The Best 6 Types of Paint Finishes in 2024
Choosing paint isn’t just about color. The type of paint finish you pick can change the whole look and feel of a room. Each finish has its own texture, shine, and durability and works best in different spaces.
Here’s a simple guide to the types of paint finishes so you can choose the perfect one for your next project!
1. Flat (or Matte) Finish
A flat, or matte, finish has no shine at all. It’s soft, smooth, and often used to create a cozy feel. Flat paint is great for walls that might have some imperfections, like small bumps or cracks, since it hides flaws well.
- Best For: Low-traffic areas, like bedrooms, ceilings, or dining rooms.
- Pros: Hides wall imperfections; gives a smooth, even look.
- Cons: Not very durable; hard to clean without damaging the paint.
Sherwin-Williams SuperPaint Flat: Great for hiding wall marks and giving a smooth, non-shiny look. Perfect for low-traffic rooms like bedrooms.
Benjamin Moore Regal Select Flat: Gives you rich, even color with great coverage. Perfect for cozy spaces.
2. Eggshell Finish
Eggshell has a slight sheen – think of the faint shine on an eggshell. It’s more durable than flat paint but still gives that soft look. Eggshell is popular because it’s easy to clean and gives walls a bit of a glow without being too shiny.
- Best For: Living rooms, hallways, and areas with light traffic.
- Pros: Easier to clean than flat paint; adds a subtle glow.
- Cons: Slightly shows wall imperfections; not as durable as higher-gloss options.
Behr Premium Plus Eggshell: Adds a soft glow to walls and is easy to clean. Great for living rooms or hallways.
Dulux Trade Diamond Eggshell: Tough and washable, perfect for high-traffic areas.
3. Satin Finish
Satin finish has a nice, soft sheen that makes colors look smooth and rich. It’s durable and holds up well to light scrubbing, so it works well in busier areas of the home. Satin is often used for rooms that need a bit more durability but still want a soft look.
- Best For: Family rooms, kids’ rooms, kitchens, and bathrooms.
- Pros: Easy to clean; hides imperfections better than high-gloss finishes.
- Cons: Shows brush strokes more than matte finishes; may highlight wall flaws.
Valspar Signature Satin: Smooth with a slight sheen, good for kitchens or family rooms. Resists stains and mildew.
Farrow & Ball Modern Emulsion: Soft shine, easy to clean, and resists scuffs – great for busy spaces.
4. Semi-Gloss Finish
Semi-gloss is shiny and reflective. It’s highly durable and easy to clean, making it a top choice for areas that get a lot of wear and tear. Semi-gloss paint also adds brightness to rooms because it reflects light well. It’s commonly used on trim, doors, and cabinets.
- Best For: Kitchens, bathrooms, doors, and trim.
- Pros: Very durable and washable; adds brightness to a space.
- Cons: Shows wall imperfections, so best used on smoother surfaces.
Glidden Premium Semi-Gloss: Durable and super easy to clean, perfect for kitchens, bathrooms, and trim.
Johnstone’s Trade Acrylic Satin: Good for wood and metal, gives a nice mid-level sheen and is washable.
5. Gloss (or High-Gloss) Finish
Gloss, or high-gloss paint, is the shiniest finish you can get. It’s super durable, easy to wipe down, and adds a lot of light reflection. This finish is great for areas that need strong protection, like doors and cabinets, but it can be too shiny for walls.
- Best For: Trim, doors, cabinets, and furniture.
- Pros: The most durable; very easy to clean.
- Cons: Highlights every flaw on the surface, so best for smooth, perfect areas.
Rust-Oleum Painter’s Touch Gloss: High shine and tough, works well for cabinets, doors, and trim. Check it out
Crown Trade Full Gloss: Classic high-gloss finish that’s durable and perfect for wood and metal surfaces.
6. Velvet (or Pearl) Finish
A velvet, sometimes called pearl, finish falls between eggshell and satin. It has a soft, low-luster shine that feels a bit luxurious without being overly glossy. Velvet finishes are great for adding a bit of warmth and richness to walls while still being durable enough for light cleaning.
- Best For: Living rooms, dining rooms, and bedrooms.
- Pros: Adds a soft, elegant glow; easier to clean than flat or eggshell finishes.
- Cons: Can show some wall imperfections; less durable than satin or semi-gloss.
Benjamin Moore Aura Pearl: Soft, elegant sheen with great durability and easy to clean. Perfect for living rooms and dining rooms.
Dulux Easycare Soft Sheen: Gentle sheen, washable, and tough enough for busy areas.
| Finish | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Flat (Matte) | Hides wall flaws well; soft, even look | Not very durable; hard to clean |
| Eggshell | Slight glow; easy to clean; hides minor flaws | Slightly shows wall imperfections |
| Satin | Nice soft shine; durable; easy to clean | Shows brush strokes; highlights wall flaws |
| Semi-Gloss | Durable; brightens room; very easy to clean | Shows imperfections, so best for smooth areas |
| Gloss (High-Gloss) | Very durable; super easy to wipe down; high shine | Highlights every flaw; too shiny for most walls |
| Velvet (Pearl) | Adds a soft, elegant glow; lightly washable | Can show some imperfections; less durable than satin or semi-gloss |
Choosing the Right Finish for Each Room
Each room in your home is a little different, so picking the right paint finish can make a big difference. Here’s a quick, simple guide:
- Bedroom: Go for flat or eggshell. These finishes give a soft, cozy feel - perfect for a place to relax.
- Living Room: Try eggshell or velvet. Both add a bit of warmth and make the room feel welcoming and stylish.
- Bathroom and Kitchen: Satin or semi-gloss is the way to go. These finishes can handle moisture and are easy to wipe clean.
- Trim, Doors, and Cabinets: Choose semi-gloss or high-gloss. They’re tough and super easy to clean, so they hold up well on high-touch areas.
Choosing Paint Finishes by Lifestyle
Are you the type who loves a spotless home and doesn’t mind a little upkeep? Or maybe you want something low-maintenance. Here’s how to pick:
- Low-Maintenance: If you’d rather not deal with lots of touch-ups, choose finishes like satin or semi-gloss in high-traffic areas. They’re durable and easy to clean, so spills or scuffs won’t be a big deal.
- More Personality: If you want a bit more style in a room, finishes like velvet or satin add that nice glow without being too shiny. It’s a simple way to make a room feel put together and a bit upscale without much effort.
- Kid- or Pet-Friendly: If you’ve got kids or pets, satin and semi-gloss are lifesavers. They can handle messes and are easy to wipe down.
Mixing and Matching Finishes
Who says you have to use just one finish? You can mix it up to add interest. Here’s how:
- Use Gloss on Details: Try a high-gloss finish on trim, doors, or cabinets to make them pop. It creates a little contrast with the walls and adds a polished look without being overwhelming.
- Go Matte on Walls, Gloss on Trim: A flat or eggshell finish on the walls keeps things soft and smooth, while a gloss finish on the trim makes it stand out and gives the room some dimension.
- Create Layers with Sheen: If you want a subtle style boost, use a mix of matte and satin finishes. It adds layers without needing bold colors or extra decor.
Common Mistakes When Choosing Paint Finishes
Here are a few things to avoid:
- Using Flat Paint in High-Traffic Areas: Flat paint can get dirty or scuffed easily and doesn’t clean well. Avoid it in places like hallways or kids’ rooms.
- High-Gloss on Walls: While it’s great for trim, high-gloss can be a bit much on large surfaces. It can look almost plastic-like, so it’s best reserved for smaller areas.
- Not Considering Lighting: Different finishes look different in natural vs. artificial light. Semi-gloss or gloss can reflect a lot of light, so in a sunny room, it might end up looking shinier than expected.
Quick Fixes for Paint Finish Problems
If you’ve already painted but aren’t happy with the finish, don’t stress – there are a few quick fixes:
- Too Shiny? Try a light sanding to reduce the gloss level. Or, apply a new coat of a lower-sheen paint like satin.
- Too Flat? If you’re finding flat paint too dull or hard to clean, just add a coat of eggshell or satin on top. It’ll add a bit of sheen and make cleaning easier.
FAQ: Choosing the Best types of Paint Finishes for Your Home
Each paint finish has a different level of shine, durability, and texture. They range from flat (no shine) to high-gloss (very shiny), with options like eggshell, satin, and velvet in between. Each finish serves a different purpose and works best in specific areas.
A flat (or matte) finish is ideal for hiding imperfections, as it has no shine and creates a smooth, even look on walls.
For high-traffic areas, such as kitchens or bathrooms, go for satin or semi-gloss. These finishes are durable, easy to clean, and hold up well against wear.
Semi-gloss and high-gloss finishes are the easiest to clean and are great for doors, cabinets, and trim.
While you can, high-gloss paint can be too shiny and will highlight any flaws. It’s best for trim, doors, and cabinets rather than large wall surfaces.
Flat or eggshell finishes work well in bedrooms, providing a soft, cozy atmosphere without too much shine.
Make The Right Choice For Your Home
Choosing the right paint finish can make a big difference in how a room looks and feels. From cozy matte walls in bedrooms to shiny, easy-to-clean gloss on doors and cabinets, each finish has its place. Think about the room’s purpose, traffic level, and cleaning needs when picking a finish.
If you’re ready to refresh your space, Sherwood Painting is here to help! We’ll guide you in choosing the perfect finish and make sure your paint job looks flawless. Reach out today at (704) 924-1800, and let’s get started on bringing new life to your walls!