Painting

Flat, Eggshell, Satin, Semi-Gloss: Paint Finishes Explained

Which paint finish to use where and why it matters.

By Marc Dagher•October 28, 2024

Standing in the paint aisle, you've probably wondered what the difference is between all these finishes. Here's a simple breakdown.

Flat (Matte)

The look: No shine at all. Absorbs light.

Good for: Ceilings, low-traffic rooms, hiding wall imperfections.

Bad for: Kitchens, bathrooms, kids' rooms, anywhere that needs cleaning.

The deal: Flat paint hides bumps and flaws better than any other finish. But it's hard to clean - wipe it and you'll leave marks.

The look: Very subtle sheen, like an eggshell (surprise!).

Good for: Living rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms, hallways.

Bad for: High-moisture areas.

The deal: The most popular finish for walls. It's wipeable enough for normal life but doesn't highlight every imperfection.

The look: Soft shine, noticeable but not glossy.

Good for: Family rooms, hallways, kids' rooms, kitchens.

Bad for: Walls with lots of damage or repairs (it shows them).

The deal: More washable than eggshell. Good choice for busy households.

The look: Shiny, reflects light clearly.

Good for: Trim, doors, cabinets, bathrooms, kitchens.

Bad for: Walls with imperfections.

The deal: Easy to clean and resists moisture. The standard choice for trim and high-humidity rooms.

The look: Very shiny, almost like plastic.

Good for: Front doors, cabinets, furniture.

Bad for: Most walls.

The deal: Super durable and easy to clean, but shows every flaw. Usually too much for regular walls.

When in doubt, eggshell for walls and semi-gloss for trim will work in most rooms. Ready to paint? Check out how to prep your walls and how to paint a room in one day.

If this seems like more than you want to tackle yourself, we're happy to help. Call for a free estimate.