What Paint Finish Should I Use? A Room-by-Room Guide
Because your colour is only half the story—let your finish do the rest.
So, you picked your paint colour—cue applause! But then comes the question that can trip up even the most seasoned DIYer:
"What finish would you like?"
Wait. There are types of shine?
Yes—and the right finish can take your space from flat to fabulous, literally. At Color Coders & Decor in Burlington and Stoney Creek, we walk you through sheen and gloss like pros because how your paint performs matters just as much as how it looks.
Sheen and Gloss 101: What Are We Talking About?
Sheen (or gloss) refers to how much light reflects off a painted surface. It affects:
How the colour looks in different lighting
How the surface feels to the touch
How easy it is to clean
From no shine to high shine, Benjamin Moore offers seven go-to interior finishes to suit every room, vibe, and lifestyle. And with Color Coders on your side, you'll never have to guess which one you need.
Let’s Break Down the Benjamin Moore Sheen Spectrum:
Flat Paint
👉 Best for: Ceilings, low-traffic areas
Flat paint doesn’t reflect light—at all. That means more pigment, better hide, and a soft, elegant finish that masks wall imperfections like a charm. Benjamin Moore’s Waterborne Ceiling Paint (K508) is the flattest paint available, giving ceilings a flawless, uniform look.
🚫 Heads up: Flat paint isn’t ideal for busy areas—stains are hard to clean and constant scrubbing can lead to “burnishing” (aka shiny patches).
Ulti-Matte Paint
👉 Best for: Bedrooms, dining rooms, hallways, even bathrooms with the right formula
Ulti-matte offers that rich, low-sheen look with added durability. It’s a pro favourite—smooth, elegant, and surprisingly washable. Regal® Select Ulti-Matte (K552) is perfect for walls that need to look luxe but handle life.
Try Aura® Bath & Spa (532) in ulti-matte for high-humidity rooms that still need to look chic.
Eggshell Paint
👉 Best for: Family rooms, hallways, all-purpose walls
A go-to for a reason: Eggshell strikes the perfect balance between matte beauty and everyday durability. It hides flaws while giving just enough sheen to bounce light softly around the room. We love Aura® Interior Eggshell (F524) for high-traffic, high-style spaces.
Pearl Paint
👉 Best for: Trim, doors, busy walls, wainscoting
With its medium gloss and mildew resistance, Pearl is a hidden gem. It’s elegant, easy to clean, and adds dimension. Regal® Select Interior Pearl (K550) is ideal for bathrooms, kitchens, or anywhere that sees some action.
🎨 Tip: Paint evenly—pearl can reveal lap marks if you rush it.
Satin Paint
👉 Best for: Doors, trim, shutters, and standout architectural details
Satin steps up the shine, giving surfaces a polished, defined look. It also offers better stain resistance than eggshell—perfect for stylish spaces that still need to survive real life.
✨ Think: Aura Exterior in Satin or Soft Gloss for front doors and trim with wow factor.
Semi-Gloss Paint
👉 Best for: Cabinets, trim, moldings, kitchens & baths
Durable and radiant, semi-gloss gives a clean, crisp look to everything it touches. Advance® Interior Semi-Gloss (K793) is especially loved for kitchen cabinets—it cures to a smooth, furniture-like finish that’s easy to wipe clean.
High Gloss Paint
👉 Best for: Trim, furniture, accents… and design risk-takers
This one’s a showstopper. High gloss is bold, elegant, and incredibly durable—perfect for adding drama to doors, accent walls, or even ceilings.
Try Advance® Interior High Gloss (F794) for that glassy, mirrored effect. But remember: flawless prep is key. Gloss will highlight every dent and brushstroke, so prime, smooth, and apply with care—or hire a pro.
We're not just a paint store—we’re your paint decision partners. At our locations, you'll get:
✅ One-on-one help choosing the right sheen
✅ Test pots to try colour and finish at home
✅ Benjamin Moore’s full finish line—from Flat to High Gloss
✅ Design tips, decor pairings, and expert advice
The finish you choose changes everything—how the light dances on your walls, how easily they clean, and how confident you feel in your space.
