Go to 
Estimated reading time: 2 minutes
Whether you’re looking for a subtle update to your home’s color palette or the boldness of “Living Coral,” Pantone’s 2019 color of the year, has inspired you to add a pop-of-color to your space, you’ve come to the right place! Paint can be a relatively inexpensive way to give your home a fresh, new look, but before you dive head-first into color swatches it’s important to consider paint finishes. If you don’t know what kind of finish you need, fear not. Here is everything you need to know about the four main paint finishes, and how to choose the best one for any particular space in your home.
Flat
Also referred to as “matte,” paint with a flat finish offers the least amount of shine. Since it creates very little glare, it’s often used to hide imperfections on walls. Flat paint can, however, be difficult to keep clean; if you use a damp cloth to wipe a dirty spot off of the wall, you run the risk of wiping off the paint, too. A flat finish is not often recommended for homes with kids or animals, but it is a great option for ceilings.
Eggshell
When it comes to paint finishes, eggshell is perhaps the most popular choice — and it is certainly a “safe” option. Also referred to as “satin,” an eggshell finish offers a slight gloss but is by no means shiny. It’s generally easy to keep clean and can be wiped with a wet rag. An eggshell finish can be a great option for main living areas that see a lot of traffic, and is also ideal for kids’ bedrooms or playrooms.
Semi-Gloss
As the name suggests, this finish offers a touch of gloss. While it’s not ideal for walls with imperfections because the glare will make those imperfections more noticeable, paint with a semi-gloss finish is often used in kitchens and bathrooms and on trim and doors. A semi-gloss finish is easy to wipe clean and is also quite moisture-resistant.
Gloss
Paint with a gloss finish is as shiny as it gets. Typically used on trim, doors, and cabinets, this option offers a hard finish that is generally very easy to wipe clean. When applied to a wall, the shininess of paint with a gloss finish can make a bold, glamorous statement.
Now that you know the differences between your finish options, you’re all set to pick out that bold hue you’ve been eying!
