The Foolproof Formula for Picking the Right Paint Finish (2024)

Choosing the right paint color for your space can feel like the hardest design decision you have to make. But once you've settled on a hue, you still have to determine the correct type of paint and finish. That's right, from matte and eggshell to high gloss, the proper finish is crucial to your project's final look, feel, and overall vibe. Color is really about how we perceive light reflecting off a surface, so the same paint color in different finishes will look slightly different. There are some go-to rules—in general, eggshell is best for walls, semigloss is best for woodworking details and doors, and flat is best for ceilings, says interior designer Gideon Mendelson, founder and creative director of Mendelson Group—but the decision is ultimately up to you and the look you're after.

Ahead, we break down the different paint types and finishes, what they're best for, and how they affect the final look of your walls with an expert assist from Mendelson. Read this before you make a third trek to the hardware store.

Types of Paint

Your project will probably call for at least two different paint types: a primer and a finish coat. Consider the setting to choose the right ones.

Primer

Considered to be the base coat, a paint primer does exactly what it sounds like—it primes your walls to get them ready for coats of your actual paint color. Primer not only helps your final color go on more smoothly and evenly, but it also acts as a barrier between your old color and new one, ensuring that the old shade won't peak through. You can have the primer tinted like your final color to get even better coverage.

Interior Paint

Interior paint is any kind of paint that's formulated for use inside your home. The paint you use on your walls, doors, cabinets, trims, and ceilings are all interior paints.

Exterior Paint

Exterior paint is used on the outside of your home. Because it's more durable, withstands cleaning better, and is weather resistant, it's typically more expensive than interior paint, but it's worth it. You definitely don't want to use cheap exterior paint or painters. Using high-quality exterior paint for an outdoor project will make it last longer and look better.

Water-Based Latex Paint

This is the most common type of interior paint. It's easy to apply, quick to clean, and safe for those with latex allergies.

Finish Coat

While the term finish coat sounds like a fancy sealant or the home version of a top coat of nail polish, it's simply another way to refer to the paint you put over the primer. This is the regular paint coat in the color you picked out.

Types of Paint Finishes

Different paint finishes have different levels of sheen and durability, and it's important to pick the best one for your application.

Matte or Flat

A matte paint finish is the least reflective of all the finishes. You'll find that this type of paint almost has a chalky texture when dry. Flat paints are the least durable and don't stand up to washing and scrubbing as well as other finishes do; that said, because matte finishes are popular, several paint manufacturers offer matte finish paint that's specially formulated to be more durable, such as Farrow & Ball's multisurface Dead Flat finish or Behr Marquee Interior Matte finish. Generally, though, this type of paint is best used in low-traffic areas. "Matte is pretty versatile and most commonly used in living rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms, etc.," Mendelson says. "We find that matte can create a cozy, calm atmosphere without the distraction of extra shine that high gloss offers. It's also great if you want to make imperfections less noticeable." If you live in an older home, choosing the most matte finish that's practical for you can help make walls and ceilings look smoother.

Eggshell

The perfect mix of durable and great looking, eggshell is the most common paint finish used throughout homes. "This finish provides a low sheen and a smooth finish that can subtly enhance color depth," says Mendelson. "Eggshell finishes are more washable than flat sheens and resist stains and scuffing (great for homes with kids too!)."

Semigloss

Situated between eggshell and high gloss, a semigloss paint finish is relatively easy to clean, like eggshell. However, it showcases all imperfections the way high-gloss paint does, so be sure to prep your walls expertly before applying it. This type of paint won't wear down from cleaning, so it works well in bathrooms and kitchens. It's also great for trim, woodwork, and doors. The reflective surface of semigloss paint helps darker rooms feel lighter and brighter without catching the eye as much as high gloss does.

High Gloss

According to Mendelson, "high gloss creates a reflective surface and therefore makes colors look much more vibrant." He continues, "I like using it on doors, trim, furniture, or accent pieces. Not only can it create more of a bold, dramatic statement, but it's also quite durable for these areas that are prone to wear and tear."

How to Choose the Right Paint Type

Mendelson prefers to designate a finish prior to even thinking about color choice. It's helpful to think about the space's use, traffic flow, and aesthetic. "Choosing your paint really comes down to personal preference, but there are a few things to consider as it relates to your lifestyle and the type of aesthetic you want to emulate," he explains. "How often do you want to maintain and clean the painted surface? What is the purpose of the area? How much traffic does it receive?"

Best for Ceilings

A flat or semigloss sheen is a good choice for painted ceilings because it hides imperfections. We recommend opting for paints that are specifically formulated for ceilings because they're thicker, less likely to stain or turn yellow, and faster drying.

Best for Bathrooms

Bathrooms typically produce a lot of moisture, so you want to be confident the paint will hold up over time and not warp, peel, or mold. Semigloss or high-gloss paint is best because it's easy to wipe down and durable. You can even ask your local paint shop to add a mildew-resistant additive, which is great for bathrooms, kitchens, and basem*nts alike.

Best for Doors and Trim

Semigloss is great for trim because it accentuates the woodwork's details and is easier to clean than matte. Semigloss also hides imperfections well, which makes it ideal for areas of high contact and traffic.

Best for Cabinets

Semigloss paint works well for high-traffic areas and cabinets that are constantly in use. High-gloss paint is also an option, but this finish tends to draw more attention, so it's best for when you want your cabinets to be the focal point of the room. Matte is great for hiding imperfections, but it does wear down more easily with regular cleaning.

Paint Types FAQs

Find answers below to common questions about paint types and finishes.

What Type of Paint Is Best for Interior Walls?

Water-based latex paint in an eggshell finish is the most popular and common paint type for interior projects including walls, ceilings, and doors or trim.

What Are the Three Main Types of House Paint?

Eggshell, semigloss, and matte tend to be the three most versatile and popular types of house paint. Eggshell is durable and easy to clean for walls, while semigloss is great for accents and trim. Matte is great for older walls, thanks to its ability to hide imperfections.

Does the Paint Finish Change the Color?

According to Mendelson, yes, but the differences are subtle. "High-gloss paint makes colors look much more vibrant and saturated as opposed to matte, which softens the hue a bit," he says. "This is also true for gloss and semigloss finishes, which add a sense of glamour and vividness. Satin finishes have a very smooth, gentle glow to them. They have more sheen than eggshell and can make colors appear a bit brighter. I suggest testing samples on a small section of the wall to see how it will look under different lighting conditions and see what works best for you!"