Have you ever stared at a coffee shop menu, drowning in choices? And then when you finally make up your mind to get an iced vanilla latte and place your order, they spring more choices on you! What size would you like? Decaf or regular? Do you want whipped cream on top?

Some people have this same experience when selecting paint: exhausted by the color-choosing ordeal, but feeling smugly triumphant, they confidently assert that they want jupiter glow for the walls and pale almond for the trim. Then, out of nowhere, comes the question: “and what finish would you like?”

Or maybe you’re one of those decisive, oldest-child types. You can rattle off your coffee order in one breath without a stutter, and you know exactly what colors you want in your new living room. Even if this is you, choosing your paint sheen should be done with care.

Designers speak of form and function when creating: you want it to look good (form), but if it doesn’t work (function), it’s useless. Picture a crystal golf club, or a silk welcome mat. Paint sheen should be considered the same way—you might like the look, but will it work in the area you want to use it?

Here are some of the features of the most common finishes:

Flat: This finish is good for ceilings and walls that you do not want to draw much attention to. It makes surface flaws stand out less than other sheens. It does not reflect much light, and is a good choice for the walls that will not need regular scrubbing.

Eggshell: With only a trace of gloss or shine, Eggshell is a very practical finish. It holds up better to cleaning than a flat finish, and has a little more luster in it. It is a warm-feeling finish, and performs well on walls in living rooms, bedrooms, halls, and stairways.

Satin: Velvety smooth, as the name implies, this sheen has a slight shine and is often used on windows, doors, trim, and smooth ceilings. It can also be used on walls, and because it endures cleanings well, it is a great choice for kids’ rooms and other high-traffic areas.

Semi-Gloss: This sheen has a moderate shine that appropriately draws attention to details like doors, trim, and kitchen or bathroom cabinets. It can also be used for walls, though it is more often used for accenting than for wall-covering. This durable finish also cleans very well, and can be a great choice in bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, or any area that will be exposed to splashing or steam. It is important to prepare surfaces well before using semi-gloss, as imperfections will be highlighted.

Gloss: A truly glossy paint finish reflects light almost like plastic or enamel. It is not commonly used in home interiors, but it has lately become more popular for showcasing trim, cabinets, and furniture. It holds up against scrubbing and is very stain-resistant. Again, meticulous surface preparation is vital with gloss, because surface defects will be magnified by a glossy finish.

To get more advice about colors and finishes, consult with a painting contractor. Jalapeno Paint Werx provides free estimates and free color consultation to our customers in the Naperville and Chicagoland areas.