The Ultimate Guide to Paint Finishes

Here's what you need to know about four main paint finishes—flat, eggshell, semi-gloss, and gloss—and the best bets for where to use them in your home. Remember: There are no set rules for how certain paint colors look in each finish; that decision is totally up to you!

Flat Paint

Flat finish is also known as matte finish and has the least amount of shine. Because it doesn't reflect light, it's the best choice to hide any imperfections like bumps or small cracks on walls. It also goes on smoother over rough surfaces, so it's a good option for textured walls. Keep in mind, flat paint a little harder to keep clean, so it's not recommended for high traffic areas like the kitchen or bathroom.

Eggshell Paint

You can't really go wrong with eggshell finish on your walls. Sometimes called satin finish, eggshell has slightly more luster than a flat finish, but you won't be left with shiny walls. It also resists stains better than flat and can be wiped with a wet rag. Eggshell finishes are often used in bathrooms, kitchens, kids' rooms, and other high-traffic areas.

Semi-Gloss Paint

Semi-gloss is tougher than eggshell, so it will show less wear. It reflects even more light when dry, though, so if there are any imperfections on your walls before you paint, they'll stand out. Semi-gloss stands up the best to water and cleaning so it's a good choice for a kids' bedroom or bathroom. This finish is also often used for trim, doors, and furniture.

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