How to Pick the Best Paint Finish: Flat, Semi Gloss or Gloss

Choose the sheen of your paint based on high the room will be used.

Choosing the right paint finish for your walls is every bit as important as choosing the right color. The paint finish on your walls impacts how well architectural details can be seen, how much light reflects off the walls and how easy it is to clean the walls. While the paint sheen is a design choice, remember the higher the gloss the more durable the paint.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Choose paint with a flat or matte finish for low-activity areas. The matte or flat paint dries with a dull sheen that hides imperfections in the finish of the walls. The non-reflective surface is a good choice for ceilings. Don't use flat or matte paint for bathrooms or kitchens because it will not withstand regular cleaning and moisture, Choose an eggshell finish for a little more durability and sheen, but remember the surface mars easily.

2. Brush on paint with a semi gloss finish in high traffic areas. Semi gloss is a popular choice for wood trim as well as kitchens and bathrooms. It is durable and the easiest to clean of all the paint finishes. It retains a slightly shiny appearance when it dries so it is more difficult to touch up than flat or eggshell finishes and will show any flaws in the walls.

3. Save high gloss paint for trim, doors and cabinets. With its mirror-like sheen, high gloss paint will hold up to frequent cleaning and is a stain resistant. However, the shiny finish will emphasize any flaw in the surface. Study your woodwork carefully before choosing high gloss paint. The reflective finish makes it difficult to see any details on finely carved woodwork.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider the amount of the level of activity and traffic in the room you will paint.

• Homes with children are usually better off with semi gloss as it is easy to clean and this is an absolute must. (Ever try to clean crayon or greasy finger prints from a wall?--If so you know this is a neccessity.

References

• Better Homes and Gardens; 7 Things to Know About Paint; Becky Mollenkamp
• Real Simple: Which Paint Type is Right for You; Jennifer Jafarzadeh