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Guide · Products

Choosing paint sheen and finish

Short answer

The general rule: the more a surface is touched or cleaned, the higher the sheen, and the more a surface shows flaws, the lower the sheen. That usually means flat on ceilings, matte or eggshell on most walls, satin in busy or damp rooms, and semi-gloss or a satin enamel on trim, doors and cabinets.

SheenLooksCleansTypical use
FlatLooksNo shine, hides flaws bestCleansLeast washableTypical useCeilings, low-traffic walls
MatteLooksVery low shineCleansBetter than flat, varies by productTypical useLiving rooms, bedrooms
EggshellLooksSoft, low glowCleansWipes reasonably wellTypical useMost walls, hallways
SatinLooksNoticeable soft sheenCleansGood washabilityTypical useKitchens, bathrooms, kids’ rooms, trim
Semi-glossLooksClearly shinyCleansVery washable, hardTypical useTrim, doors, railings
GlossLooksHigh shine, shows every flawCleansMost washableTypical useAccent doors, some cabinets and furniture

Why shine shows flaws

Shiny surfaces reflect light at a consistent angle, so every dent, patch and roller mark catches the light. That is why ceilings, which are lit from the side by windows, are nearly always flat, and why a wall with a lot of old patching may look better in a lower sheen even in a busy room.

Why durability is not only about sheen

Paint lines differ a lot. A good-quality matte can be more washable than a cheap eggshell. When comparing quotes, the named product line matters as much as the sheen. Ask which product the painter plans to use on each surface.

Trim, doors and cabinets

These get handled, knocked and wiped, so they need a hard-drying enamel rather than a wall paint in a shinier sheen. For cabinets especially, the primer and enamel system decides how long the finish lasts; see cabinet painting.

Exterior sheens

Siding is often painted in a flat or low-sheen exterior finish, and trim and doors in satin or semi-gloss. Stucco has its own coatings; see stucco painting.

Touch-ups and sheen

Touching up a small mark on a shinier wall often leaves a visible patch, because fresh paint and aged paint reflect differently. Flatter finishes touch up more invisibly. Keep a labelled can of each colour and sheen after the job.

Related questions

Is eggshell or satin better for walls?
Eggshell has a little less shine and hides wall imperfections slightly better; satin is a little shinier and a little easier to wipe. Both are common on walls. Satin is often chosen for kitchens, bathrooms and hallways where walls get touched and cleaned more.
Can I use the same sheen everywhere?
You can, but most homes look and wear better with a flat ceiling, a low-sheen wall and a harder, shinier trim. The contrast in sheen between wall and trim is part of what makes trim look crisp.
Do sheen names mean the same thing across brands?
Not exactly. One brand’s eggshell can be shinier than another’s satin. If you are matching an existing finish or comparing products, look at the actual sample rather than relying on the name.

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