Choosing the Right Paint Finish

Choosing the right paint finish is just as important as choosing the right color. Different finishes affect how your walls look, how durable they are and how easy they’ll be to maintain over time. While you can get creative with your selections, certain finishes tend to work better in specific situations. Here’s some information about the most common types:

Flat and matte
These finishes help conceal drywall repairs, texture inconsistencies, and other wall imperfections, which is why they’re commonly used in bedrooms and on ceilings. However, they can be difficult to clean if they get smudged or marked.

Eggshell and satin
These finishes provide a balance between appearance and durability, making them a good choice for bathrooms, hallways and other higher-traffic spaces where walls may need occasional cleaning.

Semi-gloss
This finish is often used on trim, doors, and exterior accents because it stands out visually and holds up well to repeated contact.