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What’s the Difference Between Flat, Matte, Eggshell, Satin, and Semi-Gloss Paint?


That 1 Painter is the fastest-growing painting company in the world. Painting your house can be complicated, but with our expertise, we make the process easy and stress-free for homeowners. With locations across the nation, we have helped tens of thousands of homeowners make the best choices for their homes without sacrificing quality, and we are here to show you how.

This one comes up all the time.

You pick a color.
You’re feeling good.
And then you’re suddenly choosing between flat, matte, eggshell, satin, semi-gloss, gloss…?

It’s a lot of options for one wall.
But it’s actually one of the most important choices in the whole process.

The sheen you pick affects how your space looks, how it handles wear and tear, and even how often you’ll need to clean it.
So yeah, it matters.

Here’s a simple breakdown of how it works.

Each step up adds a little more gloss,
and a little more durability.

Let’s go from least shiny to most.

A quick guide to paint sheens:

  • Flat
    • No gloss, no reflection
    • Hides wall imperfections
    • Best for ceilings and low-traffic areas
    • Not washable
  • Matte
    • Slightly more durable than flat
    • Still soft and subtle
    • Works well in bedrooms or offices
  • Eggshell
    • Soft glow with more cleanability
    • Very popular for walls in most rooms
    • Great for living rooms, hallways, and bedrooms
  • Satin
    • Noticeably more sheen
    • Durable and moisture-resistant
    • Best for bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, and kids’ rooms
  • Semi-gloss
    • High shine and high durability
    • Easy to clean
    • Used on trim, doors, baseboards, and cabinets
  • Gloss
    • Super shiny, like a lacquer
    • Shows every bump and flaw, so prep is key
    • Best for cabinets or statement furniture

Most people end up somewhere between eggshell and satin for walls,
then use semi-gloss for trim and doors.

If you want a moody, modern look? Matte is gorgeous.
If you want something super scrub-able? Satin is your friend.

So, what’s the difference between flat, matte, eggshell, satin, and semi-gloss?

It’s all about how much sheen you want,
and where that sheen actually makes sense.

Every space is different.
Every surface has its own job.

If you’re still unsure what’s best for your walls,
That 1 Painter has locations all over the country,
and we’re happy to help.

Your walls deserve the right finish.
Let’s make sure they get it.

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