interior living room with glossy orange painted wall and tan furniture

Find out whether you should use flat satin or semi-gloss paint for maximum results

One of the most exciting things about being a homeowner is that you can use paint to completely transform your living space. However, one of the most overwhelming aspects is standing in the aisle at the paint store trying to decide what paint to use. Wonder no more: We break down where and how you should use flat satin and semi-gloss paint.

Paint stores are your go-to resource for helping you determine the perfect shade for the space you want to transform. But unless you know what type of paint performs best in each room, you may end up with a gloopy mess that takes more time to correct than apply.

What’s the Difference Between Flat Satin and Semi-Gloss Paint?

Paint sheens range from flat, eggshell, satin, semi-gloss, and gloss. Flat satin and semi-gloss are among the most popular because of their versatility and durability. Flat paints contain more pigmentation, which means you can apply fewer coats. Flat satins are a combination of pigment and sheen, making them good choices for rooms that see a lot of activity. Semi-gloss paint has more shine than flat satin and looks shiny when it reflects light.

Both paints can be color-matched to the exact shade you want.

Semi-gloss tends to cost slightly more than flat satin.

Flat satin shades add ambiance to a room without drawing attention to the paint itself. Another bonus is that flat satins conceal slight wall imperfections and are easy to clean with a wet cloth. If you are looking for a quick weekend project that will up-level your living space, a simple flat satin is the way to go. Flat satins work best on:

Ceilings: Flat satins reduce glare from light fixtures and indirect light coming from windows.
Hallways: Narrow hallways easily attract dings and smudges. A flat satin with an eggshell finish allows you to wipe away marks easily, and adds a bit of luster without over-the-top shine.
Living Rooms, Family Rooms, and Dens: The velvety finish of flat satin paint masks wall surface imperfections like scrapes and pocks.

Where Should You Use Semi-Gloss Paint?

Semi-gloss paint is your go-to for the rooms in your house where the most action happens. It dries harder than other paints, which makes it extra durable. Its highly reflective capabilities make rooms appear larger in both artificial and natural light. Opt for semi-gloss in:

Kitchens: The heart of your home needs paint that dries to a hard finish so it doesn’t absorb moisture or grease and is easy to clean. Cabinets also benefit from a semi-gloss finish so you can easily wipe away smudges and fingerprints.
Bathrooms: Semi-gloss paint is a good choice for bathrooms because it resists moisture, mold, and mildew.
Interior Doors: Semi-gloss allows you to quickly clean doors that get opened often.
Trim, Baseboards, and Moldings: Semi-gloss draws the eye to accent woodwork along floors, ceilings, and windows.

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How to Decide Between Flat Satin and Semi-Gloss Paint