Explore the different types of paint finish and the styles they offer.
When it comes to painting your home or business, the color isn’t the only decision that matters—the paint finish plays a major role in appearance, durability, and maintenance. The right finish can enhance the look of your walls, hide imperfections, and even stand up to daily wear and tear. At Columbia Paint Company, we help you choose the perfect finish for every room or project.
Let’s take a closer look at five common types of paint finish and how to use them effectively.
Latex Finish: Easy to Use & Fast Drying
Best for: Walls, ceilings, trim, most interior spaces
Latex paint is one of the most widely used paint finishes thanks to its easy cleanup, low odor, and quick drying time. It’s water-based, making it ideal for homeowners and professionals alike. Latex holds color well over time and is resistant to cracking or fading. It’s also environmentally friendly and available in various sheen levels, making it extremely versatile.
Why choose latex?
- Easy to apply and clean
- Dries quickly
- Low VOC options available
- Ideal for most interior surfaces
Semi-Gloss Finish: Durable & Easy to Clean
Best for: Kitchens, bathrooms, doors, trim, and high-traffic areas
Semi-gloss paint finish has a noticeable shine and offers excellent moisture resistance, making it perfect for areas exposed to humidity or frequent cleaning. It reflects more light than other finishes, giving a crisp, polished look—especially on woodwork and trim.
Why choose semi-gloss?
- Very durable
- Wipes clean easily
- Great for highlighting architectural details
- Ideal for moisture-prone rooms
Matte Finish: Smooth & Elegant
Best for: Bedrooms, dining rooms, ceilings, and low-traffic spaces
Matte (or flat) paint finish has no shine, which provides a rich, smooth appearance and excellent coverage. It’s great at hiding imperfections in walls or ceilings. However, matte finishes are less resistant to scrubbing, so they’re better suited to calm, low-activity spaces.
Why choose matte?
- Hides surface flaws
- Soft, modern look
- Great coverage and depth of color
- Best for low-traffic areas
Satin Finish: The Perfect Middle Ground
Best for: Family rooms, hallways, children’s rooms, and entryways
Satin finishes offer a subtle, velvety sheen—not too shiny, not too flat. They are more durable than matte and easier to clean, making them a popular choice for busy homes. Satin paint also adds a touch of elegance and works well in almost any room.
Why choose satin?
- Slight sheen adds warmth
- More washable than matte or eggshell
- Versatile for many interiors
- Smooth, sophisticated appearance
Eggshell Finish: Soft & Stylish
Best for: Living rooms, offices, dining areas, and moderate-traffic rooms
Eggshell finish falls between matte and satin, offering a low, soft sheen similar to the surface of an eggshell—hence the name. It provides a clean look with just a bit of luster while still being fairly easy to maintain.
Why choose eggshell?
- Subtle sheen without shine
- Hides minor imperfections better than higher gloss finishes
- More durable than matte
- Ideal for stylish, lived-in spaces
Which Finish Is Right for You?
At Columbia Paint Company, our experts can help you match the perfect finish to your space—from elegant matte bedrooms to durable semi-gloss kitchens. Whether you’re repainting a single room or tackling a full remodel, we have the professional guidance and high-quality products you need.
Let Columbia Paint Company help you choose the right finish and get the job done beautifully. Contact us today or visit our showroom for personalized paint advice!
NEW LOCATIONS! VISIT THE US AND EXPLORE!
We’ve moved from the Dobbin Road location to our new, roomy location just down the road:
Columbia Paint and Decorating, a Benjamin Moore Dealer
6822 Oak Hall Lane, Suite C2, Columbia, MD 21045
443-319-4001
Expect the same one-stop shopping for all your decorating needs. We are a full-service Benjamin Moore dealer offering the best quality decorating products at the best prices. We have an ample supply of paint and paint supplies, wallcoverings, custom window treatments, fabrics, and now NEW flooring selections from Kaleen Rugs and Luxury Vinyl Tile samples.
And, of course, the same excellent customer service, knowledge, and customer satisfaction that you’ve come to expect.
ANNOUNCING OUR SECOND LOCATION:
Clarksville Paint & Decorating, a Benjamin Moore Dealer
12447 Clarksville Pike, Suite 1A, Clarksville, MD