A Guide to Paint Finishes: From Flat to Fabulously Glossy
Guide to Paint Finishes: From Flat to Fabulously Glossy

by Allison Lind

Learn the ins and outs of paint finishes to take on your next interior decor project like a pro

Flat, eggshell, satin, gloss: When it comes to interior decor, there are a lot of confusing terms, but at least the names for paint finishes are fairly straightforward. Even the most novice painter can guess what's what.

Flat (or matte) is a smooth surface without luster. Eggshell resembles its namesake. Satin has a subtle sheen reminiscent of the popular fabric. And gloss is, well, glossy.

When shopping for paints you're faced with the inevitable question: What finish? To sheen or not to sheen? But there's so much more behind choosing a paint finish than just their names. Some finishes work better than others in high-traffic areas. Some hide imperfections that are common in older buildings. And others add extra pizazz for home decor projects.

The next time you're choosing paint finishes, use this user-friendly paint-finish guide -- with some expert input courtesy of international color expert and designer Maria Killam -- to help you find your perfect paint.

A Quick-Reference Guide to Paint Finishes

The Finish: Flat (aka Matte)

The Basics

Lacking any sheen whatsoever, flat paint is light-absorbing with a smooth finish. The flat paint finish hides imperfections but also holds dirt and is difficult to clean -- rubbing it with cleanser may even damage the finish.

The Use

Living rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms, hallways and ceilings. "If you have walls with a lot of imperfections, flat hides them," Killam says. "And ceilings should be flat for that same reason."

Good to Know

It's a good idea to keep extra paint on hand to touch up nicks and scratches in flat finishes.

The Finish: Eggshell (aka Low-Luster)

The Basics

This low-sheen paint finish resembles the shell of an egg (so, no, the name is not a coincidence). Eggshell paint absorbs light just like its flat counterpart above. It's best used in lower-traffic areas, and is easier to clean than flat.

The Use

Living rooms, dining rooms, kitchens, bedrooms, entryways, hallways and trims. "I like walls to have a little shine, so I always specify eggshell for the main rooms in a house, hallways, living and family rooms," Killam says.

The Finish: Satin (aka Pearl, with certain paint brands)

The Basics

A subtle finish with a soft sheen that reflects light. This is one of the most versatile finishes as it falls in the middle of the spectrum. It can be wiped clean with ease, making it ideal for active areas.

The Use

Kitchens, dining rooms, children's bedrooms, guest or powder baths, laundry rooms, trims, doors and shutters. "Satin is great for bathrooms and kitchens thanks to its high scrub-ability," Killam says.

The Finish: Semigloss

The Basics

A step up in sheen from satin, semigloss paint finish reflects more light. It can be scrubbed to keep clean, so it's a great choice in areas with high traffic.

The Use

Kitchens, bathrooms, hallways, cabinets, doors, trims and moldings. "If you are using latex paint for trim and doors, a higher sheen will give you more durability," Killam says.

The Finish: Gloss

The Basics

Gloss paint finishes come with a smooth, high-shine sheen. (Opt for high-gloss paint for the light-reflecting extreme of paint finishes.) Gloss can be scrubbed clean without concern for the finish, so it's ideal for areas that most often require washing.

The Use

Kitchens, baths, trims, woodwork, moldings, doors and cabinets. "If you opt to use a high-gloss finish to create an interesting sheen effect, such as on a ceiling or powder room," Killam says, "spray it on to prevent roller or brush marks in the final finish."

Allison Lind is a home decor and home improvement expert who has extensively written on the topics since 2004. For two years, she worked with home improvement celebrity Ty Pennington, of ABC's "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition."

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