Top Coat Painting

Flat, Eggshell, Satin or Semi-Gloss? Picking a Paint Finish

Which finish goes where, and why it matters as much as color.

Flat and matte

Hides wall flaws and looks soft. Best for ceilings and low-traffic rooms like bedrooms. Harder to scrub.

Eggshell and satin

A slight sheen that wipes clean. A good default for living rooms, hallways and kids' rooms.

Semi-gloss

Tough and washable. Use it on trim, doors, cabinets, kitchens and bathrooms where moisture and fingerprints happen.

Test before you commit

Paint a large sample on two walls and look at it in morning and evening light. Colors shift a lot between the store and your room.

Need help with this? See Top Coat Painting →

General information only, not legal or professional advice.

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