Picking a paint color? Easy. Choosing the right finish? That’s where things get a little... glossy. Or matte. Or maybe satin? If your head’s spinning at the thought, don’t worry, you’re not alone.
At Repaint Studios, we know paint finishes can sound like a secret code only the pros understand. But we’re here to break it down (paint sheens, not the dance). Think of this as your go-to guide to choosing the perfect sheen for your space. And yes, sheen does matter more than you think.
Let’s dive in, roller in hand.
What is a paint finish anyway?
Paint finish (aka "sheen") is just a fancy way of describing how shiny, or not shiny, your painted walls will look. More shine usually means more durability, but also more visible flaws. Less shine means a softer look that hides imperfections, but might not hold up to sticky fingers or spaghetti sauce splashes.
The most common finishes are:
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Flat/Matte
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Eggshell
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Satin
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Semi-gloss
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Gloss/High-gloss
Let’s get to it, shall we?
Flat or Matte Finish
This one’s like a cozy sweater for your walls. No shine at all, and great at hiding bumps, cracks, and other mysteries lurking underneath.
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Why you’ll love it: Gorgeous, velvety look. Camouflages imperfections like a pro.
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Why you might not: Don’t even think about scrubbing it, it’s not built for messes.
Best for: Ceilings, grown-up bedrooms, and chill spaces with low traffic.
Eggshell Finish
A tiny bit of sheen, a whole lot of charm. It’s subtle, sophisticated, and more wipeable than flat. Think of it as the Goldilocks of paint finishes, not too shiny, not too dull.
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Why you’ll love it: More durable than flat, but still hides flaws.
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Why you might not: May not survive full-on toddler chaos.
Best for: Living rooms, dining rooms, hallways.
Satin Finish
This finish is basically your dependable best friend. Slightly glossy with a smooth feel, satin is perfect for spaces that need to look good and stand up to life.
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Why you’ll love it: It’s durable, cleanable, and still looks polished.
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Why you might not: It will show brush strokes if you get sloppy.
Best for: Kids’ rooms, kitchens, family rooms, bathrooms with decent ventilation.
Semi-Gloss Finish
Shiny, sturdy, and not afraid of a little drama. Semi-gloss bounces light around and shrugs off moisture like a champ. It’s not shy, and neither should you be when you paint the town, or room, with it.
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Why you’ll love it: Scrubbable and long-lasting.
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Why you might not: Highlights every bump and dent, so prep is key.
Best for: Trim, cabinets, doors, kitchens, and bathrooms.
Gloss/High-Gloss Finish
High-gloss is the diva of paint finishes: shiny, dramatic, and not for the faint of heart. But when done right? Stunning.
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Why you’ll love it: It’s like lacquer — bold, bright, and ultra-durable.
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Why you might not: It’ll magnify every flaw. Like, every. Single. One.
Best for: Furniture, statement walls, doors, or that wow-factor powder room.
Quick tips to choose like a pro
Still unsure which finish fits your room? Ask yourself:
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How’s the traffic? High-traffic = go bold with more gloss.
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Got natural light? Glossy finishes reflect light and brighten things up.
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Cleaning often? Choose satin or semi-gloss for easy wipe-downs.
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Walls a little bumpy? Stick with flat or eggshell to keep things smooth.
Time to put a lid on it (like the Repaint Tray)
Color gets the credit, but finish does the heavy lifting. It shapes how your space feels, functions, and holds up to real life. Whether you’re painting one wall or your whole house, the Repaint Tray is here to help. Our reusable, snap-shut tray simplifies setup and cleanup, making painting less of a hassle and more of a habit. Use it, rinse it, reuse it — it’s designed to fit your life, your projects, and your paint process. No matter the finish, our tray helps get you to the finish.
Ready to get rolling?
