The finish (or sheen) is how much light the dried paint reflects. It changes how the color looks, how well the wall hides flaws and how easy it is to clean. Brands name their finishes slightly differently, but the scale is the same.
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From least to most shiny
Flat No shine at all. It hides bumps, patches and uneven drywall best, and gives a soft, rich color. It is the least washable, although modern “scrubbable matte” formulas are much better than before. Ideal for ceilings and low-traffic rooms.
Matte Very slightly more sheen than flat and usually a bit more washable. A popular choice for living rooms and bedrooms.
Eggshell A low, soft glow like the shell of an egg. It is easier to wipe than matte while still hiding small imperfections. A good all-round choice for living areas, hallways and bedrooms.
Satin A noticeable, pearl-like sheen. Durable and easy to clean, so well suited to kitchens, bathrooms, kids’ rooms and hallways. It shows roller marks and wall flaws more than eggshell.
Semi-gloss Shiny, hard and very easy to clean. The usual choice for trim, doors, cabinets and window frames, and in bathrooms where moisture is high.
High gloss Almost mirror-like. Very durable but it shows every imperfection, so the surface must be perfectly prepared. Used on doors, furniture and trim for a lacquered look.
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Room by room
Ceilings: flat
Living room and bedrooms: matte or eggshell
Hallways and kids’ rooms: eggshell or satin
Kitchen and bathroom: satin, or semi-gloss
Trim, doors and cabinets: semi-gloss or gloss
Things to know
The more sheen, the lighter and brighter a color tends to look.
Glossy paint on a wall with dents or patched drywall will make every flaw visible.
When touching up, use the same finish and ideally the same batch; a different sheen shows as a patch.
Moving to a less shiny finish over gloss requires sanding or a bonding primer.
