The 5 primary types of paint finishes, ranked from least to most reflective, are: Matte (Flat), Eggshell, Satin, Semi-Gloss, and High-Gloss. As a rule of thumb, less shiny paints are great for hiding wall flaws, while shinier paints are more durable and easier to clean.
The five primary paint finishes for walls are flat/matte, eggshell, satin, semi-gloss, and high-gloss. As you move up this list from flat to high-gloss, the paint becomes increasingly shinier, more durable, and easier to clean, but it also reveals more surface imperfections.
The most common types of paint finishes are matt, eggshell, satin, semi-gloss, and gloss. They range from a low to a high sheen, and each one has a number of advantages and considerations.
Flat (flat, matte): No to very low reflection when dry. Eg-shel (low-gloss, eggshell, low sheen, satin, velvet): Low to medium reflection when dry. Semi-gloss (semi-gloss, pearl, medium luster): Medium to moderate reflection when dry. Gloss (gloss, high-gloss): High reflection when dry.
Eggshell Paint
Eggshell finish, perennially popular with professional and DIY painters alike, has a low-sheen reminiscent of flat or matte, but it is infinitely more durable than its namesake.
Cool gray is being replaced by "mushroom" neutrals (warm taupes and greys with subtle green or violet undertones), warm earthy khakis, and soft, natural sages.
High-gloss and semi-gloss paints are the easiest to wipe clean. Because they contain more resin, their smooth, hard surface repels dirt and resists moisture. For walls, satin (or pearl) is the most popular, cleanable, and highly durable choice for high-traffic areas.
Choose matte for a low-glare, modern look that hides wall imperfections but is harder to clean. Choose eggshell for a slight, velvety luster that is more durable, easier to wipe down, and ideal for everyday use.
The most popular and typical wall paint finishes are Eggshell and Matte (or Flat). Eggshell is widely considered the best overall choice for most walls because it provides a soft, low-glare look while remaining durable and washable.
To make a home look expensive, rely on sophisticated neutrals, earthy greens, or muted blues rather than stark whites or highly saturated brights. High-end spaces feel cohesive and intentional, using layered tones, natural materials, and high-quality finishes to create a calm, custom feel.
Since demand outweighs supply, housing prices are higher, and homes sell faster. Meanwhile, the worst months to sell a house are November through March or during the fall to winter, when potential buyers are preoccupied with holiday plans. Sellers should expect lower sales prices and higher DOM during these months.
Beige, taupe, and "mushroom" neutrals are officially replacing the cool, sterile grays of the last decade. Designers are leaning into warm khakis, sandy beiges, creamy whites, and earthy tones that add a cozy, comforting energy to spaces.
High-gloss paint is the most durable finish. It features a hard, glass-like surface that resists scuffs, moisture, and stains, making it ideal for high-impact areas like doors, trim, and cabinets. However, its high shine highlights surface imperfections, making extensive wall preparation a necessity.
When Would you Not Use Eggshell Paint? It would help if you did not use this finish in high-traffic areas or on constantly touched objects—for example, kitchen cabinets and bathrooms. Instead, you would use a gloss because it's washable and withstands moisture better.
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Red is universally considered the hardest paint color to cover. Vibrant red pigments are highly transparent and inherently prone to bleeding through subsequent layers. Other notoriously difficult colors to cover include black, dark blue, dark green, and bright yellow.
Both are both popular for high-traffic areas and are considered the best for painting walls. Experts recommend choosing satin over eggshell when painting areas exposed to moisture, like bathrooms and kitchens.
Flat or matte finishes hide imperfections best because they have no shine and absorb light rather than reflecting it. This camouflages dents, bumps, and texture flaws. However, flat paints can be difficult to clean. For an ideal balance of flaw concealment and cleanability, choose a matte or eggshell finish.
Key Points
Flat and matte finishes looked great but couldn't handle a wet rag without burnishing — that frustrating shiny spot that appears when you try to scrub a scuff off a flat-painted wall. So painters and paint stores pushed homeowners toward eggshell or satin on walls.
Both paint brands are excellent, but they excel in different areas: Sherwin-Williams is generally favored by professionals for its durability, smooth application, and longevity, while Behr is the top choice for DIYers due to its budget-friendly price and convenient availability at The Home Depot.
Deep green, navy blue, charcoal, and warm neutrals like beige or taupe make a bathroom look expensive, especially when paired with brass or gold fixtures. Rich, moody colors create a luxurious spa-like feel, while high-contrast neutrals like creamy white or soft grey enhance sophistication and space.
Avoid painting bedrooms in high-energy or intensely saturated colors like bright red, vibrant orange, or deep purple, as they can disrupt sleep and cause anxiety. Designers recommend steering clear of dark, gloomy shades like black or charcoal (especially in low light), as well as neon tones or cold, flat greys that make a room feel clinical.
Blue: calmness, serenity, peace
Blue has the opposite effects of red and is the most soothing color. Primary blue is used in therapeutic settings for meditation and relaxation because it helps you unwind, find peace, and become more comfortable expressing your inner feelings.