Flat, matte, gloss, semi-gloss, satin…sounds simple right? Just choose one! So, how glossy is gloss? Flat sounds dull – who would use that?

Paint finishes matter more than you might think. For instance, if you have a room that has a lot of imperfections, small cracks, bumps and rough areas, then flat/matte is a good option because it does not reflect much light and will help hide these blemishes. However, flat paint is harder to clean. Ceilings are often painted with a flat finish. And if you have an adult home without kids and pets use flat and matte on everything! Eggshell has slightly more luster than a flat finish, but walls will not be shiny. It resists dirt better than flat and can be wiped with a wet rag. Eggshell is good for high wear and tear areas, like, mudrooms, kids’ rooms, bathrooms, kitchens and hallways. Low sheen and satin look best in for living rooms and dining rooms. Semi-gloss paint is tougher than eggshell, so it holds up better over time, but since it reflects more light, imperfections will stand out. Semi-gloss is also a good choice for a kids’ rooms or bathrooms. This finish is also often used for trim and doors. Gloss paint is a good choice for furniture, mantles and built-ins, because of its hard and shiny-durable finish.