Choosing a colour gets all the attention, but the finish (or sheen) matters just as much. It changes how the colour looks, how well the wall hides imperfections and how easy it is to clean. Here is how we choose finishes for homes in Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge, London and Woodstock.
The main paint finishes, from flat to shiny
- Flat / matte: no shine, hides wall imperfections best, but marks more easily. Modern premium matte paints are much more washable than older versions.
- Eggshell: a soft, low sheen. Easier to wipe than matte and still forgiving on walls. The most popular choice for living areas.
- Satin: a little more shine and noticeably more durable. Good for busy areas and rooms with moisture.
- Semi-gloss: shiny and very durable. Ideal for trim, doors and cabinets, which get touched and cleaned often.
- High-gloss: very shiny and hard. Used for statement doors and some furniture, but it shows every flaw underneath.
Our recommendations, room by room
- Ceilings: flat. It hides joints and roller marks and does not reflect light unevenly.
- Living room, dining room and bedrooms: matte or eggshell.
- Hallways and stairs: eggshell or satin, because hands, bags and pets touch these walls the most.
- Kitchens: satin for walls, so grease and splashes wipe off.
- Bathrooms and laundry rooms: satin, ideally in a paint made for humid rooms.
- Kids’ rooms and playrooms: a scrubbable matte or eggshell, or satin.
- Trim, baseboards and doors: semi-gloss (or satin for a softer look).
- Kitchen cabinets: satin or semi-gloss in a hard-curing cabinet and trim enamel.
Special finishes for floors, concrete and metal
Some surfaces need a purpose-made coating rather than regular wall paint:
- Floor paint and porch-and-floor enamel for wood and concrete floors, porches and steps that take foot traffic.
- Concrete and masonry coatings for basement walls, garage floors and foundations, which need to handle moisture and alkali.
- Metal finishes such as rust-inhibiting primers and direct-to-metal enamels for railings, doors and garage doors.
Which brands we use
We work with Benjamin Moore, Sherwin-Williams, Cloverdale Paint and Behr (Home Depot). Each brand offers good, better and best lines, and the product line matters more than the brand name. We match the line and finish to each surface, and we are happy to work with a brand you already prefer.
A quick tip before you buy samples
Look at your colour sample in the finish you plan to use. The same colour looks lighter and brighter in a higher sheen, and slightly deeper in matte.
Want help choosing? We include finish and product recommendations with every quote. Learn more about our interior painting service.
We serve homeowners and businesses in Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge, London and Woodstock, plus nearby towns along Highway 401.
Ready for a fixed-price quote? Book your free on-site estimate or call (519) 781-4382.