Types of Paint Finishes and Your Guide to Picking the Perfect One

What is Paint Sheen?

Most paints are available in a number of different types of paint finishes. Finish, or paint sheen, refers to the amount of light that reflects off a painted surface once it is dry. So the more sheen a paint finish has, the more light it will reflect when it’s dry. A general rule of thumb in the paint world is, “the higher the sheen, the higher the shine!”  

Not only does the finish affect how shiny the paint is when it dries, but it also affects how the final color looks, the surface durability of the paint, and how easy it is to clean. 

In this guide, we outline five different types of paint finishes and how to choose the best one for your project.

5 Types of Paint Finishes and Where to Use Them in Your Home

1. High-Gloss Paint Finishes

2. Semi-Gloss Paint Finish

3. Satin Paint Finish

4. Eggshell Paint Finish

5. Flat / Matte Paint Finish