A quick guide to paint finishes

When it comes to painting, most people focus on choosing the perfect color, but the finish is just as important. The finish you choose can make a big difference in how a room looks and how the paint holds up over time. Here’s a quick guide to help you figure out the best finish for different areas in your home.

Flat & Matte - These finishes have little to no shine, which is great for ceilings. They’re not the best for walls in high-traffic areas since they can be harder to clean (especially if you have kids!) . It does look great and can help hide imperfections.

Eggshell, Velvet & Satin - These sheens are fairly similar and are some of the most popular choices for walls in a home. They’re great for high traffic areas like living rooms, bedrooms, hallways, etc. It doesn’t reflect too much light and most smudges can be cleaned simply by wiping down with a cloth and some water. It’s also a good choice for bathroom walls and ceilings since it can handle moisture better than flat & matte.

Semi-gloss - By far the most common and best choice for trim and most woodwork in your home. It’s a perfect choice for crown molding, doors & frames, baseboard, fireplace mantels, hand rails, spindles, cabinets, etc. This sheen is the most durable and easily cleaned. It’s also a great choice for metal like wrought iron and security doors.

At the end of the day, picking the right paint finish is about balancing aesthetics with practicality. A lot of other factors come into play when choosing the correct finish for your space. If you’re unsure about which finish to choose for your home, feel free to reach out to a guru so we can help steer you in the right direction.

Choose wisely!