Paint Finish Guide

So, you’ve finally picked a paint color (making sure to follow all my tips here) - you get to the counter, and inevitably the next question is “what finish?” Uhhh…. what? No fear - read on to learn which paint finish is best for your project BEFORE you get to the store.

Paint finish is also known as the sheen - and lets you know how much light will be reflected off of the surface (or how glossy/matte it will look). The most common finishes (from least to most reflective) are:

• Flat (completely matte/very low reflection)

• Eggshell

• Satin

• Semi-Gloss

• High Gloss (highly reflective)

It is important to note that the higher the gloss, the more noticeable material/surface flaws are (which is why builders often use flat paint everywhere - it hides any imperfections in the drywall better than eggshell or satin finishes would).

In addition to differences in reflectivity, finishes also vary in how durable they are. Flat paint, while the cheapest, is the least durable and is recommended only for low traffic areas, including ceilings. Semi and High gloss are very durable options and are usually used for cabinetry and other surfaces that are touched frequently.

While sometimes it feels like a great idea to save a few bucks and go with the flat paint - I can guarantee that it will require repainting a lot faster than a higher sheen, so make the investment now and save yourself time and money in the long run by selecting a more durable option. If you love the look of matte walls, there are matte sheens available from some of the better paint brands (Sherwin-Williams, Benjamin Moore, etc) which are as durable as eggshell but with the appearance of flat paint.

Here is a handy guide for referencing which finish should be used:

If you are ever in doubt, just talk to whoever is working the counter. They are a great resource and can help guide you if you are stuck as well.