How to Choose the Right Paint Finish: Satin vs Eggshell vs Matte

When planning a painting project, choosing the right color is obviously is the key decision. But, in reality that's only the first step! Next you'll have important choices to make regarding your budget, the brand and quantity of paint, how to prep a surface for painting, and of course the finish. The finish you pick can have a huge impact of the final outcome of your project. Qualities such as sheen and durability can change how your chosen color looks in different lighting conditions and how long all that hard work you've invested in the project will last.

The most common finishes you are likely to come across are: satin, eggshell, matte and gloss. Each has its own strengths and best-use cases so in this guide, we'll compare the differences and share some popular paint brands, so you can confidently pick the right finish for your space.

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What Does "Paint Finish" Mean?

A paint finish refers to how shiny or flat the surface looks once the paint dries. Some finishes reflect more light (making them shinier), while others absorb it (creating a softer look). The finish also affects durability and ease of cleaning.

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Matte Finish: Smooth and Modern

What it looks like: Matte paint has almost zero reflection or shine. It creates a flat, velvety surface that's great for hiding imperfections on walls and ceilings and can add depth to a room. It's an ideal finsih for color drenching as it can flatten the color so it looks the same on any material such as woodwork, metal or walls. Check out Farrow & Ball's Dead Flat paint for a perfect example of matte paint's best use cases

Best for:

• Bedrooms, living rooms, and ceilings where you want a calm, cozy feel.
• Older homes with uneven walls, since the lack of shine conceals bumps and cracks.

Popular brands in the US:

• Benjamin Moore Regal Select Matte - durable for a flat paint, perfect for living spaces and bedrooms.
• Sherwin-Williams SuperPaint Matte - hides imperfections well and delivers a smooth, modern look.

Pros:

• Elegant, modern aesthetic.
• Great at hiding wall flaws.

Cons:

• Can be harder to clean than glossier finishes.
• Not ideal for high-traffic areas that need frequent wiping.

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Eggshell Finish: The Versatile Middle Ground

What it looks like: Eggshell has a soft, low-level sheen similar to the surface of an actual eggshell. It reflects a small amount light, giving walls more depth than a matte finish but without adding too much shine.

Best for:

• Living rooms, dining rooms or hallways. Anywhere you want both style and practicality
• Spaces that get daily use and where the walls have chance of being scuffed or banged, but that aren't constantly exposed to mess and moisture (for example a bathroom or a garage etc)

Popular brands in the US:

• Behr Premium Plus Eggshell – a widely available option that balances durability and style.
• Benjamin Moore Aura Eggshell – offers washability and a subtle sheen, ideal for living spaces.

Pros:

• More durable than matte while still looking subtle.
• Easier to wipe down if there are scuffs or marks.

Cons:

• Not as forgiving on imperfect walls as matte.
• Doesn't have the strong durability of satin.

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Satin Finish: Durable and Stylish

What it looks like: Satin has a noticeable but smooth sheen, sitting between eggshell and semi-gloss. It gives walls a polished appearance without being overly reflective.

Best for:

• Kitchens, bathrooms, and kids' rooms where walls need to withstand cleaning and moisture.
• Doors, trim, and woodwork that benefit from a slightly shiny finish.

Popular brands in the US:

• Sherwin-Williams Duration Home Satin – durable, easy to clean, and moisture resistant.
• Behr Marquee Satin Enamel – ideal for high-traffic areas and surfaces that get frequent wiping.

Pros:

• Very durable and easy to clean—perfect for busy households.
• Resists moisture better than matte or eggshell.

Cons:

• Can highlight imperfections on walls.
• Slightly shinier look may not suit every room style.

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Gloss Finish: Hardwearing and Elegant

What it looks like: Gloss paint has the highest sheen of all these finishes. At around 90 to 95% sheen, gloss is the classic "shiny" paint. It's very hardwearing and durable which has made it a classic choice for woodwork and "high touch" areas such as handrails, window frames or front doors. But don't let tradition stop you, gloss paint has also been used to create rich, dramtic and elegant finishes where you want to add a bit more drama and luxury to a room. For example the high reflection can add an almost mirror like quality to gloss ceilings helping to create an illusion of height and space.

Best for:

• Kitchens, bathrooms, and kids' rooms where walls need to withstand cleaning and moisture.
• Doors, trim, and woodwork that benefit from a slightly shiny finish.

Popular brands in the US:

• Sherwin-Williams Duration Home Satin – durable, easy to clean, and moisture resistant.
• Behr Marquee Satin Enamel – ideal for high-traffic areas and surfaces that get frequent wiping.

Pros:

• Very durable and long lasting. It's the perfect for surfaces that recieve a lot of wear and tear.
• Resists moisture better than matte or eggshell.

Cons:

• Will highlight any imperfections on surfaces. Thorough preparation is key when using gloss
• Long drying times. Althought the paint may be dry to the tough fairly quickly it can take hours or evena few days for the gloss finish to fully cure and harden to its most durable state.
• Touch ups can be difficult and you need high quality brushes to make sure the finish is smooth.

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How to Choose Between Satin, Eggshell, and Matte

Here's a simple way to think about it:

• Choose matte if you want a soft, modern look and don't need to scrub the walls often.
• Go for eggshell if you want a balanced option that works almost anywhere.
• Pick satin if durability and washability are top priorities, especially in kitchens, bathrooms, and family spaces.

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Final Thoughts

The right paint finish depends on the room's function, lighting, and the mood you want to create. A relaxed bedroom may be perfect with matte. A busy hallway benefits from eggshell's balance of style and practicality. And kitchens or kids' playrooms often call for satin due to its durability and ease of cleaning.

By matching the finish to your space's needs, you'll not only make your home look great but also ensure your paint job lasts longer.

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FAQ: Satin vs Eggshell vs Matte

Q: Can I use matte paint in a kitchen or bathroom?
A: Matte is less moisture-resistant and harder to clean, so it's generally not recommended for kitchens or bathrooms. Satin or semi-gloss is a better choice in these areas.

Q: Is eggshell better than satin?
A: Eggshell offers a softer, more subtle sheen than satin and works well in living spaces with moderate use. Satin is more durable and easier to clean, making it better for high-traffic or moisture-prone areas.

Q: Can I use satin on bedroom walls?
A: Yes, satin can be used on bedroom walls if you want a slightly polished look and easier cleaning, but it may highlight wall imperfections more than matte or eggshell.

Q: Which finish hides wall imperfections the best?
A: Matte finishes are the most forgiving and hide bumps, cracks, or textured walls better than eggshell or satin.

Q: How do I decide between eggshell and satin?
A: Think about traffic and cleaning needs. Eggshell works for moderate traffic areas like living rooms and dining rooms, while satin is ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, and kids' rooms.