Paint Finish

• Determine the purpose of the room, then browse these guidelines to help you decide what type of finish to choose.
• Flat paints offer ideal, nonreflective surface quality. These paints are better suited for lower-use areas in the home or in new construction, as flat paints help mask surfaces to make them appear smooth and uniform.
• Eggshell and satin finish paints have a bit more sheen than flat paints and are ideal for places that need a cleanable but not shiny finish.
• Semi-gloss and high-gloss paints are ideal in spaces where wall surfaces need to be wiped frequently, such as the kitchen. High-gloss paints also produce the toughest and most stain-resistant finishes, so they also are ideal in children's bedrooms and bath spaces. TIP: surface preprartion is key to a successful high-gloss finish, since every imperfection will be highlighted with glossy paint.
• Oil-base paints have resins and thinners in them and are best used on chalky surfaces and over areas already painted with oil-base paints.