The Ultimate Guide to Types of Paint Finishes

Selecting the right paint finish makes a huge difference in how your finished room or project looks and performs in the future. Learning how to choose your preferred paint finish based on the room you're painting, stain resistance, and cleaning ease can help set you up for success.

At Hoover Paint in Central Tennessee, we carry high-quality Benjamin Moore paint and premium tools for all your painting needs. Let our team help you find the perfect colors and types of finish for your next job.

Types of Paint Finishes

A paint’s finish affects how shiny it appears when it dries and how easy it is to clean.

There are five types of paint finishes, which are:

• Flat or matte: The least reflective and shiny, but some cleaning products can cause the paint to peel. However, painting mistakes are virtually unnoticeable.
  
• Eggshell: This paint finish has minimal reflection and shine, resists fingerprints, and covers many imperfections.
  
• Satin: Satin paint finish has a soft sheen and will withstand most wear and tear, but the brush strokes are more noticeable.
  
• Semi-gloss: This paint finish is reflective, durable, and easy to clean, but imperfections tend to be very noticeable.
  
• High gloss: High gloss paint is durable, reflective, and easy to clean, but flaws are immediately noticeable.
  

When to Use Each Type of Paint Finish

Here’s a quick guide for when to use each type of paint finish:

Flat Paint Finishes

Since flat paint finishes are tricky to clean, you want to keep it out of high-traffic areas, like entryways and playrooms. Instead, they’re great for ceilings and primary bedrooms. Flat paint requires very few coats because it's hard to notice imperfections.

Eggshell Paint Finishes

Alternatively, eggshell paint finishes are ideal in high-traffic areas like hallways and dining rooms because they resist fingerprints. This type of paint finish doesn't show painting flaws, so adding a touch-up or repainting with a few coats is easy. It can also withstand light cleaning.

Satin Paint Finishes

A satin paint finish is a good choice for most rooms in your home, including living rooms and bedrooms. If you're not careful, every brush stroke can show up, making it difficult to do a quick touch-up. However, it's a durable option and cleans easily.

Semi-Gloss Paint Finishes

Semi-gloss paint is a fantastic option for high-moisture rooms like the bathroom and kitchen. It's mildew-resistant, easy to clean, and very durable. However, flaws can feel more noticeable, requiring close attention and extra time on techniques.

Gloss or High-Gloss Paint Finishes

Typically, professional painters and homeowners use gloss or high-gloss paint almost exclusively on trim, doors, and cabinets. Flaws tend to show up immediately, but once the paint is on and dry, it's durable and exceptionally easy to clean.

Shop High-Quality Benjamin Moore Paint Near Central Tennessee

To make your residential or commercial paint jobs look their best, you need the right paint finish. Whether you need high gloss for cabinetry, satin for your child's bedroom, or flat for your ceiling, Hoover Paint can help you find what you need with our vast collection, including Benjamin Moore paint.

Get started today by contacting us online or dropping by our nearest location throughout Central Tennessee. We have locations in Murfreesboro, Smyrna, Cool Springs, Shelbyville, Cookeville, Green Hills, Manchester, Mt. Juliet, Clarksville, Pleasant View, and West Nashville, Tennessee.