To choose the best paint finish, know the available options, consider your room purpose, match your home style, and consider Wichita’s climate.
Your home’s paint finish is as important as the color. The finish affects durability, light reflection, and maintenance, making it essential to pick the right one for each room.
This guide covers how to choose the best paint finishes in detail. Click below to dive right in:
- Understand the Different Types of Paint Finishes
- Consider the Room’s Function and Traffic Level
- Take Wichita’s Climate into Account
- Match the Paint Finish to Your Home’s Style
- Test Before Committing
- Best Paint Finishes for Different Surfaces
- Best Paint Finishes for Different Rooms
- What Factors Affect Your Choice of Paint Finish?
Call (316) 800-6994 if you have more questions or need professional painting services in Wichita, Kansas.
1. Understand the Different Types of Paint Finishes
Each paint finish offers different durability, shine, and maintenance benefits. Here’s an overview of the most common types and where they work best.
Flat (Matte) Finish
Best for: Low-traffic areas such as bedrooms, ceilings, and formal living rooms.
Characteristics:
- Absorbs light, creating a smooth, non-reflective surface.
- Hides minor wall imperfections like nail holes or uneven textures.
- Harder to clean; stains may not wipe off easily.
Ideal for Wichita homes because it works well in areas with minimal wear and where walls need a soft, even appearance. It’s also useful in older homes where textured or imperfect walls require some camouflage.
Eggshell Finish
Best for: Living rooms, dining rooms, and hallways.
Characteristics:
- The slight sheen reflects some light but is not glossy.
- It is more durable than a flat finish but has a soft, smooth look.
- Wipes clean with a damp cloth, making it suitable for moderate-traffic areas.
Ideal for Wichita homes because it provides a balance of durability and elegance while being easy to maintain. It’s a great choice for high-traffic common areas that don’t require heavy scrubbing but still need some resilience.
Satin Finish
Best for: Kitchens, bathrooms, and high-traffic areas.
Characteristics:
- A slightly glossy appearance that reflects light.
- More durable and moisture-resistant than eggshell.
- It is easily cleaned, making it great for areas exposed to grease, humidity, or frequent use.
Ideal for Wichita homes because: Wichita’s seasonal weather changes can lead to humidity in summer—satin finish prevents moisture damage and is easy to clean. It’s perfect for bathrooms, where steam can weaken flat paint, or kitchens, where grease and food splatters need to be wiped away effortlessly.
Semi-Gloss Finish
Best for: Trim, doors, cabinets, and moisture-prone rooms.
Characteristics:
- Highly durable and resistant to stains, moisture, and grease.
- It reflects more light, making rooms look brighter.
- Easy to clean—ideal for areas needing regular wiping.
Ideal for Wichita homes because it’s perfect for areas exposed to dust, moisture, and daily use, such as kitchens, bathrooms, and baseboards. This finish ensures trim and doors withstand the constant touching, cleaning, and potential scuffs.
High-Gloss Finish
Best for: Doors, cabinets, trim, and furniture.
Characteristics:
- Extremely reflective and shiny.
- The most durable finish, resisting scratches and stains.
- It shows imperfections, so proper surface preparation is essential.
It’s ideal for Wichita homes because it’s best for high-touch surfaces requiring frequent cleaning, such as cabinets and doors. High-gloss finishes hold up well in humid areas and provide a polished, elegant look to any space.
2. Consider the Room's Function and Traffic Level
High-Traffic Areas:
- Use satin or semi-gloss in hallways, kitchens, and playrooms to withstand frequent cleaning.
- Avoid flat or matte finishes, as they are difficult to clean and stain easily.
Low-Traffic Areas:
- Bedrooms and home offices benefit from eggshell or flat finishes, offering a smooth, elegant look.
- Avoid high-gloss, as it may create unnecessary glare.
3. Take Wichita’s Climate into Account
Wichita experiences hot summers, cold winters, and humidity changes throughout the year. These factors can impact paint performance.
- For humid areas (bathrooms, kitchens): Use satin or semi-gloss to prevent mold and mildew.
- For sun-exposed areas (entryways, exteriors): Choose a UV-resistant finish like semi-gloss or high-gloss for better durability.
- For frequently used spaces (living rooms, hallways): A durable eggshell or satin finish works best.
4. Match the Paint Finish to Your Home’s Style
- Modern or contemporary homes: Satin and semi-gloss create a sleek, clean look.
- Traditional or rustic homes: Matte and eggshell provide a soft, cozy feel.
- Luxury or elegant spaces: High-gloss trim and doors enhance sophistication.
5. Test Before Committing
- Paint a small swatch on your wall and observe it in different lighting conditions.
- Consider how natural and artificial light affects the appearance of the finish.
- Touch the sample—ensure it has the right texture and feel for your space.
Best Paint Finishes for Different Surfaces
The right paint finish depends on the surface type and how much durability, sheen, and maintenance it requires. Below are the best finishes for different areas of your home.
- Walls – Eggshell or Satin
Best for: Living rooms, bedrooms, hallways, and dining rooms
- Eggshell: Soft, low-sheen finish that hides imperfections and is easy to clean.
- Satin: Slightly more reflective, durable, and moisture-resistant, making it ideal for high-traffic areas.
- Ceilings – Flat or Matte
Best for: Any room with standard or textured ceilings
- Flat or matte: Non-reflective and excellent at hiding surface flaws or uneven textures.
- Avoid glossy finishes, as they can create unwanted glare.
- Trim, Baseboards & Doors – Semi-Gloss or High-Gloss
Best for: Interior doors, window trim, baseboards, and molding
- Semi-gloss: Offers a balance of durability and shine while being easy to clean.
- High-gloss: Extremely durable and moisture-resistant, great for trim in kitchens and bathrooms.
- Kitchens & Bathrooms – Satin or Semi-Gloss
Best for: Walls and cabinets exposed to humidity and stains
- Satin: Smooth, durable, and easy to clean, making it ideal for humid areas.
- Semi-gloss: More moisture-resistant and highly washable, great for preventing mildew.
- Cabinets & Furniture – Semi-Gloss or High-Gloss
Best for: Kitchen cabinets, built-ins, and furniture
- Semi-gloss: Durable, stain-resistant, and easy to maintain.
- High-gloss: Provides a sleek, modern look but requires proper surface prep to avoid visible imperfections.
- Exterior Surfaces – Satin or Semi-Gloss
Best for: Siding, stucco, brick, and outdoor trim
- Satin: Works well for most home exteriors, offering slight sheen and protection.
- Semi-gloss: Used for trim, shutters, and doors to enhance curb appeal and durability.
Best Paint Finishes for Different Rooms
Each room in your home has unique conditions, such as traffic levels, moisture exposure, and lighting, that affect which paint finish works best.
- Living Room – Eggshell or Satin
- Eggshell offers a soft, low-sheen look that enhances natural light while hiding minor imperfections.
- Satin adds a slight sheen, making it more durable and easier to clean in high-traffic areas.
- Why? These finishes create a welcoming, warm feel without being overly glossy.
- Bedroom – Matte or Eggshell
- Matte provides a smooth, non-reflective look and hides imperfections well.
- Eggshell adds a subtle sheen while maintaining softness, making it easier to clean than matte.
- Why? Bedrooms don’t require highly washable finishes, and these options provide a calm, cozy ambiance.
- Kitchen – Satin or Semi-Gloss
- Satin is excellent for kitchen walls, offering durability and resistance to grease and moisture.
- Semi-gloss works best for cabinets and trim, as it is stain-resistant and easy to wipe down.
- Why? Kitchens experience heat, humidity, and stains, requiring a finish that can withstand frequent cleaning.
- Bathroom – Semi-Gloss or Satin
- Semi-gloss repels moisture and prevents mold or mildew growth, making it ideal for humid areas.
- Satin is a good alternative for bathroom walls if a softer finish is preferred.
- Why? Bathrooms need moisture-resistant paint to prevent peeling and water damage.
- Hallways & High-Traffic Areas – Satin or Semi-Gloss
- Satin is durable, washable, and great for spaces with constant use.
- Semi-gloss provides extra durability for areas prone to scuffs and marks.
- Why? Hallways experience frequent contact from people and furniture, requiring a durable, easy-to-clean finish.
- Ceilings – Flat or Matte
- Flat hides ceiling imperfections and reduces glare from lighting.
- Matte provides similar coverage but offers slightly more durability.
- Why? Ceilings are rarely touched and do not require frequent cleaning, making low-sheen finishes the best choice.
- Home Office – Eggshell or Satin
- Eggshell minimizes glare from lighting while maintaining a warm, professional look.
- Satin provides a slightly higher sheen and makes walls easier to clean.
- Why? A home office benefits from a finish that reflects light subtly without distractions.
What Factors Affect Your Choice of Paint Finish?
Several factors influence which finish will work best for your space.
- Room Function and Traffic Level
- High-traffic areas (hallways, kitchens, bathrooms): Require durable, washable finishes like satin or semi-gloss to withstand frequent cleaning.
- Low-traffic areas (bedrooms, living rooms): Matte or eggshell finishes work best for a soft, elegant look.
- Trim and doors: Need semi-gloss or high-gloss for easy cleaning and durability.
- Moisture and Humidity Exposure
- Bathrooms and kitchens: Experience high humidity, making satin or semi-gloss the best choice to prevent mold and mildew buildup.
- Bedrooms and living rooms: You can use eggshell or matte since they are less exposed to moisture.
- Cleaning and Maintenance Needs
- Flat and matte finishes: Conceal imperfections but are harder to clean, making them ideal for ceilings and low-traffic rooms.
- Satin and semi-gloss: Easier to wipe down, making them perfect for areas prone to dirt and fingerprints, such as kitchens, hallways, and children’s rooms.
- Lighting Conditions
- Rooms with natural light: Can handle matte and eggshell finishes, which diffuse light and prevent glare.
- Dimly lit rooms: Benefit from satin or semi-gloss, as their slight sheen reflects more light and brightens the space.
- Surface Imperfections
- Flat and matte finishes: Best for hiding wall imperfections since they absorb light rather than reflect it.
- Glossy finishes (semi-gloss, high-gloss): Highlight imperfections but offer better durability.
- Style and Aesthetic Preferences
- Modern homes: Often use satin or semi-gloss for a sleek, polished appearance.
- Traditional or cozy interiors: Favor matte and eggshell for a warm, inviting look.
- Elegant and high-end spaces: Use high-gloss finishes on trim and doors for a sophisticated effect.
We Offer Color Consultation to Help You Choose the Best for Your Home
Choosing the perfect paint color can feel overwhelming, but Roll Call Painting makes it easy with our color consultation services in Wichita, KS. We work with you to select shades that complement your space, match your style, and enhance natural lighting.
Whether you’re updating your interior, exterior, or cabinets, we help you make confident choices. Get personalized recommendations that suit your vision and ensure a flawless finish.
Call (316) 800-6994 for our residential painting services inclusive of color consultation!
FAQs
What is the best paint finish for the whole house?
The best paint finish for the whole house is eggshell or satin because they offer durability, easy maintenance, and a soft sheen that works in most rooms. Satin is better for high-traffic areas, while eggshell provides a smooth, elegant look.
What are the five levels of paint finishes?
The five levels of paint finishes are:
- Flat (Matte) – No shine, hides imperfections and is best for low-traffic areas.
- Eggshell – Slight sheen, easy to clean, great for living rooms and bedrooms.
- Satin – Soft gloss, durable, best for kitchens, bathrooms, and hallways.
- Semi-Gloss – Reflective, moisture-resistant, ideal for trim and doors.
- High-Gloss – Very shiny, highly durable, used for cabinets and furniture.
What sheen do most people paint their walls?
Most people paint their walls with eggshell or satin finishes. Eggshell is the most popular because it offers a soft, elegant sheen while being easy to clean. Satin is slightly shinier and better for high-traffic areas.
Should I do satin or eggshell paint?
Choose satin if you need more durability in high-traffic areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and hallways. Eggshell is better for lower-traffic rooms like bedrooms and living rooms, as it offers a softer finish.
What is the best paint finish for living rooms?
The best paint finish for living rooms is eggshell because it provides a smooth, low-sheen appearance while being easy to clean. Satin is also a good option for added durability.
Can I use flat paint in high-traffic areas?
Flat paint is not recommended for high-traffic areas because it absorbs stains and is difficult to clean. Satin or semi-gloss is a better option for areas with frequent use.
How do I choose between semi-gloss and high gloss?
Choose semi-gloss for trim, doors, and cabinets in moderate-traffic areas as it’s durable but not overly reflective. Use high-gloss for surfaces needing maximum durability and a polished look, such as cabinetry and furniture.
Will my choice impact resale value?
Yes, your choice of paint finish impacts resale value. Using neutral colors with durable finishes like eggshell or satin increases the appeal, while outdated or impractical finishes may turn off buyers. High-quality finishes on trim and doors can also add value.