Paint Sheen Finder
Which paint sheen should I use?
Sheen changes how much shine, durability, and flaw-hiding you get — not just the look.
| Result | Best for |
|---|---|
| Flat | Ceilings and low-traffic walls with flaws to hide |
| Matte | Bedrooms and living rooms wanting a soft designer look |
| Eggshell | Most living spaces and hallways — the safe default |
| Satin | Kitchens, bathrooms, hallways, and exteriors |
| Semi-Gloss | Trim, doors, cabinets, and full-moisture bathrooms |
| High-Gloss | Cabinets, doors, and deliberate glossy accents |
How this quiz works
The Paint Sheen Finder asks six questions: the surface you are painting, the room, the wear it will see, whether kids or pets will touch it, the condition of the walls and any moisture concern. It scores your answers and points you to flat, matte, eggshell, satin, semi-gloss or high-gloss. Cabinets point straight to semi-gloss, and flawed walls point to flat.
Why these questions
Sheen is a trade between hiding flaws and standing up to cleaning. Low-sheen paints hide dents and patches but mark and scuff more easily, and higher sheens are tougher and easier to wipe but show every flaw and brush mark. The surface, the wear and the wall's condition decide the balance.
What the quiz cannot see
It cannot see your walls, your lighting or the specific paint's washability. Brands differ in how washable their flat and matte paints are, and the same sheen looks different in different light. Use the Paint Calculator and the Paint Coverage Calculator for quantities.
Before you decide
Paint a test patch and look at it at different times of day. Prep matters more than sheen, since patching, sanding and priming decide how the finish looks. In a house built before 1978, test for lead before you sand or scrape.