Which paint gives the best finish?

Author: Prof. Alvah Johns  |  Last update: Tuesday, May 27, 2025

With semi-gloss finishes, your walls will have a shiny look and really catch the light. Semi-gloss paints are also the toughest against wear and tear. “The most lustrous of this group, semi-gloss paints typically resist stains better than the other finishes, and they're easy to clean,” Handel says.

What paint gives the smoothest finish?

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.

Is satin or eggshell better for walls?

Because eggshell is less lustrous than satin, it is also slightly less durable. That being said, it will still hold up better than flat or matte finishes. Eggshell paint is a great option for walls in medium- to low-traffic areas and can be easily cleaned.

What paint finish shows the least imperfections?

Flat. Flat paints have the least amount of gloss so they help conceal surface imperfections better than other finishes and are ideal for walls that are rough or dented. They also touch-up better, which makes a flat paint an ideal choice for family rooms, living rooms, dining rooms and bedrooms.

What paint finish do professional painters use?

Matte Paint

Regal® Select Interior Matte (N548) is a professional painter favorite for its ease of application and smooth feel after drying. Matte finish paint also withstands frequent washing, even when applied in busier areas like hallways and family rooms.

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Why do professional painters use Sherwin-Williams?

Many contractors are impressed by the fact that Sherwin-Williams has more than 140 years of experience behind them, which means they've had a long time to perfect what they do. And they've done it well, as they are among the most trusted suppliers of quality paints in the industry.

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.

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 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 hides imperfections better, eggshell or satin?

Characteristics of Eggshell Paint

One of the standout features of eggshell paint is its ability to hide imperfections on walls. The lower light reflectivity of this finish makes it especially suitable for concealing flaws like brush strokes and minor drywall dings.

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.

What is the best finish 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.

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 do professional painters use to paint cabinets?

We usually use professional-grade lacquer because it has a lovely, silky-smooth feel to it, and is what cabinet manufacturers use. We think it's the best paint for cabinets, hands-down (although there are some great pro-level water-based options as well).

What is the best paint to not show imperfections?

Using Flat Finish Paint:

You can also apply flat paint finish on the wall as they can reduce the amount of light reflected off the wall. This also reduces the visibility of dents and dings and other drywall imperfections. Flat finishes also look bolder and classier than other glossier paints.

What paint do most professional painters 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 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 is the best paint to wipe clean?

Eggshell Finish

"It is the easiest paint to wipe clean and is great for all areas of the home, including bathrooms and kitchens," adding that "[She] only uses a gloss or semi-gloss paint on base, case, trim, and cabinetry."

What is the best paint sheen for a living room?

Matte paint gives the walls a soft, warm look that's perfect for any living room. Since it has a very low sheen level, it's not very shiny or reflective.

What is the best paint for baseboards and trim?

What is the best paint to use on trim and baseboards? Because it dries quickly and is easy to clean, latex paint is a popular choice for trim and baseboards. It is also resistant to peeling and fading, allowing it to keep its appearance for an extended period of time.

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.

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.

Should I use a roller or brush for eggshell paint?

Short or medium pile microfibre mini rollers are the best when applying water-based, woodwork paints, such as Quick Dry Eggshell, Quick Dry Satinwood or Quick Dry Gloss. Avoid using foam mini rollers when applying Quick Dry products, as these can cause paint bubbles to form when rolled onto the surface.

What rooms should have eggshell paint?

Where to Use Eggshell Paint. Eggshell paint is ideal for walls in medium-to-high-traffic areas, such as bedrooms, kitchens, living rooms, and dining rooms. While generally used on walls, eggshell paint can also be used on trim, molding, and skirting boards.

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