Paint Finish Matters More Than You Think
Choosing the right paint color gets all the attention, but the finish -- also called sheen or luster -- is equally important. The wrong finish can make a beautiful color look wrong in a room.
Flat and Matte
Flat and matte finishes have zero to very low sheen. They absorb light rather than reflecting it, which creates a smooth, velvety appearance and helps hide surface imperfections. Best for ceilings, low-traffic rooms, and rooms where a soft, sophisticated look is desired.
Eggshell
Eggshell has a subtle, soft sheen. It is the most popular wall finish for a reason: it hides imperfections reasonably well while being easier to clean than flat paint. Best for living rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms, and hallways.
Satin
Satin has a noticeable soft glow and stands up well to cleaning and scrubbing. Best for kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and kids rooms.
Semi-Gloss
Semi-gloss is highly durable, moisture-resistant, and easy to wipe clean. Best for trim, baseboards, crown molding, window frames, doors, and bathroom or kitchen walls. Note: semi-gloss shows every surface imperfection, so thorough prep is essential.
How Finish Affects Color Appearance
The same color will look different in different sheens. Higher-gloss finishes reflect more light and make colors appear slightly brighter and more saturated. Flat finishes absorb light and make colors look softer and more muted.
