How to Choose Paint Finishes: From Matte to Gloss

Masha Boiko
Sep 16
3 min read

Each paint finish serves a purpose. This guide explains which finish to use where, and why it matters.

When you pick a colour for your walls, one of the decisions that follows is choosing the right paint finish. Matte, eggshell, satin, gloss - they’re more than just about shine. The finish affects durability, cleanability, how much the light shows imperfections, and the overall look and feel of your space. Understanding the differences between matte, satin, eggshell and gloss will help you make informed choices that both look great and work well for your lifestyle.

If you’re unsure about which paint finishes to choose or how they’ll look in your specific space, our professional painters at Adam are happy to help. Not sure about the colours either? Check out our article on How to Choose the Right Colour Palette for Your Home Renovation. Also, try calculating price for your project in our painting calculator so you can budget properly.

Where to use which finish in a home

Here are some typical rooms / locations in homes, and what finish tends to work best, along with the reasoning.

Ceilings: Matte — ceilings are often expansive surfaces; matte hides imperfections and reduces glare from overhead lighting.
Living rooms, bedrooms: Matte or eggshell — these finishes offer a cozy, relaxing feel. Eggshell adds a bit more washability, helpful if you have kids or pets.
Hallways, stairs, high-traffic areas: Satin / Soft Sheen — more resilient to marks and wear.
Bathrooms & kitchens: Gloss or semi-gloss for trim, cabinets, and areas which might get splashes; satin or eggshell on walls if moisture is well-managed and ventilation is good.
Woodwork, doors, trims and mouldings: Gloss or semi-gloss works best—great for highlighting architectural details and easy to clean.
Exterior finishes (if painting outside): Gloss or semi-gloss for wood trims and detailing; flatter finishes on siding or large surfaces, depending on weather exposure and how much surface prep is done.

Key factors to consider when choosing your finish

When making your choice, think about:

How much wear & tear the surface will get. Is it a hallway where people brush bags and jackets? Or a formal dining room used rarely?
Light & room size. Bright, well-lit rooms can handle higher sheen without making things look shiny. Darker rooms benefit from lower sheen to avoid glare.
Surface condition. If walls or wood surfaces are very new or very well-prepped, you can go with higher sheen. If there are imperfections (uneven plaster, small cracks), matte or eggshell might hide those better.
Maintenance and cleaning. Gloss and semi-gloss are easiest to wipe down. Matte can be more delicate; scrubbing may remove pigment or leave marks.
Desired aesthetic. The finish contributes to style: gloss brings a formal, crisp look; matte softer and more muted.

Examples: Matte vs Gloss in practice

A matte finish in a formal living room gives a calm, elegant feel, especially when paired with soft lighting and deep, muted colours.
Using gloss or semi-gloss on window and door trim frames them nicely, helping architectural details pop.
Eggshell on children's bedrooms can strike the balance—easy to wipe off crayon or fingerprints but not too shiny to feel cold.

Tips for applying high-shine finishes

Make sure surfaces are well-prepared — smooth, clean, free of dust or bumps.
Use the right tools: high-quality brushes or rollers, or even spray for very glossy surfaces to avoid brush marks.
Apply thin, even coats; gloss tends to highlight streaks or drips.
Let each coat dry fully. Sometimes you need sanding between coats for very glossy finishes.

Summary & Final Thoughts

Choosing the right paint finish is about balancing beauty and function. Choose according to how you use a space, how much lighting and traffic it gets, how perfect the surfaces are, and the mood you want to create.

Contact us today to get a free quote. When done right, the finish completes the look and saves you maintenance down the line.