Different Kinds of Interior Paint Finishes

Semi-gloss

• Seen as a practical paint due to the ease in cleaning, a semi-gloss paint has a subtle sheen that reflects light back into the room. Its durability and resistance to staining make it a good choice for bathrooms and kitchens as it stands up to humidity and cooking grease; the walls may be wiped down with a damp cloth and, if necessary, a gentle cleaning solution. The disadvantage to semi-gloss paint is that it highlights imperfections on the wall surface. The result may be the appearance of uneven coloring and roughened walls.

Glossy

• Glossy paint offers a high sheen, and, like semi-gloss, is easy to clean. Glossy paint on walls gives a slick and highly stylized appearance but emphasizes every imperfection. This type of paint is best applied to artistic trim work or accents on cabinetry.

Eggshell

• An eggshell finish offers a slight gloss or sheen but with a more subtle appearance than that of a semi-gloss paint. Eggshell cleans well but is more susceptible to discoloring from high humidity or grease-laden air, so it is usually applied to living room and bedroom walls. A semi-gloss or satin finish may be desired for children's bedroom walls as these walls may need cleaning more often.

Satin

• Satin lies between eggshell and semi-gloss in terms of sheen and durability. A satin finish works well on walls with non-textured surfaces but is more likely to highlight imperfections than the eggshell finish.

Matte or Flat

• A matte finish is also referred to as a flat finish because it creates a non-reflective surface. Matte paint works well in bright rooms in which natural light is in abundance. It also works well for walls with rough textures as the finish creates a more even coating of color, thus reducing the visual effect of the texture and any imperfections on the walls' surfaces. The disadvantage of matte or flat paint is its susceptibility to staining and discoloration over time. Cleaning solutions, even mild ones, tend to darken the paint, resulting in a smeared appearance. Matte finishes are appropriate in low-traffic areas, such as formal living and dining areas.