Matte/Flat Finish

Matte finishes have no sheen and provide a non-reflective, smooth appearance. This finish is great for hiding imperfections on walls but may require more frequent touch-ups as it’s less washable than glossier finishes.

Best For:

• Low-traffic areas like bedrooms and ceilings
• Spaces where you want to minimize surface imperfections
• Interior walls in homes or offices that want a soft, elegant look

Products with a Matte Finish:

• AURA® Bath & Spa Waterborne (Matte)
• ben® Waterborne Interior Paint (Matte)

Eggshell Finish

Eggshell has a slight sheen that gives it a soft glow. It’s more durable than a flat finish and is easier to clean, making it perfect for areas that see moderate traffic.

Best For:

• Living rooms, dining rooms, and hallways
• Spaces needing a balance between aesthetics and practicality
• Walls that need to be more durable but still look elegant

Products with an Eggshell Finish:

• AURA® Waterborne Interior Paint (Eggshell)
• Ultra Spec® 500 Interior Eggshell Finish

Satin/Pearl Finish

Satin finishes have a subtle shine and are more washable than eggshell. Satin finishes are perfect for areas where you need durability and a bit of shine without being overly glossy.

Best For:

• Kitchens, bathrooms, and family rooms
• High-traffic areas that require frequent cleaning
• Woodwork, trim, or furniture for a touch of elegance with durability

Products with a Satin Finish:

• AURA® Waterborne Interior Paint (Satin Finish)
• ben® Waterborne Interior Paint (Satin/Pearl)
• ADVANCE® Waterborne Interior Alkyd Paint (Satin Finish)

Semi-Gloss Finish

Semi-gloss has a noticeable shine and is highly durable. It’s great for areas that need to be frequently cleaned and for highlighting details like trim, doors, and cabinets.

Best For:

• Trim, doors, and cabinets
• Kitchens and bathrooms
• Areas with high moisture or grease like laundry rooms and utility spaces

Products with a Semi-Gloss Finish:

• AURA® Waterborne Interior Paint (Semi-Gloss Finish)
• ADVANCE® Waterborne Interior Alkyd Paint (Semi-Gloss Finish)
• Regal® Select Waterborne Interior Paint (Semi-Gloss)

Gloss/High-Gloss Finish

Gloss finishes have the highest level of shine and are incredibly durable. This finish is often used on surfaces that need to stand out or withstand regular cleaning.

Best For:

• Doors, trim, and cabinets
• Furniture and areas requiring a hard, washable surface
• High-traffic or accent areas that need a bit of shine and protection

Products with a Gloss Finish:

• ADVANCE® Waterborne Interior Alkyd Paint (High Gloss Finish)
• COMMAND® Waterborne Acrylic Urethane (Gloss)

Specialty Finishes

Ceiling Paint

Ceiling paint is typically ultra-flat to minimize light reflection and hide imperfections on a large surface.

Best For:

• Ceilings in any room, particularly living rooms, bedrooms, and dining rooms.

Product:

• Waterborne Ceiling Paint (Ultra Flat)

Primer

Primers are essential for creating a uniform surface before applying paint, especially when covering dark colors or stains.

Best For:

• New drywall, bare wood, or over previously painted walls
• Prepping surfaces for better paint adhesion and longevity

Products:

• PVA Primer/Finish 100
• Aqua Lock® Plus Primer/Sealer

By choosing the right finish for your project, you ensure the durability and beauty of the paint while meeting the specific needs of your space. Whether you’re redecorating your home or giving a fresh look to your office, understanding the properties of each finish will help you achieve the best results.