When people choose paint, they focus on color, but the finish, or sheen, is just as important. The finish affects durability, how easy the surface is to clean, and how imperfections show. Here's a breakdown of each finish and where it works best.
Flat and Matte
Flat finishes have no shine and hide surface imperfections beautifully, making them ideal for ceilings and low-traffic adult bedrooms. The trade-off is that they're harder to clean, so they aren't the best choice for busy areas.
Eggshell
Eggshell has a soft, subtle glow and is more washable than flat. It's a popular all-purpose choice for living rooms, dining rooms, and bedrooms where you want a little durability without a noticeable shine.
Satin
Satin offers a gentle sheen and good durability, standing up to cleaning and moisture. It's a great pick for high-traffic spaces like hallways, kids' rooms, kitchens, and bathrooms.
Semi-Gloss
Semi-gloss is shiny, moisture-resistant, and easy to wipe down, which makes it the standard choice for trim, doors, cabinets, and bathrooms. It stands up to frequent cleaning and humidity.
High-Gloss
High-gloss is the most durable and reflective finish, almost like glass. It's used for accent pieces, furniture, and doors where you want a bold, easy-to-clean surface. Because it reflects so much light, surface prep needs to be flawless.
A Simple Rule of Thumb
The higher the sheen, the more durable and washable the paint, but the more it highlights wall imperfections. The lower the sheen, the better it hides flaws but the harder it is to clean. Match the finish to how the room is used.
Ask Our Paint Experts
Not sure which finish fits your project? The team at RHP Hardware & Paint can guide you through it and mix the exact color and sheen you need. Visit us in Monsey, Pomona, New City, or Middletown.