Paint makers do not all use the same names or measure sheen the same way, so one brand's eggshell can look closer to another brand's satin. The broad order is always the same, though: flat or matte reflects the least light, then eggshell, satin, semi-gloss and finally gloss. The higher the sheen, the tougher and more washable the surface tends to be, and the more clearly it shows imperfections.
This guide explains each finish in plain terms, where it usually works well in a home, and the trade-offs to weigh before you decide. If you are planning a repaint, read it alongside our guide to choosing paint colours, because sheen also changes how a colour reads on the wall.
Flat and matte
Flat and matte paints have little or no shine. Because they scatter light instead of reflecting it, they are good at hiding small dents, patches and uneven drywall. That is why they are the usual choice for ceilings and for walls in rooms that do not get much wear, such as bedrooms, living rooms and dining rooms. Colours look rich and even under a matte finish, without glare from windows or lamps.
The trade-off has traditionally been durability. Older flat paints marked easily and did not like being scrubbed: wiping a scuff could leave a shiny spot or lift the paint. Many current matte products are made to be more washable, so ask about a scrubbable matte if you like the look but have children, pets or a busy hallway. Even then, a matte wall is usually touched up rather than scrubbed hard.
Eggshell and satin
Eggshell has a soft, low sheen, a little like the surface of an egg. It is a popular middle ground for living areas and bedrooms because it cleans more easily than flat paint while keeping glare low. It hides minor flaws reasonably well, though not as well as a true matte.
Satin is a step shinier and noticeably more durable. It stands up to regular wiping, which makes it a common choice for hallways, children's rooms, family rooms, kitchens and some bathrooms. Because it reflects more light, satin shows roller marks, patches and uneven surfaces more readily, so preparation matters more. On walls with visible repairs, a lower sheen is often the more forgiving option.
Semi-gloss and gloss
Semi-gloss and gloss finishes are hard, smooth and very washable. Their main home is trim: baseboards, door and window casings, doors and cabinets, where hands, shoes and vacuum cleaners make contact every day. They also suit areas that see moisture and frequent cleaning.
These finishes highlight everything underneath them. Dents, sanding marks and brush strokes are easy to see, so trim and doors usually need careful sanding and filling before a glossy coat goes on. Many homes use a lower sheen on walls and a higher sheen on trim; the contrast makes trim look crisp and keeps the walls calm.
Finishes at a glance
| Finish | Look | Cleaning | Typical uses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flat / matte | No shine, hides flaws | Gentle wiping; scrubbable versions exist | Ceilings, bedrooms, living rooms |
| Eggshell | Soft, low sheen | Light wiping | Living areas, bedrooms |
| Satin | Soft glow | Regular wiping | Hallways, children's rooms, kitchens |
| Semi-gloss | Noticeable shine | Very washable | Trim, doors, some bathrooms |
| Gloss | High shine | Most washable | Trim, doors, cabinets, accents |
How to choose for each room
Start with how the room is used. Low-traffic rooms where you want a calm look usually suit matte or eggshell. Rooms that get touched, bumped and wiped, such as hallways, kitchens and children's rooms, usually suit eggshell or satin. Trim and doors usually suit semi-gloss.
Next, look at the light. Large windows and low-angle sunlight make sheen and surface flaws more visible, which often argues for a lower sheen on long walls. Finally, consider the condition of the surface: a wall with several patches will look smoother in matte than in satin, even after good preparation.
If you are unsure, paint a large sample of two sheens side by side and look at them at different times of day. Ceilings are usually done in a flat finish so they do not reflect light from fixtures; our guide to ceiling painting explains why ceilings need their own approach.
Questions about paint finishes
What is the most washable paint finish?
Gloss and semi-gloss are the most washable, followed by satin. Some matte products are made to be scrubbable, so check the product information if you want a low-sheen finish that can be cleaned more firmly.
Can I use different finishes in the same room?
Yes. A common approach is a lower sheen on walls, a flat finish on the ceiling and semi-gloss on trim and doors. Using the same colour in two sheens is also a subtle way to add contrast.
Does sheen change how a colour looks?
It does. Higher sheens reflect more light, so the same colour can look slightly lighter and more saturated in satin than in matte. Compare samples in the finish you plan to use.
Is matte paint harder to touch up?
Matte is usually the easiest finish to touch up, because a small patch does not catch the light the way a satin or gloss patch does. Higher sheens often show the edge of a touch-up, so a full wall is sometimes repainted instead.
What finish suits a bathroom?
Bathrooms usually suit a satin or semi-gloss finish, or a product made for humid rooms, because they resist moisture and wipe clean. Good ventilation matters as much as the finish in keeping bathroom paint in good condition.
Which finish will GOPAINT suggest for my home?
It depends on the room, the surface and how you use the space. We explain the price and offer knowledgeable recommendations, including the finish for each surface, as part of your estimate.