When planning your next painting project, color often takes center stage—but the finish you choose is equally important for both aesthetic and practical reasons. At Bosco Paints, we’ve created this comprehensive guide to help you select the perfect paint finish for every surface in your home.
Understanding Paint Sheens
Paint finishes range from flat (no shine) to high gloss (very shiny), with several options in between:
Flat/Matte Finish
- Shine level: None to minimal
- Durability: Lower resistance to cleaning
- Best for: Ceilings, low-traffic areas, walls with imperfections
- Why choose it: Excellent at hiding surface flaws; creates a sophisticated, velvety appearance
Eggshell Finish
- Shine level: Subtle glow, similar to an eggshell
- Durability: Moderate resistance to cleaning
- Best for: Living rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms
- Why choose it: Offers a perfect balance between flat and satin; provides some washability without much shine
Satin Finish
- Shine level: Gentle, pearl-like luster
- Durability: Good resistance to cleaning
- Best for: Family rooms, children’s bedrooms, hallways, woodwork
- Why choose it: Versatile finish that works in most spaces; stands up to cleaning while providing an elegant look
Semi-Gloss Finish
- Shine level: Noticeable shine without being too reflective
- Durability: High resistance to moisture and cleaning
- Best for: Kitchens, bathrooms, trim, doors
- Why choose it: Highly durable and moisture-resistant; easy to clean and maintain
High-Gloss Finish
- Shine level: Very shiny, reflective surface
- Durability: Maximum resistance to damage and cleaning
- Best for: Trim, doors, cabinets, furniture
- Why choose it: Creates a dramatic, lustrous appearance; offers maximum durability and cleanability
Room-by-Room Finish Recommendations
Living and Dining Rooms
These formal spaces generally benefit from eggshell or satin finishes, which provide subtle elegance with moderate durability. If you have young children or pets, consider satin for its improved cleanability.
Kitchens and Bathrooms
These high-moisture, high-traffic areas demand finishes that can stand up to cleaning and resist moisture damage. Semi-gloss is ideal for walls, while cabinets might benefit from semi-gloss or high-gloss for maximum durability.
Bedrooms
Adult bedrooms typically work well with flat, matte, or eggshell finishes for a serene atmosphere. For children’s bedrooms, satin offers better resistance to cleaning without looking too shiny.
Ceilings
Flat paint is nearly always the best choice for ceilings, as it hides imperfections and doesn’t create distracting reflections. Some specialty ceiling paints from Bosco Paints even apply pink and dry white to help ensure complete coverage.
Trim, Doors, and Windows
Semi-gloss or high-gloss finishes stand up to the frequent touching and cleaning these surfaces endure. The subtle contrast between shinier trim and less shiny walls also adds architectural interest.
Special Considerations
- Dark colors often appear shinier than light colors in the same finish
- Large rooms with lots of natural light might make shiny finishes appear even shinier
- Textured walls generally benefit from flatter finishes
- Rooms with imperfections look better with flat or matte paint, which doesn’t draw attention to flaws
At Bosco Paints, we’ve formulated our finishes to offer superior performance in each sheen category. Our experts are always available to help you choose the perfect combination of color and finish for your unique space.
Visit our showroom to see samples of each finish in action or speak with our paint specialists about your specific project needs.