What paint finish do contractors use?

Author: Nat Ruecker  |  Last update: Friday, February 6, 2026

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.

What finish do professional painters use?

Eggshell is the most common paint sheen and the one I recommend for most painting projects. Think of the shine on an egg – that's the luster you can expect from an eggshell finish! It has a bit of shine to it, but not much. Eggshell is easy to clean and durable, which is why I think it's such a popular finish choice.

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.

Do builders use flat or eggshell paint?

Builders do not like to have to paint walls edge to edge, so they use flat paint. During the building process, there are many trades that come into the home and damage the paint job. This makes it easier to fix.

What type of paint do professional painters use?

For interior painting, they typically choose high-quality latex or acrylic paint with a low VOC content for better indoor air quality. Exterior jobs may require oil-based alkyd paints, which are more durable and moisture-resistant than latex or acrylics.

Paint Sheen Differences Explained In 5 Minutes

How do you get a professional paint finish?

How to Achieve a Professional Painting Finish
  1. Prepare the Walls. Before you begin painting, it's important to prepare the walls properly. ...
  2. Prime the Walls. ...
  3. Choose the Right Paint. ...
  4. Use High-Quality Paint Brushes and Rollers. ...
  5. Apply Paint Evenly. ...
  6. Don't Rush the Painting Process. ...
  7. Finish with a Topcoat. ...
  8. Related Posts:

What is the best sheen for interior walls?

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.

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.

What white paint do builders use?

Sherwin Williams Extra White SW 7006 / LRV: 86

It's one of Sherwin Williams' most popular paint colors—in fact, most painters give their clients Extra White if they don't know what trim paint white color to use. Many builders also use Extra White as their standard base trim color.

What is the most common wall finish?

Understanding the 5 Most Common Paint Finishes
  • Matte/Flat: Matte, or flat, paint is a commonly used type of interior wall paint. ...
  • Eggshell: The appearance of this type of paint finish is, as its name suggests, similar to the slight sheen of an eggshell. ...
  • Satin: Satin paint is another common type of interior wall paint.

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?

Sherwin Williams and Behr are the two highest-rated paint brands in the USA, with Behr having a Trust Index Quotient Score of 120 points and Sherwin Williams coming in with 119.9 points.

Do professional painters use Behr?

The BEHR® Professional Products & Services Program is committed to meeting the nationwide needs of professional painters, contractors, remodelers, and property owners/managers through high-quality products and services.

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.

What paint brand do contractors use?

Professional painters frequently utilize premium paints, such as Benjamin Moore and Sherwin-Williams, for their work. Sherwin-Williams is widely regarded as one of the top paint brands, providing a broad range of premium quality paints, including environmentally friendly options.

What color hides imperfections best for walls?

Dark colors of paint hide drywall imperfections because light gets absorbed into the paint instead of reflecting off it, helping conceal dirt, smudges and fingerprints. Great dark colors include: Navy.

What is the difference between pure white and alabaster Sherwin-Williams?

SW Pure White vs SW Alabaster

Sherwin-Williams' Alabaster (SW 7008) is a decidedly warmer and creamier white than SW Pure White. It is still bright and crisp, so it's a good alternative for north-facing rooms or spaces without much natural light. Pure White might appear cooler in those conditions.

What paint do new builds use?

New home.

For example, we recommend the use of breathable paint, such as a contract matt emulsion, as the new plaster dries out during the initial few months. Or why not have a word with our specification team about the products you should use to avoid the yellowing often associated with new build environments.

Is Benjamin Moore interior paint better than Sherwin-Williams?

Both Sherwin Williams and Benjamin Moore rate highly in performance and won't require more than two coats of paint. However, if we're being picky, Benjamin Moore products are easier to apply and clean up, and usually last better.

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 is the problem with eggshell paint?

Eggshell paint offers a soft sheen that adds elegance and is more washable than flat paint, making it ideal for moderate-traffic areas. However, it shows imperfections more than matte finishes and lacks the durability of glossier options, so it may need more frequent touch-ups in high-traffic areas.

What sheen for walls Sherwin Williams?

Eg-Shel- Great to use for walls, eg-shel finish has a slight hint of shine and holds up better to cleaning. Low-Lusture- A smooth, subtle sheen that's durable and easy to clean. Medium-Lustre- This higher-gloss finish is perfect for doors and trim.

What sheen do professional painters use?

Eggshell is the most commonly used sheen for interior walls.

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 is the most durable paint finish?

High gloss paints are the most light-reflecting and shiny of all of the types of paint sheens. This means they are also the most durable and easiest to clean. You will get a lot of miles out of high-gloss paint, but only if the area is prepped correctly beforehand.

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