Q: How do I choose the right paint finish for my project? A: Flat, eggshell and satin paint are best for interior walls, whereas semi-gloss and gloss paint are best for trim and woodwork.
My personal preference may fall to flat paint because I like the look, but most people are quite happy with eggshell paint, which has a soft glow to it where the light hits. Let’s go into a little more detail about each finish though, so you’ll be able to choose the one that will give you the look you’re after.
Flat paint has a velvety, matte look and is the best choice to hide any wall imperfections.
However, it’s the least durable choice and doesn’t usually stand up well to scrubbing.
The good news is, many paint formulas clean up easily with soap and water, but people still tend to shy away from flat paint in favor of other sheens that are easier to care for.
Satin:
Satin paint has some sheen to it, and is an excellent choice for hardworking rooms, like kitchens and bathrooms.
It stands up exceptionally well to scrubbing and regular cleaning.
However, its glossiness highlights wall imperfections like cracks, divots or poorly patched areas.
Eggshell:
An eggshell finish has a subtler shine to it, so it’s a great choice if you’re not ready for satin.
It offers what you may expect - it’s shinier than flat (but not as glossy as satin), and it’s easier to clean than flat (but not as easy to clean as satin).
Eggshell paint is a good choice for living rooms, hallways and bedrooms.
