How to choose the right paint finish: 5 different types explained

Painting is a fun and easy way to update a space with a fresh new look. A lick of paint can change the feel of a room, but the numerous paint finishes available can be daunting and confusing. And, when it comes to DIY, making the wrong choice can be frustrating, costly, and time-consuming. From gloss to semi-gloss, satin to flat, different paint finishes serve a variety of purposes. But how do you pick the right paint for your project? Well, help is at hand as we’ll explain the different types of paint finishes, the pros and cons of each, and how to choose the right paint finish to get the job done right.

Follow along with the video to learn how to choose the right paint finish.

When choosing your paint finish, it’s helpful to understand the general rules. The glossier the paint, the more reflective it is, which illuminates imperfections. That's why matte/flat paints tend to be preferred on outdoor surfaces that easily collect dirt and debris. But the glossier the paint, the easier it is to clean, which is why glossier paints are preferred on interior walls, especially in high-traffic or damp spaces like bathrooms, playrooms, kitchens and more.

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Gloss: A gloss finish has maximum shine and maximum reflection, so it won’t hide imperfections well. But it’s durable and easy to clean, which makes it great for fun architectural elements that make a statement, like a fireplace surround, cabinets, doors and window trims.

Rust-Oleum Gloss Paint at The Home Depot for $16.48

Majic Paints Acrylic Enamel High Gloss Paint at Amazon for $8.47

Valspar High Gloss Acrylic Paint at Lowe's for $42.98

Semi-Gloss: A semi-gloss finish has just the right amount of shine without making a big statement like a gloss. It’s also easy to clean, so it’s great for applications like trim, doors, cabinets and bathrooms. Adding a semi-gloss finish to a surface can make it stand out without feeling overpowering.

Behr Premium Semi-Gloss Paint at The Home Depot from $22.98

Rodda Semi-Gloss Paint at Amazon for $16.90

Valspar Semi-Gloss Paint at Lowe's for $24.98

Satin: A satin finish is the workhorse of paint sheens. It can be used on almost anything and look great. It has a lower luster than gloss or semi-gloss paints, but still has some subtle shine and is considered relatively easy to clean. This is a great choice for high-traffic areas like kids' bedrooms and playrooms, kitchens, bathrooms and hallways. Pro Tip: Satin and semi-gloss are popular finishes for painting furniture.

Rust-Oleum Stops Rust Satin Paint at The Home Depot for $16.98

Rodda Satin Paint at Amazon for $16.49

Valspar Satin Paint at Lowe's for $26.98

Eggshell: Just like the name suggests, its luster is similar to that of an eggshell, meaning it has just the barest hint of shine that’s more of a soft glow than a true luster. Eggshell paints are frequently used on all interior walls and ceilings. Common applications can include bedrooms, hallways, living rooms, laundry rooms and dining rooms. It’s especially great for walls that have imperfections or texture because the low luster will hide flaws rather than reflect and illuminate them like a gloss. But because of its low luster, it’s not as durable as a satin or a higher gloss finish, which is a consideration when painting high-traffic spaces.

Behr Pro Eggshell Paint at The Home Depot for $20.98

Kilz Tribute Eggshell Paint at Amazon for $55.12

Valspar Reserve Eggshell Paint at Lowe's for $25.98

Flat/Matte: Flat paint is also referred to as matte paint. It has more pigment and is less reflective than the finishes with more luster, which is why it’s so useful for hiding imperfections on exterior surfaces or interior walls with texture. But remember, the flatter the paint finish, the harder it is to clean, so this isn’t a great option for high-traffic areas like bathroom walls or playrooms. If you’re having the exterior of your home painted, a flat finish is a popular choice.

Rust-Oleum Ultra Cover Flat Paint at The Home Depot for $16.48

Kilz Tribute Matte Paint at Amazon for $54.08

Valspar Flat Black at Lowe's for $22.98