Eggshell- This has a slight sheen that appears when looking at this type at an angle. Eggshell finishes work for hallways, family rooms or living rooms. It is also used to repaint aluminum and vinyl siding.
Semi-gloss- This has a slightly glossy appearance as well. It is good for walls and woodwork that get heavily used and need to be scrubbed frequently. It can also be used in high moisture areas such as kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and children’s bedrooms. It is mostly used for exterior trim paint. The only drawback to this finish is that its higher reflection makes nicks and dents more visible.
Flat- This is a finish that creates reflection free surfaces. This type of finish tends to hide nicks or dents on surfaces and is most often used by contractors on new construction projects because it hides patched areas. This type of sheen is also easy to touch up. A Flat paint is good for areas of low traffic such as formal dining rooms, master bedrooms or exterior surfaces of homes. However, this type of paint is not easily washed and traps dirt easier than other sheens.
Satin- This is considered by some as the most versatile sheen. It is scruff resistant and can be scrubbed easily. It can be used in any room or exterior surface because it sheds rainwater but does not reflect much sunlight.
Gloss- This is the shiniest paint sheen and dries to a mirror-like finish. This is the easiest finish to clean and is good for areas where fingerprints and grease are common. This is highly moisture resistant and has a high light reflection, which can highlight every surface’s imperfection. This finish is used most often for trim works on items such as window frames, banisters, cabinets, and windowsills.
