Which sheen should you use?

What Paint Sheen Should You Use?

Choosing the right paint sheen is just as important as picking the right color. Sheen affects how your walls look, how durable the paint is, and how easy it is to clean. Here’s a simple breakdown to help you choose the best option for your space.

Flat / Matte
Flat paint has little to no shine and is excellent at hiding wall imperfections. It gives rooms a soft, modern look but isn’t very washable.
Pros: Light shining in won't show imperfections, looks more solid, no real shine to it, easier to match up

Cons: Harder to clean, not the best for high traffic areas

Perfect for Living rooms and dining rooms

Eggshell/Satin
Eggshell has a slight sheen (like an egg shell) and is a popular middle ground. It looks smooth while being more durable than flat paint.
Pros: Easier to clean, better for high traffic areas

Cons: Harder to match, shows more inperfections, see lots of imperfections on big walls by the stairs

Perfect for bathrooms, hallways

Semi-Gloss
Semi-gloss is durable, moisture-resistant, and very easy to wipe clean. It stands out visually, so it’s usually used sparingly.

Pros: Looks great on trim, easy to clean off, durable

Cons: Not great for walls (shows a lot of imperfections and harder on the eyes)
Best for: Trim, doors, cabinets (even recommend for bathroom ceilings)

Gloss / High-Gloss
Glossy paint is highly reflective and extremely durable, but it shows every imperfection.
Pros: Great to keep off dirt and grime, easy to clean

Cons: Not good for walls

Great for railings of porch and front doors

Quick Rule of Thumb

• More shine = more durability & easier cleaning

• Less shine = better at hiding imperfections

If you’re unsure, eggshell or satin are usually the safest choices for most homes. When in doubt, test a small area first—lighting and wall condition can change how a sheen looks.