Colour gets all the attention, but the finish — how shiny the paint is — matters almost as much. Sheen changes how light reflects off the wall, how much it shows imperfections and how easy it is to clean.
Flat (or matte) has almost no shine. It hides small bumps and patches better than any other finish and gives a soft, even look, which makes it a favourite for ceilings and low-traffic rooms like formal living rooms and bedrooms. The trade-off: it's the hardest to wipe clean.
Eggshell has a slight glow and is more washable than flat while still hiding minor flaws. It's the most popular all-round choice for living rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms and hallways.
Satin is a step shinier and tougher. It handles scrubbing well, so it's a good fit for kitchens, kids' rooms, hallways and laundry rooms — anywhere walls get touched a lot.
Semi-gloss is durable, moisture-resistant and easy to clean, which is why it's the standard for trim, doors, cabinets and bathrooms. Because it reflects more light, it also shows every dent and patch, so surface prep matters more.
A simple rule of thumb: flat on ceilings, eggshell or satin on walls, semi-gloss on trim and doors. If you're not sure, we're happy to bring samples and talk it through during your free estimate — call (414) 539-9920.