Determing the Right Paint Finish

Paint is one of the easiest ways to change the feel of a room or an entire home. A fresh coat of paint in a trendy color can update a space instantly. However, choosing the color is only one aspect of picking the right paint—the finish or sheen is equally important to the final look, texture, and durability of the room.

Flat or Matte Finish

Flat finishes have no sheen at all. Today’s modern matte finishes absorb light, hide wall imperfections, and reflect rich, deep tones for a much more luxurious look than the dull paints of the past.

• Best Used For: Dining rooms, formal living rooms, and adult bedrooms.

Satin Finish

Satin finishes offer a subtle, pearl-like sheen. They reflect light softly, providing a warmer appearance than flat paint while offering better durability and wipeability for medium- to high-traffic areas.

• Best Used For: Hallways, family rooms, children's bedrooms, and baseboards.

Semi-Gloss Finish

Semi-gloss paint provides noticeable shine and light reflection, which can help smaller spaces feel larger and brighter. Because it resists moisture and is easy to scrub clean, it holds up exceptionally well in frequently used spaces.

• Best Used For: Kitchens, bathrooms, cabinets, closet doors, stair rails, and banisters.

High-Gloss Finish

High-gloss paint delivers the highest level of shine and durability. It brings out the richest, truest tones of a paint color while creating a sleek, reflective surface that highlights architectural details.

• Best Used For: Interior and exterior doors, painted furniture, and decorative wood trim.

Today's paint formulations offer richer pigments and higher durability across every level of sheen. Selecting the ideal combination of color and finish will bring long-lasting freshness and style to any room in your home.