Matte, Satin, or Gloss – How to Pick the Right Paint Finish

Selecting the perfect paint color is a big decision, but choosing the right sheen is just as important.  Paint sheen refers to how much light a finish reflects.  Sheen levels range from flat (no shine) to high gloss (very reflective).  The right sheen can enhance durability, hide imperfections, or make cleaning easier, and it affects not only how a surface looks but also how the paint performs over time.

To help simplify the process, our professional painting team has put together this guide on the best sheens and finishes for different areas of your home – both inside and out.  Here’s how to choose the best sheen of paint for the rooms in your home:

Flat or Matte Finish

• Best for: Ceilings, interior walls
• Flat paint hides imperfections well and creates a smooth, even look. Some professional painting contractors recommend it because it provides excellent coverage.
• Avoid for: High-moisture areas & exteriors – Flat paint is porous and prone to staining, making it difficult to clean.

Eggshell Finish

• Best for: Interior walls, doors
• Slightly more durable than flat, eggshell offers a hint of sheen while still masking imperfections. It’s a great all-around option for most interior spaces, and recommended by most good professional painters.

Satin Finish

• Best for: Interior trim, wainscoting, bathrooms, exterior siding
• More gloss means better resistance to moisture and stains. Satin (or as some manufacturers refer to as “low lustre” in exterior paint) remains one of the most popular finishes for homeowners.

Semi-Gloss Finish

• Best for: Shelving, exterior window trim
• Semi-gloss is durable, moisture-resistant, and easy to clean, making it great for trim. However, its shinier appearance can highlight surface imperfections.  Some manufacturers label this sheen as “soft-gloss” for exteriors.

High-Gloss Finish

• Best for: Front doors, accent trim, decorative fixtures
• High-gloss is the most durable, highly reflective, and easy to clean. While great for accents, it can highlight imperfections, so it’s often avoided for large interior surfaces.

Selecting the right finish is key to achieving a polished, long-lasting look for your home. Some homeowners enjoy researching paint options, while others prefer guidance from trained and trusted painting professionals, like The Painting Craftsmen.  There are many great professional painting services in town, but The Painting Craftsmen is the best house painting company Jacksonville FL homeowners trust with their homes.  We’re the trusted painting service for homes in Ponte Vedra, Mandarin, Southside, Riverside, and throughout Jacksonville, and we’d love the opportunity to take care of your home’s painting needs as well!