How to Choose an Interior Paint Finish

What sheen changes

Sheen is the amount of shine in dried paint, which affects light reflection and the appearance of color. For a larger home or office repaint, choose each finish with the room's use in mind. Start with the look you want, then consider cleaning, moisture and the condition of each surface.

Finish names can differ between paint brands and product lines. A satin from one range may not match a satin from another. Compare the specific paint and a dried sample, rather than relying on the name alone.

Common finishes, from low shine to high shine

These common uses give you a starting point, with the final choice depending on the specific product.

• Flat has very little shine and is often used on ceilings or walls in quieter rooms.
• Matte gives a soft, low-shine look, with cleaning resistance that depends on the paint formula.
• Eggshell adds a gentle glow and is a common wall choice in living spaces and hallways.
• Satin usually has more shine than eggshell and is worth considering for busy walls, trim or doors.
• Semi-gloss adds clear shine and is often used on trim or doors to highlight those surfaces.
• High gloss is the shiniest choice, highlighting details but also drawing attention to bumps or other imperfections.

Look at the surface and the light

Shiny paint catches the light and can make dents, patches or texture stand out on an existing wall. Flat and matte tend to draw less attention to those imperfections. A lower sheen does not fix a damaged surface, so point out rough areas when Scott reviews the work.

Look at each wall in daylight and with your usual lights on. The direction of light from a window or lamp can change the appearance of a finish. Check from the doorway and across the room, as well as close up.

Match the product to cleaning and moisture

A hall, kitchen or office wall may need more cleaning than a quiet bedroom. Higher sheens are often easier to clean, but the paint formula matters too. Some flat and matte products are made to be washable, so ask about the chosen product's cleaning limits.

For kitchens and bathrooms, discuss steam, moisture and frequent wiping before settling on a finish. Some matte paints are made for humid rooms, but that does not make every matte paint suitable. Check the product's stated uses instead of choosing by shine alone.

Settle the choices before approving the scope

Ceilings, walls, trim and doors can have different finishes within one room. You might prefer a quiet ceiling, soft wall finish and shinier trim. Treat this as a choice for each surface, not a rule for every home.

Before approving a whole-home or office repaint, ask how to view a test area in the proposed finish. Check that the sample shows the intended sheen. Then record the paint product and finish for each surface in the written scope. Share any choices still open when you request an estimate.

Sources and further reading

• Benjamin Moore: choosing a paint finish
• Sherwin-Williams: gloss, sheen and light
• Sherwin-Williams: common finish uses