A Guide to Paint Finishes: Flat, Eggshell, Satin, Semi-Gloss, Gloss

Choosing the right paint finish can feel like navigating a maze of confusing terms - flat, eggshell, satin, semi-gloss, gloss. But here's the secret: it's actually a simple trade-off between hiding imperfections and being easy to clean. Think of it like choosing between your favourite comfy jeans (great for hiding things) and your best dress pants (easy to wipe clean).

The Sheen Spectrum: From Flat to Gloss

Paint finishes exist on a spectrum from no shine to super shiny, with each step up offering more durability but less ability to hide wall flaws.

• Flat/Matte - The wall whisperer that hides imperfections beautifully but hates cleaning
• Eggshell - Your go-to for most walls, offering a soft glow with decent washability
• Satin - The sweet spot for busy areas, balancing sheen with cleanability
• Semi-gloss - The workhorse for kitchens and bathrooms that wipes clean easily
• Gloss - The showstopper for trim and doors that makes colours pop

Where to Use Each Finish

Matching the right finish to each room is like picking the right tool for the job - it makes all the difference.

Flat paint is perfect for ceilings and formal living areas where you want to hide minor wall imperfections. It creates a calm, sophisticated look but won't stand up to scrubbing.

Eggshell works beautifully in bedrooms, dining rooms, and hallways - it's the most popular choice for walls because it offers a subtle sheen while still being forgiving on less-than-perfect surfaces.

Satin finish shines in kids' rooms, kitchens, and bathrooms where you need more durability and easier cleaning. It handles moisture well and stands up to regular wiping.

Semi-gloss is your best friend for trim, doors, and cabinets - anywhere that gets touched frequently or needs to withstand moisture. It's also great for kitchen and bathroom walls if you don't mind it showing every little bump.

High-gloss makes a bold statement on feature pieces like front doors, cabinetry, or accent walls. It's incredibly durable but shows every flaw, so surface preparation is crucial.

The Golden Rule: Durability vs Imperfection Hiding

Here's the simple trade-off to remember: the shinier the paint, the more durable and washable it is, but the more it will highlight every little bump and imperfection on your walls.

Think of it this way:

• Flat paint is like your favourite old t-shirt - comfortable and forgiving, but not great for messy situations
• Gloss paint is like your best dinner suit - looks amazing and wipes clean, but shows every wrinkle

This is why most professionals recommend different finishes for different surfaces - flat or eggshell for walls where you want to hide imperfections, and semi-gloss or gloss for trim and doors where you need durability.

Pro Tips for Choosing Your Finish

Before you head to the paint store, consider these expert insights:

• Always test samples - paint looks different on your walls than on the colour card
• Higher sheen paints reflect more light, making rooms feel brighter and colours more vibrant
• If your walls have lots of imperfections, stick with flat or eggshell to camouflage them
• For high-traffic areas or rooms with kids and pets, satin or semi-gloss will save you headaches
• Remember that higher sheen paints require better surface preparation - they're less forgiving of sloppy work

Your Paint Finish Cheat Sheet

Choosing paint finishes doesn't need to be complicated. Here's your quick reference guide:

• Ceilings: Flat (hides imperfections, doesn't need cleaning)
• Living areas and bedrooms: Eggshell (best balance of looks and cleanability)
• Hallways and kids' rooms: Satin (handles traffic and occasional cleaning)
• Kitchens and bathrooms: Semi-gloss (wipes clean, handles moisture)
• Trim, doors, and cabinets: Semi-gloss or gloss (maximum durability)

The right paint finish can transform your space from looking DIY to professionally finished. It's one of those small details that makes a big difference in how your home looks and feels.