The 5 Interior Paint Finishes: How to Choose

You’ve decided on the perfect paint color for your interior painting project. Next up is choosing the best finish or “sheen” to use. 

When choosing paint, “finish” or “sheen” refers to how much light the dried paint reflects. It will determine the look, feel, and durability of your painted surfaces. Let’s break down the 5 different paint finishes you’ll have to choose from to help you choose the best sheen for your painting project.

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Paint Finishes: From Least to Most Reflective

The different finish options for interior paint are listed below from the least reflective (flat/matte) to the most reflective (high gloss). When choosing which finish to use for your interior paint color, know that the lower sheen finishes will give you more color saturation; the higher the sheen, the less saturated your color will be.

1. Flat/Matte

• Characteristics:
  • Very low sheen that is non-reflective, soft, and smooth
  • Provides rich, deep color
  • Excellent at hiding imperfections
  • It is less durable, can scuff easily, and is harder to clean
• Best for:
  • Ceilings, low-traffic areas like adult bedrooms or formal dining rooms.

2. Eggshell

• Characteristics:
  • Slightly more sheen than flat, with a soft, velvety appearance
  • Better durability than flat
  • Good at concealing minor imperfections
  • Easier to clean than flat
• Best for:
  • Living rooms, bedrooms, and other moderate-traffic areas

3. Satin

• Characteristics:
  • A noticeable, velvet-like sheen, with a smooth, pearly finish
  • Good durability and easy-to-clean
  • Resistant to mildew and moisture
  • Shows imperfections more than flat or eggshell and can be harder to touch up
• Best for:
  • Kitchens, bathrooms, hallways, kids’ rooms, and other high-traffic areas.

4. Semi-Gloss

• Characteristics:
  • A high sheen, smooth, and very reflective with a sleek, radiant appearance
  • Very durable and easy to clean
  • Moisture-resistant
  • Shows imperfections as well as application marks (brush or roller strokes)
• Best for:
  • Trim, doors, cabinets, and areas exposed to moisture such as bathrooms

5. High-Gloss

• Characteristics:
  • The highest sheen, with a shiny, almost glass-like finish
  • Extremely durable and easy to clean
  • Shows every imperfection and brushstrokes
• Best for:
  • High-traffic areas, trim, cabinets, and areas where a dramatic or accent effect is desired

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Still Confused About Which Paint Finish to Choose?

If you’re having difficulty deciding which paint finish will work best with your application, ask your Tabora professional for help. Our team has the expertise to guide you to the finish that will work best for your painting project. We’ll listen to what you’re looking for in your newly painted room and give you our professional opinion on what will work best. Call us today for an appointment!

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