Understanding Paint Sheens: From Flat to Glossy and Everything in Between

Choosing paint colors is a key decision for any home project, but it’s not the only key decision. Your choice of paint finish will also make a significant impact on the look of the space you’re transforming. Read on for help weighing your numerous options and zeroing in on the best choice for you.

What Are Paint Sheens and Finishes?

Paint sheens and finishes refer to the paint’s level of shine and durability, which affect both look and performance. Let’s start by looking over the options:

Flat/Matte is non-reflective with a smooth, velvety finish, ideal for ceilings and low-traffic areas. It hides imperfections well but isn’t as easy to clean.
Eggshell is slightly more sheen, offering a soft glow. It’s more durable and easier to clean, making it great for living rooms and bedrooms.
Satin is a versatile finish with a soft sheen, making it perfect for high-traffic areas like kitchens and bathrooms. It’s durable and easy to wipe down.
Semi-Gloss has a noticeable shine, making it great for trim, doors, and cabinets, due to its durability and moisture resistance.
High-Gloss is the most reflective and durable finish, often used for furniture or accent areas. While it’s easy to clean, it can highlight surface imperfections.

How to Choose the Right Paint Finish

The first step in choosing your paint finish is choosing your paint color. Color determines the overall aesthetic and mood of the space, while the sheen enhances how the color looks under different lighting and how durable it will be. In other words, it all starts with color.

The easiest way to find your color is with peel-and-stick paint samples from Samplize. Here’s how that works.

Step One: Choose Your Samples

Browse our huge selection of colors from leading brands, including Benjamin Moore, PPG, Sherwin-Williams, and Farrow & Ball. Pick your favorites, place your order, and we’ll make sure your samples arrive on your doorstep the very next day.

Step Two: Peel and Stick

Your samples will be painted (not printed) with two coats of real paint. Start by testing one sample in an inconspicuous spot that’s clean and free of debris. Once you’ve tried one sample, feel free to stick on various colors side by side.

Step Three: Pick Your Color

Take your time with this step. Notice what the colors look like at night, in the morning, at high noon, at dusk, with the lights switched on and off, with the lights dimmed, etc. Ask friends and family what they think. After all that, if you’re not in love with one color, just repeat steps one and two until you find the perfect colors for your project.

Keep in mind that our samples come in specific finishes, based on the maker of the paint color. Our Benjamin Moore and PPG samples come in eggshell, our Sherwin-Williams samples come in satin, and our Farrow & Ball samples come in estate emulsion. Once you find your perfect color, it may be that the finish of that sample is also perfect for you! If not, here are some steps to help choose the best finish.

Consider the Room's Purpose

High-traffic areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and hallways benefit from satin or semi-gloss finishes, as they’re easier to clean. For more formal, low-traffic spaces like bedrooms or dining rooms, a flat or eggshell sheen offers a softer, more sophisticated look.

Think About Lighting

Rooms with lots of natural light may highlight imperfections in walls. A matte or eggshell finish minimizes those flaws, while a semi-gloss or gloss finish reflects light and can create a brighter feel in darker spaces.

Evaluate the Surface Condition

If your walls have imperfections, avoid high-gloss finishes as they will emphasize these flaws. A flat or eggshell finish is better at masking uneven surfaces.

Durability Needs

For areas that need frequent cleaning, such as kids’ rooms or kitchens, satin, semi-gloss, or gloss finishes are best, due to their washability and stain resistance.

Aesthetic Preference

For a luxurious, soft look, opt for matte or eggshell. If you prefer a sleek, modern feel, semi-gloss or high-gloss will give walls a more polished look.

By considering these factors, you can select the perfect paint sheen that balances style, durability, and practicality.

Tips for Applying Different Paint Finishes

Now that you’ve made your choices, here are some tips for applying different paint finishes to get the best results:

Flat/Matte

Prep carefully: Flat finishes hide imperfections well but are more prone to stains, so clean and prime surfaces to ensure even coverage.
Use high-quality rollers: This will help achieve a smooth, even application without streaks.

Eggshell

Blend strokes: Eggshell is a low-sheen finish that can show roller or brush marks. Blend strokes as you go, and avoid overworking the paint.
Apply multiple thin coats: Two thin coats provide optimal coverage and durability.

Satin

Maintain a wet edge: To avoid lap marks, keep a wet edge while painting, especially in large areas.
Smooth with a roller: Satin can show subtle brush marks, so use a roller for an even finish, especially on walls.

Semi-Gloss

Perfect your surface preparation: Semi-gloss will highlight any flaws, so sand and prime the surface carefully for a smooth result.
Apply thin layers: Even, thin layers will help prevent drips or streaks.

High-Gloss

Sand between coats: High-gloss is reflective and can show imperfections, so sand lightly between coats for an ultra-smooth finish.
Use a foam roller or high-quality brush: This helps to achieve a glass-like surface without visible brush strokes.

These steps and techniques will help ensure a professional-looking finish and long-term performance.

Common Mistakes to Avoid with Paint Finishes

Here are some common mistakes to avoid when working with different paint finishes:

Skipping surface prep: For finishes like semi-gloss and high-gloss, surface imperfections become highly visible. Failing to clean, sand, or prime properly can result in uneven, flawed finishes.

Using the wrong tools: The wrong brushes or rollers can leave streaks, bubbles, or marks. Use foam rollers for smooth finishes and high-quality brushes for precision with high-gloss and semi-gloss paints.

Applying thick coats: Too much paint at once can lead to drips, uneven drying, and a tacky surface. Always apply thin, even coats, allowing adequate drying time between layers.

Not blending strokes: Especially with satin or eggshell, failing to blend brush or roller strokes can lead to visible lines or uneven sheen. Maintain a wet edge and work methodically.

Ignoring drying time: Rushing between coats can result in tacky or uneven finishes. Follow the manufacturer’s recommended drying times between layers to ensure the paint sets properly.

Not testing the finish: Different finishes react to light differently. Test a sample on a small area to see how the sheen looks under room lighting before committing to a full application.

Avoiding these mistakes will help you achieve a flawless, professional-looking paint job with any finish.

Ready to Start?

Choosing the right paint finish starts with choosing the right colors. Get started right here.