How to Select the Right Paint Finish

Colour isn't the only consideration when planning your next paint project. The finish you choose will determine how vivid details appear and how easy the surface will be to clean.

When choosing a paint sheen think about the room you are painting. In general, a lower sheen paint is the best choice for minimizing surface imperfections while a high sheen paint is best for areas subject to high traffic, high moisture or repeated washing. This guide will help you select the right paint.

Flat (Matte) paint is a low-sheen paint. It's non-reflective appearance makes it ideal for low-traffic areas and ceilings where irregularities and lap marks may exist. It's important to note, however, that all flat paints aren't created equal. Paint made specifically for ceilings is designed to roll on with minimal spatter and resist yellowing over time.

Eggshell Enamel paint has a soft, velvety appearance and offers superior scrubbability compared to completely flat finishes. It is the right choice for moderate traffic areas, such as living rooms.

Chose Satin Enamel paint if you desire a pearl-like appearance, and are painting moderate to high traffic areas or areas that have some exposure to moisture, such as kitchens.

Semi-gloss paint reflects light for a bright, shiny appearance most evident in rooms with a strong light source. Use it on areas that are cleaned frequently such as kitchens, bathrooms, closet doors and trim. While there are some exceptions, it is generally the case that the shinier a finish is, the more durable and easier to clean it will be.

High Gloss paint is most durable and easiest to clean of all paint sheens. High-gloss paint is hard, ultra-shiny, and light-reflecting. It is a good choice for areas that sticky fingers touch — cabinets, trim, and doors. High-gloss paint, however, is typically too much shine for interior walls. And like Spandex, high gloss paint shows every bump and roll so don’t skimp on prep work.

If you're using Semi-Gloss or High Gloss Enamel, apply multiple thin coats, rather than one thick coat, to achieve the smoothest finish.

Metal, Masonry and More
Latex or oil-based paints, in any finish, work just as well on harder-to-paint surfaces such as metal and masonry. The key is applying the right primer before you start. Floors, on the other hand, require paint specifically designed to stand up to abrasion, traffic and heavy scrubbing.

When selecting paint sheens, keep in mind that shiny surfaces help to make a small space feel larger. Use a semi-gloss sheen to visually expand a small kitchen or bathroom. Softer sheens, such as satin or eggshell, give bedrooms, especially kids' rooms and living areas, a more subtle finish.