Online Tool Store
Paint Sheen Guide
Compare flat, matte, eggshell, satin, semi-gloss, and gloss paint sheens side by side — durability, washability, and light reflection — with room-by-room recommendations.
🔒 This tool runs entirely in your browser. Your files are never uploaded to a server.
Recommended sheen
| Sheen | Durability | Washability | Sheen level | Hides imperfections |
|---|
How to use this guide
- Pick the room or surface you're painting from the dropdown.
- See the recommended sheen and the reasoning behind it.
- Compare all five sheen levels side by side on durability, washability, and how well they hide imperfections.
FAQ
What's the actual difference between eggshell and satin?
Both sit in the low-to-medium sheen range, but satin reflects a bit more light and wipes clean more easily, while eggshell has a slightly flatter, softer look that hides minor wall imperfections a touch better. Many people use them interchangeably for main living spaces.
Why is a glossier finish more durable?
Higher-sheen paints cure harder and smoother, which resists scuffing, staining, and moisture better — the tradeoff is that a smoother, harder surface also reflects more light, which makes wall imperfections (bumps, patches, roller marks) more visible.
Can I just use satin everywhere to keep things simple?
You can, and many painters do for consistency, but you'll trade away the best imperfection-hiding on ceilings (where flat wins) and the best moisture resistance in bathrooms (where semi-gloss wins) — worth the sheen-matching effort in those two rooms specifically.
General guide vs. a paint store consultation
| Feature | This guide | Paint store consultation |
|---|---|---|
| Instant general recommendation | ✓ | ✗ |
| Brand-specific product matching | ✗ | ✓ |
Great for deciding what to buy before you get to the store; ask staff for brand-specific formulation differences once you're there.