When it’s time to refresh your interior spaces, most people focus on the color first—and we get it. Color sets the mood and gives your room its personality. But there’s another choice that’s just as important: the paint finish. That subtle detail can affect how your walls look, how easy they are to clean, and even how durable the paint will be over time.
At JP’s Custom Painting, we’ve helped countless homeowners choose the right finish for their space. Whether you’re painting one room or the whole house, understanding the different finishes will help you make the best decision for your home’s look and lifestyle.
Why Paint Finish Matters for Your Interior Walls
Paint finish isn’t just about gloss or shine—it directly affects how your walls perform. Some finishes are more forgiving, hiding minor imperfections like small dents or old patches. Others highlight texture and require extra care in preparation.
The finish also determines how washable your walls are, how they’ll handle humidity, and how they interact with light. Choosing the right finish means your paint will not only look good on day one but will continue to hold up beautifully over the years.
Overview of the Most Common Paint Finishes
Let’s break down the five most popular paint finishes we use and recommend, so you can get a feel for how each one works.
Flat (Matte)
Flat paint has no sheen at all, which gives walls a smooth, velvety look. It’s excellent at hiding small flaws, so it’s great for older walls or ceilings that have seen some wear and tear.
That said, flat paint isn’t very washable, so we usually suggest it for low-traffic areas like formal living rooms, guest bedrooms, or ceilings. If something spills or smudges, cleaning can be tricky, and touch-ups are more likely.
Eggshell
Eggshell has a very slight sheen—just enough to reflect a bit of light but not so much that it highlights every bump or nick. It strikes a nice balance between beauty and function. It’s easier to clean than flat paint and still hides imperfections fairly well.
We often recommend eggshell for living rooms, hallways, and bedrooms. It gives a soft finish that feels cozy but still practical.
Satin
Satin has a soft, smooth finish with a bit more shine than eggshell. It holds up well in spaces where walls might take more of a beating, like kids’ rooms, kitchens, or bathrooms.
It’s easy to wipe down, which makes it great for families or high-use areas. Just keep in mind that satin finishes will show surface flaws a little more than eggshell, so prep work matters here.
Semi-Gloss
With a noticeable shine, semi-gloss is more reflective and more durable than satin. This makes it perfect for areas that require regular cleaning or are prone to fingerprints and smudges—like trim, doors, baseboards, and cabinets.
Semi-gloss is easy to scrub and holds up to moisture, which is why we often use it in bathrooms and laundry rooms. But because of the shine, it also highlights every imperfection, so the wall prep needs to be top-notch.
Gloss (High-Gloss)
Gloss finishes are the shiniest of them all. They reflect a ton of light and create a bold, polished look. Gloss paint is super durable and incredibly easy to clean, but it’s less forgiving. Every bump or brush mark will be visible if the surface isn’t perfectly smooth.
We rarely use gloss on walls—it’s usually reserved for furniture, doors, or decorative trim where you want that sleek, high-impact look.
Matching Finish with Room Function and Usage
When deciding on a finish, think about how each room is used day-to-day. For example:
- Kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms: Go with satin or semi-gloss. These finishes can handle humidity and are easy to clean.
- Living rooms, hallways, and kids’ spaces: Eggshell or satin is a solid choice. They’re durable but still look soft and inviting.
- Bedrooms, offices, or formal spaces: Flat or eggshell works well here—especially if you’re going for a calm, understated vibe.
- Trim, doors, and cabinets: Semi-gloss or gloss is ideal. It gives those details a crisp finish and stands up to frequent cleaning.
Matching the finish to the function ensures your paint job isn’t just beautiful—it’s also practical.
Consider Lighting and Aesthetics
Light plays a big role in how your paint finish looks. Glossy finishes bounce light around the room, which can brighten up small or dark spaces. That can be a plus in hallways or basements, but too much shine in a naturally bright room can feel overwhelming or even harsh.
Flat and eggshell finishes absorb more light, creating a softer, warmer feel. These are great for cozy bedrooms or spaces where you want to reduce glare.
We always encourage clients to look at sample finishes in their actual space. The same finish can look very different depending on the lighting in the room.
Common Mistakes When Choosing a Finish
One mistake we see often is picking a finish based on looks alone without thinking about how the room functions. A matte finish in a child’s playroom might look great at first—but after a few weeks of sticky fingers and crayons, you’ll be wishing you went with satin or semi-gloss.
Another common issue is choosing a high-gloss finish without prepping the surface properly. Glossy paint will magnify every imperfection, so if your walls aren’t in excellent shape (or the prep work isn’t done right), it can lead to frustration.
The Importance of Proper Surface Preparation
The glossier the finish, the more critical the prep work. That means cleaning the surface, patching holes, sanding rough spots, and using primer when needed. Even a great paint product won’t hide flaws if the prep isn’t done thoroughly.
At JP’s Custom Painting, we take surface prep seriously. It’s the foundation of a high-quality paint job—and the key to making any finish look its best. If you’re curious why prep is such a big deal, be sure to check out our full article on [why surface preparation matters so much in interior painting].
How Professionals Help You Choose the Right Finish
Not sure which finish to pick? That’s where we come in. At JP’s Custom Painting, we’ve worked with every type of paint and finish in just about every situation. We’ll walk through your space, ask the right questions, and recommend the finish that fits your lifestyle, lighting, and design goals.
Sometimes what works in one room won’t work in another—even if the colors match. Our job is to help you see the big picture, so your entire home feels cohesive and thoughtfully done.
If you’re still in the planning phase and need help finding the right painter, check out our blog on [questions to ask when hiring an interior house painter]—it’s packed with helpful advice to guide your decision.
Selecting the Perfect Finish for Your Home
Choosing a paint finish may seem like a small detail, but it makes a big difference in the long run. The right finish can make your home easier to clean, more durable, and more enjoyable to live in.
At JP’s Custom Painting, we’re here to take the guesswork out of the process. Whether you’re going bold, subtle, classic, or modern, we’ll help you select the best finish for each space—and deliver a smooth, professional result that stands the test of time.
When you’re ready to get started, give us a call at (541) 420-7397. We’re always happy to help you make choices you’ll love living with.
