​Are you trying to decide between matte or flat paint? After reading this guide to paint finishes, you may decide that satin is the most suitable option!

Choosing the right paint finish or paint sheen for your home is an important decision and one you want to get right the first time! In this post, I will describe the different types of paint finishes, the advantages and disadvantages of each, and the best locations for each finish type.​

I don’t know about you, but there are times when decision fatigue has set in, and I feel like I can’t possibly make one more decision, much less a good one. I understand completely! Unfortunately, this is not the time to throw your hands up and leave it to the person behind the counter to make the decision.

The last thing you want to do is paint your space, move your furniture in, and hang your artwork only to discover that you have to start over. In order to choose the right finish for your interior paint, you must have a good understanding of the different types of finishes and the areas for which they are best suited.

 

 

6 Primary Finishes

Let’s start with the basics. What is a paint finish? The finish of the paint, also known as the sheen, represents the amount of light reflected from the wall’s surface when the paint is applied. As we move through the list of finishes, they become increasingly more reflective and less able to hide imperfections while also becoming more durable.

1. Flat

Flat finishes are the least reflective of the paint finishes. Their low sheen hides surface imperfections and helps to create the appearance of a smooth finish. Flat paint is a go-to choice for those busy bringing older spaces and walls back to life because of its inherent camouflaging ability. Flat paint finishes are an excellent option for low-traffic areas where dents, scratches, crayons, and spaghetti are less likely to occur.   A flat finish would not be ideal in a place like a bathroom or kitchen that sees a lot of activity. However, a flat finish is perfect for ceilings that see no activity at all.

Drawback: Their low sheen makes them more challenging to clean. However, a few paint manufacturers started promoting washable flat paints in recent years. Amanda Lecky, with Sherwin-Williams, gives us hope in her post Designing With Flat Finishes, where she describes their own washable flat paints.

Where to use:

• Ceilings
• Guest Bedrooms
• Primary Bedrooms
• Dining Room
• Living Room
• Study

2. Matte

A matte finish is very similar to a flat finish, with a very slightly higher sheen than a flat. Matte paint finishes are essentially non-reflective and have a very low sheen. Like a flat finish, a matte finish does a great job of hiding imperfections, making it an excellent choice for old walls with a lot of wear and tear and low-traffic areas. The difference between a flat and a matte finish is almost indistinguishable. These two finishes would typically be used in the same types of spaces.

Drawback: Similar to a flat finish, a matte finish is difficult to clean due to its low sheen.

Where to use:

• Ceilings
• Guest Bedrooms
• Primary Bedrooms
• Dining Room
• Living Room
• Study

3. Eggshell

Eggshell finishes have a slightly higher gloss or sheen and reflect more light than flat or matte paint. As their name may suggest, their finish is similar to that of an eggshell. An eggshell finish provides a smooth, soft finish that is easy to clean and maintain. It is because of this that of the six primary finish types, eggshell is the finish that could be used in any application.

Disadvantage:  Due to its higher reflective properties, it does not hide flaws, as well as matte or flat paint.

Where to use:

• Guest Bedrooms
• Primary Bedrooms
• Kids’ Rooms
• Dining Rooms
• Living Room
• Family Rooms
• Laundry Rooms
• Kitchen
• Bathrooms
• Hallways
• Essentially, any room in the house (just not ceilings)

4. Satin

Satin finishes are more reflective than eggshell finishes but not as reflective as semi-gloss finishes. Satin paint will not cause reflections in low light but will in bright light, allowing it to create a kind of glow in a space. Satin paint finishes are moisture-resistant, making them a great choice for moisture-prone areas like bathrooms. A satin finish paint is also durable, making it easy to clean and maintain.

Disadvantages:  A satin finish does not hide imperfections, and roller marks and brush strokes are more visible.

​Where to use:

• Bathrooms
• Kitchens
• Laundry Rooms
• Kids’ Bedrooms
• Adult Bedrooms
• Hallways
• Playrooms
• ​Trim

5. Semi-Gloss

Semi-gloss finishes are very durable and highly reflective. Their durability makes it easy to remove scuffs and scratches, making them a clear choice for trim. Due to their reflective nature, when semi-gloss paint is used, natural light from windows and doors and lamp light will reflect off the walls. As a trim finish, it also provides a lovely contrast against a matte or flat-finished wall.

Disadvantages: Unfortunately, semi-gloss finishes show all imperfections, making a rough wall and touch-ups very noticeable. You will need an extremely smooth wall as a starting point if used on a wall.

Where to Use:

• Kitchens
• Bathrooms
• Laundry Rooms
• Trim

6. High-Gloss

High-gloss paints are the most reflective of the finishes. Like the semi-gloss finish, high-gloss paint finishes have moisture-resistant properties and are highly durable. While high-gloss finishes are challenging to apply, they can create a dramatic look when done well.

Disadvantages:  You aren’t getting away with anything with a high-gloss finish. It will show any and all imperfections.

Where to Use:

• Doors
• Cabinets
• Trim

 

 

 

Summary

In this post, I described the different types of paint finishes or different sheens, their advantages and disadvantages, and the rooms for which each type of finish is best suited. I am sure you see now that choosing the perfect color is only half the battle. You also have to choose the right finish for your space. If you are still in the planning phase and trying to decide whether or not to use primer, make sure to check out my post Why and How to Prime Walls and Which One to Use!