It can be intimidating to stand in front of the paint swatches at the paint or hardware store and try to make a decision. Picking a color can be difficult enough—and then you have to choose the finish. Choosing the color is up to you, but here’s a simple guide to choosing the correct finish for your project.

Quick Guide to Paint Finishes

High Gloss

High gloss paint has the most sheen and will be the most durable. That durability is best suited for high traffic areas such as the kitchen, on surfaces like cabinets, door frames, window trim, and furniture. It’s best to avoid using high gloss on walls, because it will be too reflective and shows imperfections.

Semi-Gloss

It’s not as shiny as high gloss, but semi-gloss paint is still great for kitchens and bathrooms, because the sheen protects from drips, splatters, and other moisture. This high durable paint is great for kids bedrooms, trims and doors.

Satin

Satin has a velvet-like look, but is still a durable finish, and works best in high-traffic areas such as the living room or hallways. Be careful when applying because satin paint will reveal sloppy brush strokes.

Eggshell

Eggshell is slightly glossy and has medium durability. It’s best used in high traffic areas because it’s easy to clean and hides imperfections well. Similar to satin, you can use eggshell paint in living rooms, hallways, and dining rooms.

Flats

This finish has the least amount of sheen and is the least durable. It’s great for hiding imperfections in your walls, but the low durability means they should be avoided if the room is subject to wear and tear from kids or pets. Use these paints in low traffic rooms and areas such as ceilings or formal living rooms.
Get the most out of your paint purchase by choosing the right finish! Most paint and hardware stores will provide more in-depth information among the different types and brands, but let this quick paint guide give you a head start on what you’re looking for. And remember, if you’re thinking about listing your home for sale, you’ll see a high return on investment with paint.

If you have any questions or want to know what other home dates are worth it before selling, contact me today – I would love to help!
Call or text (402) 706.2901 or email me at creeve@npdodge.com