Want walls that actually hold up over time?
Homeowners usually choose a paint finish based solely on color….and then complain why their walls look worn after one year. Finish is just as important, if not more important than color.
The right finish can:
- Protect your walls from damage
- Make cleaning a breeze
- Boost your home’s value
- Stretch the life of your paint job
Learn exactly how finishes can enhance your home, starting from room to room. Ready?
Here’s what’s covered:
- Why Paint Finishes Matter
- The 5 Main Paint Finishes Explained
- How To Pick The Right Finish For Each Room
- Common Paint Finish Mistakes To Avoid
Why Paint Finishes Matter
Paint finishes are not just about looks. They are about long-term protection.
Sheen refers to the finish of the paint and how much light is reflected off of the wall. Sheen also determines how durable/washable/moisture resistant the paint will be. This is important when thinking about how your house will look years down the road. Many people overlook this factor.
Quality finishes from reputable brands such as RMP Finishes are designed not to wear down from daily life. The proper product prevents you from repainting every few years. This is how finishes can benefit your home long term.
And the data backs this up…
A National Association of Realtors publication found that interior painting has a 107% return on investment. Furthermore, 80% of real estate agents say that painting your house gives it value. However — that ROI only counts if your paint looks good when you go to sell. The wrong finish can chip, scuff or fade in 12 months. The right one could last 10 years.
Think about it this way:
- A flat finish in a kid’s bathroom = disaster
- A high-gloss on the living room ceiling = also disaster
- Matching the finish to the room = wins every time
So how do you know which finish to use? That’s exactly what’s covered next.
The 5 Main Paint Finishes Explained
At your local paint retailer there are 5 finishes readily available on the shelf. They each serve a purpose. Here is a closer look….
Flat (Matte) Finish
Flat is the matte finish. It covers up imperfections such as bumps, dents and patches very well.
Where to use it:
- Ceilings
- Adult bedrooms
- Formal dining rooms
- Low-traffic areas
The drawback? Flat paint is the least washable. Scrub flat paint and you’ll scrub right through it off the wall. Avoid using it in high traffic areas.
Eggshell Finish
Eggshell is just a hair higher than flat. It has a very slight sheen to it (similar to a real egg).
It’s the preferred finish for living rooms and bedrooms. This finish masks imperfections fairly well. It’s also much easier to clean than a flat.
Satin Finish
Satin has a gentle, velvety sheen. It is more durable than eggshell and can be scrubbed lightly.
The best rooms for satin:
- Hallways
- Kids’ bedrooms
- Family rooms
- Laundry rooms
Bonus: Satin is also great for homeowners who want one finish throughout their house.
Semi-Gloss Finish
Semi-gloss is shiny and very durable. Water just beads right off it.
This is the all around standard for anyplace where there is water or oil build up. Kitchens, Bathrooms, doors, trim etc. Works on handprints and splashes too! The more you clean it the better it looks.
But it has a big trade-off…
Semi-gloss will highlight every imperfection on your wall. Bumps, holes, poor patch jobs — you will see them all.
High-Gloss Finish
High-gloss is the most reflective. It’s basically liquid plastic when it dries.
Use it on:
- Cabinets
- Trim and moulding
- Front doors
- Furniture pieces
Avoid using high-gloss on large expanses of walls. It looks strange and magnifies every little flaw.
How To Pick The Right Finish For Each Room
OK…on to the useful stuff. Here’s a quick rundown by room of choosing the appropriate finish.
Kitchens
Areas of your home will benefit from specific paint finishes. Kitchens need something durable like washable paint since there’s plenty of grease, splatter and wiping involved. Semi-gloss is your best bet. It’s washable and moisture resistant.
Eggshell or flat would be best for the ceiling as they will help disguise imperfections from steam damage over time.
Bathrooms
Bathrooms have high humidity. They splash. Mildew grows here. Use semi-gloss for the safest wall finish.
Looking for something less shiny? Purchase a satin paint that is marked “bathroom” or “mildew-resistant.” Most brands offer these these days.
This also presents another opportunity to use low-VOC products. Sales in the low VOC interior paint market have grown about 12 percent each year as consumers seek healthier alternatives. You definitely want that in bathrooms where moisture can create a sauna of fumes.
Bedrooms and Living Rooms
Rooms that see little foot traffic and are occupied for extended periods of time. Eggshell finishes are best suited for these rooms:
It helps to tone down the appearance of the room and make it feel calm and cozy. Paint companies typically offer you hundreds of eggshell shades to choose from.
Hallways and Kids’ Rooms
These spaces get scuffed up fast. Satin is your best friend here.
Dirty fingers, backpacks, dog tails… satin brushes it off. Plus, it still looks fresh and contemporary.
Trim, Doors, and Cabinets
Paint trim, doors and cabinets with semi-gloss or high-gloss. They receive a lot of handling and need a durable, washable finish.
Popular pro tip: use a different sheen on trim than walls. It creates depth and looks much more finished.
Common Paint Finish Mistakes To Avoid
So you’ve chosen the correct finish. Now just don’t do these things and you’ll be fine. Right? Wrong. Even with the proper finish, these blunders can still wreak havoc on an otherwise beautiful job. Avoid these…
Mistake #1: Skipping the primer
Even the best finish won’t adhere without primer. Your paint can peel or chip or look uneven from day one.
Mistake #2: Mixing finishes mid-wall
If you run out of paint and take another sheen, the wall will look blotchy. Make sure you finish a wall with the same batch.
Mistake #3: Using flat in busy areas
Flat design is probably the most popular style. It looks clean and crisp, but tends to soil easily and isn’t very washable.
Mistake #4: Going too glossy
Matte finish on inappropriate surfaces is a nightmare. It highlights every imperfection and makes it look tacky.
Mistake #5: Ignoring quality
Cheap paint is cheap for a reason. The paint consists of lower grade pigments and resins. Paying slightly more will get you paint that will last 10 years rather than 2.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the correct paint finish is one of the simplest upgrades you can make. It doesn’t cost much extra, but it has a huge impact on:
- How long your walls last
- How easy they are to clean
- How much value your home holds
To recap the simple formula:
- Flat: ceilings and low-traffic rooms
- Eggshell: bedrooms and living areas
- Satin: hallways and kids’ rooms
- Semi-gloss: kitchens, bathrooms, trim
- High-gloss: cabinets, doors, accents
Start with these rules and your walls won’t need a repaint every year. Good finishes = lasting walls. It really is that simple.
