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Flat paints have the least amount of gloss so they help conceal surface imperfections better than other finishes and are ideal for walls that are rough or dented. They also touch-up better, which makes a flat paint an ideal choice for family rooms, living rooms, dining rooms and bedrooms. Flat paints are also a good choice for ceilings because of their low reflectivity. Stains can be difficult to remove from flat finishes, so it’s best to use flat paints in areas that do not experience a lot of traffic.

 Velvet paints resemble flat paints when viewed head on, but show a slight gloss when viewed at an angle. This slightly higher gloss provides for a more washable or scrubbable surface. These paints are ideal for areas with high traffic, such as hallways and kid’s rooms. 

Eggshell paints are one step glossier than velvet paints. They convey a greater warmth and depth to surfaces than flat paints. Eggshell also tends to resist stains better than flat or velvet paint, although not as well as semi-gloss and high gloss paints. Like velvet paints, these paints are ideal for areas with traffic, such as dining rooms or a kid’s room.

Satin is a paint sheen that falls directly in the middle of the range of interior or exterior paint sheens. Satin paint is glossier than eggshell finish paint, but flatter than semi-gloss paint.

Unlike gloss or semi-gloss paint, satin paint won't produce reflections in low light. In certain angles or in bright light, though, satin's shine will be visible.

 Semi-gloss paints have a slightly glossy appearance and are less reflective than gloss paints. They offer good stain resistance, are easy to clean, and are most often used in rooms requiring frequent scrubbing, such as kitchens and bathrooms. Semi-gloss is also a good alternative to gloss paints for use on windows, trim, cabinets and doors. 

Gloss paint is one step down on the shininess scale from high gloss, and shares the same advantages of durability and easy cleaning. Gloss paints are easier to clean than lower gloss paints and are typically used in kitchens, bathrooms and on doors and cabinets exposed to fingerprints and grime. Because of its high reflection, gloss paint can highlight surface imperfections.

High gloss paints have the highest reflective appearance. They are the toughest, most durable and most stain resistant of all finishes. High gloss paints are the easiest to clean and are typically used on doors and cabinets exposed to dirt and oil and can also be used for trim and some woodwork. However, High gloss paint can emphasize surface imperfections, high gloss isn’t best used on surfaces such as old and cracked window frames, as the shine can draw attention to any imperfections that a duller finish could mask.