Send us a text

By providing your phone number, you consent to receive transactional/informational text messages (SMS) from Dry Dock Painting, powered by Topline Pro. You can unsubscribe at any time by replying STOP. Message and data rates may apply. Message frequency varies. See our Privacy Policy for more details.
Paint Finish Guide | Everything You Need to Choose the Right Finish

Visual Reference

The Sheen Scale

From no shine to mirror-like — each finish has its place.

Flat
2–5%
Matte
5–12%
Eggshell
10–25%
Satin
30–45%
Semi-Gloss
50–65%
High-Gloss
70–90%
🎨

Less Shine

Hides wall imperfections and texture. Ideal for older homes or walls that aren't perfectly smooth.

✨

More Shine

Easier to clean and more durable. Better for high-traffic areas, kitchens, bathrooms, and trim.

Detailed Breakdown

Every Finish, Explained

Click any card to learn where each finish works best.

Flat 2–5% Sheen

Best For

Ceilings, formal dining rooms, master bedrooms, low-traffic feature walls

⚠ Avoid

Kitchens, bathrooms, kids rooms, high-traffic hallways

🧽 Cleaning

Gently dab — don't scrub

✦ Trend: Deep moody hues for dramatic bedrooms & ceilings

Matte 5–12% Sheen

Best For

Bedrooms, dining rooms, living rooms, hallways (with premium product)

⚠ Avoid

Standard bathrooms — use moisture-rated matte like Aura Bath & Spa

🧽 Cleaning

Wipe gently with damp cloth

✦ Trend: Top designer pick for 2024–25 in rich saturated colours

MOST POPULAR
Eggshell 10–25% Sheen

Best For

Living rooms, family rooms, bedrooms, hallways, dining rooms

⚠ Avoid

Ceilings (too shiny), trim & doors — use semi-gloss there

🧽 Cleaning

Warm soapy water

✦ Trend: Timeless #1 choice for residential walls

Satin 30–45% Sheen

Best For

Kids rooms, mudrooms, hallways, trim & baseboards, high-traffic spaces

⚠ Avoid

Walls with bumps or uneven texture

🧽 Cleaning

Soap & water — crayon and marker wipe right off

✦ Trend: Popular for wainscoting, statement trim, scrubbable kids rooms

Semi-Gloss 50–65% Sheen

Best For

All trim & baseboards, interior doors, kitchen cabinets, bathrooms, wainscoting

⚠ Avoid

Large wall surfaces, rough or uneven walls

🧽 Cleaning

Almost any household cleaner works

✦ Trend: Two-tone rooms — matte walls + semi-gloss trim

High-Gloss 70–90% Sheen

Best For

Statement front doors, architectural details, furniture, accent elements

⚠ Avoid

Any uneven or imperfect surface — flaws show clearly

🧽 Cleaning

Wipes down effortlessly

✦ Trend: Lacquered ceilings, bold front doors, glossy built-ins

Side-by-Side

Finish Comparison Table

A quick reference for every finish at a glance.

Finish Sheen % Durability Cleanability Hides Flaws Ideal Use
Flat 2–5% ⭐☆☆☆☆ ⭐☆☆☆☆ ★★★★★ Ceilings, feature walls
Matte 5–12% ⭐⭐☆☆☆ ⭐⭐☆☆☆ ★★★★☆ Bedrooms, dining rooms
Eggshell ★ 10–25% ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ ★★★☆☆ Living rooms, most walls
Satin 30–45% ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ ★★☆☆☆ Kids rooms, hallways, trim
Semi-Gloss 50–65% ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ★☆☆☆☆ Trim, doors, bathrooms
High-Gloss 70–90% ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ★☆☆☆☆ Front doors, accents

★ = Most popular choice for residential walls

Quick Reference

Room-by-Room Guide

The right finish for every space in your home.

🏠

Ceilings

Flat

🛏️

Bedrooms

Matte / Eggshell

🛋️

Living Rooms

Eggshell

🍽️

Dining Rooms

Matte / Eggshell

🚶

Hallways

Eggshell / Satin

🧒

Kids Rooms

Satin

🍳

Kitchen Walls

Satin

🚿

Bathrooms

Semi-Gloss

🚪

Trim & Doors

Semi-Gloss

🗄️

Cabinets

Semi-Gloss / Satin

✨

Statement Door

High-Gloss

👟

Mudroom

Satin

3 Quick Questions

How to Choose Your Finish

Answer these three questions and you'll know exactly what to use.

1

How much traffic does this room get?

Very Low

Flat or Matte

Normal

Eggshell

High Traffic

Satin

Wet / Greasy

Semi-Gloss

2

Do the walls have bumps or imperfections?

Lots of Texture

Flat or Matte

Hides imperfections best

Smooth Walls

Any Finish

Full range available to you

Keep in Mind

Higher Sheen

Makes flaws more visible

3

What vibe are you going for?

🕯️

Cozy

Flat / Matte

🏛️

Elegant

Eggshell

🔲

Modern

Satin

💫

Bold

Gloss

Our Default Recommendation

Eggshell Walls + Semi-Gloss Trim

The tried-and-true professional combination used in the vast majority of beautiful homes. Timeless, practical, and always looks sharp.