Here is a great place to start when choosing the right paint finish: flat, eggshell, and satin are best for interior walls while semi-gloss and gloss are best for trim and woodwork.

But, what about in my house? Of course, there are exceptions and personal preference can absolutely come in to play, so if you are still not sure what is best for you, read on.

Flat

Flat is, well, flat. It has a matte-type finish and is good for hiding blemishes in walls, but it is less durable and tends to scuff and mark easily. Flat paint also can be difficult to clean. It has its place, however. It works great on ceilings and in rooms where you may need to hide some imperfections in the wall.

Eggshell

Eggshell is a bit up from flat on the scale. It has a lower shine than satin, but it is more durable than flat. It is great for rooms such as living rooms, hallways, and bedrooms.

Satin

One more step toward glossy is satin. Satin paint has a bit of sheen to it, and it is highly washable. It works really well in kitchens and bathrooms. Because it is a bit closer to gloss it does not hide wall defects well. You’ll need to do some wall prep – patching, sanding, etc. – if you plan to use a satin paint.

Semi-Gloss

Semi-gloss paint works well on trim. It is easy to wipe clean. A great advantage to using semi-gloss on trim is that it can make the trim stand out when matched with the same color walls. It adds a rich, finished look to woodwork and trim. You can absolutely use it as well on walls because it is easier to wash than even satin, but it does shine a bit. Keep that in mind.

Gloss

High gloss paint is very durable. It is less susceptible to scuffing and chipping, but it does a horrible job hiding nicks, dimples, nail marks, and the like on walls. Be prepared for some wall prep.  It may have a place in a workshop or garage, but keep in mind that you may be able to get a better look with semi-gloss. With all that said, a nice white gloss paint on woodwork can be a very elegant look if that fits your style.

Does all of this overwhelm you? No need to worry. You have us. Limitless Services Inc. in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, is experienced in working with all types of paint finishes in a variety of applications. We can let you know what we think will work well in your situation and provide you samples that may help. We are here to answer all your questions. Call Limitless Services Inc. at (717) 874-2027 to schedule a consultation.