What is the most common interior finish?

Author: Mrs. Freida Bruen  |  Last update: Sunday, August 10, 2025

One of the most popular types of wall paint, eggshell finish provides a low sheen and a soft, smooth finish just like a true eggshell. Perfect for low- to mid-traffic areas like hallways, living rooms, entryways and family rooms.

What type of finish is common on an interior wall?

A matte finish is one step up in sheen (the painter's terminology for the level of shine in a paint finish) from a flat finish and therefore often carries some of the same benefits: a matte finish (a very low sheen/shine) is primarily used on the interior walls of a home and can often be touched up easily and often ...

What is the most popular finish for furniture?

Tung Oil. Tung oil comes from the seeds of the tung tree and is a popular choice for finishing wood furniture, countertops, and cutting boards. It penetrates the wood and hardens over time, providing a durable, water-resistant finish.

Should interior walls be eggshell or satin?

If you feel like the walls will get dirty and need to be wiped down often, you are better off with satin because it is more cleanable. If wear and tear isn't a concern, I prefer the way eggshell finish looks on walls since it has less of a sheen. But if you like a bit of sheen, satin may be the best choice for you.

What finish do professional painters use?

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.

Paint Sheen Differences Explained In 5 Minutes

What is the most popular sheen for interior paint?

Eggshell is the most commonly used sheen for interior walls. It is a good middle ground, having enough sheen so that it is easily washable, but not too much to where any wall imperfection will stand out. The look of the eggshell finish is quite attractive for interior painting projects.

What paint do most contractors use?

Contractors are often requested to use low- or zero-VOC paints, and this is something they can get from Sherwin-Williams in a variety of their paint lines. Sherwin-Williams paint is thick because it uses more solids, which makes it easier to work with and will cover more surface area.

When should you not use eggshell paint?

Avoid using eggshell paint in high-contact, high-traffic areas such as door and window trim, baseboards, cabinetry, and doors. It's best to use semi-gloss paint in these areas.

Is satin too shiny for a living room?

Living room: Satin finishes are great for living rooms where you want to create a cozy and welcoming atmosphere. They provide a subtle sheen that adds warmth and depth to the walls without being too shiny.

Do designers use flat or eggshell paint?

Eggshell is always an interior designer's preferred paint finish, which is why we chose this as our ultimate finish for walls. The name eggshell stems from the fact the finish appears mostly flat with just a touch of luster... similar to a chicken egg!

What finish is best for interior?

Homeowners often opt for eggshell paint in living rooms, dining room, and bedrooms, where a bit of sheen is desirable for visual interest and maintaining a clean look. Additionally, eggshell paint tends to hold up well over time, providing a durable and attractive option for various interior spaces.

What is the shiny finish on furniture called?

Lacquer. Lacquer is a solvent-based fast-drying finish. The solvents generally evaporate in the usual drying process to create a hard and resistant layer. It works very well to give woodwork a glossy appearance.

What is the most scratch resistant wood finish?

Moisture-cured urethane is highly durable and resistant to scratches, making it perfect for homes with pets, though it has high VOC levels.
  1. Aluminum Oxide. ...
  2. Acid-Cured Finish. ...
  3. Water-Based Polyurethane. ...
  4. Oil-Based Polyurethane. ...
  5. Moisture-Cured Urethane.

What is the most popular wall finish?

Paint remains the most popular choice for finishing walls. It can be budget friendly, and is generally considered quick and easy to obtain, apply and clean. A few hundred years ago, painting a room was a more meticulous, multi-step process.

What sheen for interior walls Sherwin Williams?

A satin or semi-gloss sheen is ideal, as it can withstand moisture. Imperfections: If you're looking to cover or hide imperfections, flat or eggshell finishes are best. Durability: Areas with high traffic or exposure to moisture require more durable finishes, such as semi-gloss or satin.

What is the difference between Behr satin and eggshell paint?

An eggshell enamel sheen has a soft, velvety appearance that resists dirt and grime, as well as mildew. A satin enamel sheen has a pearl-like finish that's easy to clean. A semi-gloss enamel sheen is sleek and radiant resisting mildew, moisture and wear.

What sheen is best for interior walls?

semi-gloss, remember that a finish with less sheen, like eggshell or satin, is best on walls, while higher-gloss paint is better for accents.

What are the disadvantages of eggshell paint?

Cons:
  • May not provide as much reflectivity as satin paint, which can make smaller rooms feel more cramped.
  • Not as suitable for creating a modern or contemporary look due to its low sheen finish.
  • May require more coats than satin paint to achieve full coverage.

Does satin make you look expensive?

Satin fabric has long been associated with luxury and elegance, making it the perfect choice for creating an expensive look. Whether you're attending a formal event or just want to elevate your everyday style, incorporating satin into your wardrobe can instantly add a touch of sophistication.

Why do contractors use flat paint?

Poor quality of some trades, like drywall contractors, or framers, can make imperfections pop out if there is a sheen in the paint. Using flat paint keeps imperfections from being so noticeable.

Is Sherwin Williams satin the same as eggshell?

Satin and low-lustre paints have a slightly higher sheen than eggshell finishes. Paints in this category are warmer and provide a greater appearance of depth than flat paints. They also resist stains better than flat paints.

Should bedroom walls be flat or satin?

For low-traffic areas like bedrooms, go for flat or eggshell finishes. They're elegant and don't shine too much. But if you're tackling high-traffic spots like hallways or kitchens, satin or semi-gloss finishes are the way to go. They're durable and easy to clean, perfect for those inevitable messes.

Do contractors get a discount at Sherwin-Williams?

The easiest way to get the Sherwin Williams contractor discount is to call a Sherwin Williams store and ask to be connected with a sales representative. The store will send you a very simple one-page Sherwin Williams Commercial Credit Application to complete.

Is Behr as good as Sherwin-Williams?

The consensus is that, on the topic of Sherwin Williams vs Behr paints, the former is more durable and long-lasting than the latter. This makes Sherwin Williams paints a good choice for areas in your home that have a lot of traffic or if you have kids and pets.

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