features, eggshell is better for areas that see a medium amount of traffic. 

Eggshell is best used in hallways, living rooms, and family rooms.

Satin Paint

Last but not least, satin finish paint is the most commonly used. With a smooth finish like eggshell, fortunately they are easier to clean making them work well in high traffic rooms. When painting with satin, it is easier to see any brush strokes or mishaps. Overall this paint type is the most universal of all.

Satin is best used in bathrooms, playrooms, laundry room, hallways, or home offices. 

Meanwhile, if you’re still searching for the perfect paint color, see our guide on the psychology of cool throughout your home!

Sources:

https://www.homedepot.com/c/ab/types-of-paint-finishes/9ba683603be9fa5395fab90088c3de3

https://www.dummies.com/home-garden/home-painting/how-to-choose-an-interior-paint-finish/