Choosing the Perfect Paint Finish for Every Room
Ready to start a paint project for your house or office? When choosing a paint colour, you’ll need to seriously consider the paint finish as well. It might seem like a small detail, but your choice of finish can completely change the way a colour looks, how it performs over time, and even how easy it is to clean.
“Finish” refers to the final, dry look of the paint on a surface when light reflects off of it. It plays a huge role in both the overall look of the space and practicality of your paint job.
Let’s break down the different types of paint finishes and help you find the perfect one for every room in your home.
Understanding the Different Types of Paint Finishes
There are several types of paint finishes, each with its own unique texture, shine, and durability. Here’s a quick overview to help you get to know them better.
Matt Finish
Matt has a flat, non-reflective look that gives your walls a soft, muted feel, and has a contemporary look. It’s great at hiding surface imperfections and works well in spaces where you want a relaxed, cosy vibe. That said, it’s not the most washable option, so it’s best used in low-traffic areas like adult bedrooms or ceilings.
Satin Finish
Satin finishes offer a soft gloss that reflects a bit more light than a matt finish, giving walls a smooth, velvety and elegant appearance. It’s also great at handling a bit of moisture and everyday wear, making it ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, and kids’ rooms. It’s a solid middle-ground option that balances beauty with practicality, as it can also be cleaned easily.
Eggshell Finish
Eggshell has a subtle sheen that falls somewhere between matt and satin. It’s more durable than matt, making it a popular choice for living rooms, dining rooms, and bedrooms. It gives you that soft glow without being too shiny – think of the texture and look of an actual eggshell (after which it’s named). It’s also easier to clean than flat finishes. More on this low-gloss option here.
Semi-Gloss Finish
Semi-gloss, while not as shiny as gloss, still has a noticeable shine and is super easy to clean. It’s moisture-resistant and mildew-resistant, which makes it perfect for bathrooms, kitchens, and areas where walls get touched often. It’s also a favourite for trim, doors, and cabinetry, thanks to its durability and clean look.
Gloss Finish
Gloss is the most reflective of the finish options available. It gives a sleek, polished appearance that really stands out. Because it shows every bump and brushstroke, it’s best used on well-prepped surfaces like furniture or standout features. Gloss finishes are incredibly tough and wipeable, making them great for high-traffic items.
Check out this quick paint sheen guide that gives a visual understanding of paint finishes and how they look in different colours.
Matt vs Gloss Paint: What’s the Difference?
Let’s get down to the nitty-gritty. Matt and gloss sit on opposite ends of the finish spectrum, and the right choice really depends on what surface you’re painting, where the surface is located and what “vibe” you’re going for.
Matt paint absorbs light, which means it hides flaws and gives your room a soft, understated feel. Matt paint requires fewer coats of paint to hide surface imperfections, so it can be more economical. It’s not ideal for messy zones though, because you can’t wash or scrub it with cleaning detergents.
Gloss paint, on the other hand, reflects light, drawing attention to your walls and any lumps, bumps, scars or uneven bits. Normally you would not use gloss for large surface areas because the shine could overwhelm the space. But the advantage of gloss is that it’s super durable and easy to clean, which makes it practical for high-touch or high-use areas.
So, if you want a modern and muted look, in a low traffic area, go with matt. If you’re after shine and superior strength, for a well-used area, gloss is your best bet.
How to Choose the Best Paint Finish for Your Walls
Now that you know your options, here’s how to decide what finish works best for different parts of your home.
Bedrooms, Living Rooms and Dining Rooms
Matt or eggshell finishes are perfect for rooms where people relax and wind down. The final look of these paint finishes inherently create a calm, cosy and inviting space while still looking sophisticated. These two finishes are user-friendly, especially for DIYers as they’re forgiving and also easy to apply.
Kitchens and Bathrooms
These spaces deal with steam, splashes and spills – often from things that could stain. Satin or semi-gloss finishes are your best choice here because they’re resistant to moisture, are durable and easy to wipe clean.
Trim, Doors, and Furniture
These surfaces take a lot of abuse – from scuffs to bumps to fingerprints and nails – so they need a paint finish that can handle a daily beating. Semi-gloss and gloss finishes are your go-tos here because they dry to a hard, tough finish that resists chipping and are wipeable. The smooth, polished look also makes your woodwork pop.
Tips for Achieving a Professional-Looking Finish
Nailing your colour and finish is only half the battle—what really makes or breaks a paint job is how you apply it. From wall prep to final coat, here are four essential tips to help you get that pro-level finish (without calling in a pro).
1. Prep Like a Perfectionist
Great paint jobs don’t start with the paint—they start with the prep. First, scrub off dust, grime, or grease by washing with a Sugar Soap solution. Rinse off with clean water. Then fill in cracks, and sand everything smooth. If you’re going with a high-shine finish like semi-gloss or gloss, don’t skip this step—those glossy sheens are stunning but will highlight every dent and divot if your wall isn’t flawless.
2. Prime Time is Real
If you’re painting over a darker shade or dealing with tricky surfaces like wood or raw plaster, or want to cover stains, primer/an undercoat is your BFF, as it gives you a fresh, neutral base to work with. Primer evens out surface texture, helps with coverage, and makes your chosen finish really stick (and stay). Check out Simply Colour’s primer here.
3. Match the Tool to the Finish
Be fussy with your rollers and brushes. For matt and eggshell, a good quality roller will give you a smooth, even coat. But for satin, semi-gloss, or gloss, especially on those doors and trims, you need to up your game—foam rollers or angled brushes are best, because they reduce visible brush marks. These finishes are less forgiving, and brush strokes can really show if you’re not careful. Think: slow, steady, and don’t overload your roller. Shop brushes and rollers here.
4. Respect the Drying Time
Remember you can’t rush painting. Not waiting for paint to dry is a rookie mistake. Every layer needs time to cure, especially with gloss or satin, which can streak or peel if not fully dry between coats. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and don’t be tempted to shortcut the drying stage, your patience will pay off when you see how amazing your walls look.
Final Thoughts on Choosing Paint Finishes
Paint is more than just about choosing the colour, the right paint finish can elevate your space, protect your walls, and make cleaning (and life) easier. From elegant matts to statement-making glosses, each finish offers its own unique benefit, and the best choice depends on the surface, the room, your lifestyle, and the look you want to achieve.
Find your perfect finish with Simply Colour’s premium range, designed to suit every room and every vibe. Shopping online? You can explore our full range, order samples, and get expert advice that will turn any old paint job into a passion project.
