When it comes to painting, prep work is half the battle. If you think the hardest part is getting your brushes ready, think again… it isn't. Before you lift a finger, you have dozens of decisions to make, including which paint finish (also called paint sheen) to use. Here's what you need to know!
I used to think the hardest part of choosing paint was picking the actual color. No matter how many paint color guides I read (and write!), nothing compares to making that call yourself. But those sheens can be almost as tricky!
Of course, once you've chosen a color, you're still not done deciding! Now you have to pick a finish, which is an entirely different process.
If you've ever wondered what separates satin from eggshell, or when to use flat paint instead of glossy, today's post will clear it all up.
I've also put together a free Paint Sheen Guide to download at the end of this post, so don't miss it!
What are the different types of paint finishes?
Let's begin with the basic paint finishes. Your options are typically these, listed from highest gloss to lowest:
- Gloss: As the name suggests, gloss paint has a high sheen that reflects plenty of light. It's easy to wipe clean but shows every imperfection. That makes it a tough paint to touch up.
- Semi-gloss: A little more reflective than satin, but less so than gloss. It's very easy to clean, which makes it a popular pick for playrooms and bathrooms.
- Satin: Satin has a slight sheen that gives it a pearly finish. It can be wiped down easily, making it a good middle ground between the ease of gloss and the look of flat paint.
- Eggshell: This type has an almost velvety feel. It reflects a little light, but without direct light it looks more matte.
- Flat or Matte – This finish is smooth and absorbs light instead of reflecting it. Flat paint hides imperfections well, so it's a great choice for ceilings.
Note: Benjamin Moore and Sherwin Williams use different names for some of their sheens. So when you order directly from them, ask which of their sheens matches Satin or Eggshell, for example. I know that Benjamin Moore's “Soft Gloss” is the equivalent of “Satin” at other paint stores.
The Best Paint Finishes for Each Room
Now that you know what each finish offers and why it matters to choose the right one for each space, let's look at the best finishes for every room.
Which paint finish should I use on my ceiling?
These days the fifth wall is getting far more attention than it has in years past. Gone are the days when a white ceiling was your only option. Now the sky is practically the limit, with bright colors, patterns and even wallpaper.
That said, the finish for a ceiling rarely differs from the norm. The standard choice for ceilings is flat paint, and for a good reason!
Flat paint hides imperfections better than any other finish, and it's the easiest to touch up. Since painting an entire ceiling is a lot more work than repainting a wall, flat finish (matte) became the industry standard.
The Best Paint Finishes for a Living Room
If your family is anything like mine, you spend a ton of time in your living room. After all, the name says it: this space is for living!
For that reason, I suggest a livable sheen somewhere in the middle, such as an eggshell or satin paint.
Note: If you need ideas for actual paint colors, I wrote an entire post about the best living room paint colors!
Dining Room Paint Finishes
You want your dining room to feel relaxed and slightly warm, which is why I always recommend eggshell paint. Its velvety, cozy finish adds just the right touch to the dining area.
The Best Kitchen Paint Finishes
If one room could be called the messiest in the house, the kitchen would be the top contender. It sees heavy foot traffic, and the potential for food messes is enormous.
Surfaces like backsplashes and countertops are easy to wipe down, but keep your visible walls in satin and your painted cabinets in satin, semi-gloss or high gloss paint finish for the kitchen. I personally prefer satin for my cabinets.
Paint Finishes for the Master and Guest Bedrooms
The bedroom is a place for relaxing and unwinding. For me, that means choosing finishes closer to the matte side that create a cozy feel.
I recommend either satin or eggshell paint, depending on your bedroom's lighting and the color you pick. I prefer an eggshell finish on my bedroom walls.
Kid-Friendly Finishes (Perfect for Playrooms and Kids’ Bedrooms!)
Kids' bedrooms call for some special consideration. You're far more likely to want a wipeable, easy-to-clean finish in these sleeping spaces than in your own.
Whether you're battling crayon scribbles or food smears, parents will appreciate being able to wipe down glossier finishes like satin. Of course, if your kids aren't very messy, eggshell would be fine, or use a semi-gloss if they're extra messy.
Bathroom Wall Finishes
Since bathrooms deal with more humidity than other rooms, a satin finish is always a good idea. The powder bath is one of the busiest areas of a home, and you want a surface that can be wiped clean, so a satin paint finish is the right call.
Final Thoughts
I know it can seem complicated, but as a general rule I prefer matte finishes to glossy ones. So I don't choose anything glossier than a satin finish. For example, on my exterior trim, shutters and doors, I choose satin.
I even chose satin when I painted my kitchen cabinets in my old house. I think the only time I've ever used a semi-gloss paint is for interior trim.
Even though a semi-gloss or high gloss finish can look great, I prefer a less shiny look. So if you have a choice, going with your personal preference is perfectly fine!
When you start the lengthy process of painting a room, think about the sheen of your paint as well as the color. The same color can look completely different in a matte versus a high gloss shade, thanks to how light is absorbed and reflected!
Paint Sheen Guide Free Download!
Tap the image above, or HERE, to download your FREE Paint Sheen Guide. You can take it with you anytime you need to buy paint!
Tap here for the free paint sheen guide
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