An almost unlimited number of colors are available for interior painting, making it hard to choose the perfect one. Once that job is done, however, it’s not time to paint yet. It’s also important to choose the right finish to use. Finishes range from matte to gloss based on the amount of sheen they have, and the right option for one room won’t be the correct choice for a different area of the home. The following are five things to think about before picking out the right finish for interior paint.

The Surface Being Painted
The surface being painted can make a difference when it comes to finishes. For walls, almost any finish will work well, depending on other factors like the amount of traffic or cleanability. For cabinets, furniture, and trim, it’s likely better to opt for gloss paint. This helps make the surface easier to keep clean, can help enhance its look, and will be far more durable in the long run compared to other finishes.

How Busy The Room Is
Rooms that have a lot of traffic in them will benefit from a finish that has a higher amount of sheen. Avoid matte for these rooms and, instead, look into satin or semi-gloss. These finishes are easier to keep clean, more stain-resistant, and will continue to look great longer.

Kids and Messes
Kids are known for making messes, especially younger ones that haven’t learned that sharpies aren’t used on the walls. Areas where kids will frequently play, like their bedroom or a playroom, should have a paint with a higher sheen finish. For these rooms, semi-gloss is likely a great option, as it’s much easier to clean and more resistant to stains. While it won’t completely protect the walls from the kids, it can help keep them looking great a lot longer.

Moisture-Prone Areas
The amount of sheen in the finish can impact how well the paint will hold up in high-moisture areas like the kitchen or bathroom. In these areas, a higher sheen is better because it protects the walls from the moisture. Consider using a satin or semi-gloss finish for any areas where moisture is a concern.

The Desired Look
What’s the desired look for the room? If the goal is something a little more rustic, opt for a matte or eggshell finish to avoid it being too shiny. If the goal is bright colors, an eggshell or satin finish might add to the look and help move light throughout the room. Test out the colors with different finishes to find out what’s going to look best in the space.
After picking out the perfect colors, don’t forget to think about which finish would be best for what’s being painted. Depending on the factors here, there may be one choice that stands out as the best option for the room. Take into account a variety of factors and test out the different finishes to make it easier to pick out the perfect one.

5 Things to Consider Before Choosing an Interior Paint Finish by Nicole Reyer