Painting FYI

Basic Paint Finishes:

FLAT: Matte surface paint finish usually used on interior walls, helps hide small imperfections because it doesn't reflect light. Flat paint is generally hard to clean. Even though some manufacturers are making flat paints that are more easily washable, you have to be careful about cleaning scuffs and dirt on flat-painted walls.

EGGSHELL: Slight sheen finish still looks somewhat matte (not shiny) – good for interior walls. Eggshell finishes are easier to clean than flat-painted walls.

SATIN: Smooth, somewhat shiny paint perfect for children's rooms because it's easy to clean. Kitchens, bathrooms, and high-traffic areas also benefit from satin finish paints because they hold up under light scrubbing.

SEMIGLOSS: Easy to keep clean semigloss paint is most often used on doors, trim, and cabinets in kitchens and bathrooms. Its subtle shine is rich looking and looks nice applied to trim when set against a flat-painted wall.

GLOSS: Gloss paints are super-shiny. Most people don't use them on interiors. Light bounces off a gloss-painted surface, adding a contemporary feel to a room but you need to be careful with the application.