About Interior Paint Sheens

Choosing the proper sheen for the different surfaces and areas of your home will help you choose the best interior product and get the most from your paint for a beautiful look that will stand the test of time. Visit the Color Center at your local Home Depot for more tips on choosing the right sheen for your project.

Flat

A flat sheen has a non-reflective finish that touches up well and hides minor surface imperfections.

Applications: Low-traffic areas; interior walls and ceilings

Areas: Ceilings

Durability: Medium-Low

Products: BEHR ULTRA® Interior Flat
BEHR PREMIUM PLUS® Interior Flat

Purple dining room with a painted accent wall featuring a flat paint finish.

Matte

A matte sheen has a low-luster, reflective finish that is durable, easy to clean, touches up well and also hides minor surface imperfections.

Applications: Low-traffic areas; interior walls

Areas: Family rooms, living rooms, kids' rooms, bathrooms, dining rooms, ceilings

Durability: Medium

Products: BEHR DYNASTY® Interior Matte
BEHR MARQUEE® Interior Matte

Purple dining room with a painted accent wall featuring a matte paint finish.

Eggshell Enamel

An eggshell enamel sheen has a soft, velvety appearance that resists dirt and grime, as well as mildew.

Applications: Moderate-traffic areas

Areas: Family rooms, living rooms, bedrooms, kids' rooms, hallways, dining rooms

Durability: Medium

Products: BEHR DYNASTY® Interior Eggshell Enamel
BEHR MARQUEE® Interior Eggshell Enamel
BEHR ULTRA® Interior Eggshell Enamel
BEHR PREMIUM PLUS® Interior Eggshell Enamel

Purple dining room with a painted accent wall featuring an eggshell paint finish.

Satin Enamel

A satin enamel sheen has a pearl-like finish that's easy to clean.

Applications: All interior surfaces; moderate- to high-traffic areas

Areas: Family rooms, living rooms, bedrooms, kids' rooms, hallways, kitchens, bathrooms, doors, windows, trim, cabinets, shutters, interior furniture

Durability: Medium-High

Products: BEHR DYNASTY® Interior Satin Enamel
BEHR MARQUEE® Interior Satin Enamel
BEHR ULTRA® Interior Satin Enamel
BEHR PREMIUM PLUS® Interior Satin Enamel

Purple dining room with a painted accent wall featuring a satin paint finish.

Semi-Gloss Enamel

A semi-gloss enamel sheen is sleek and radiant resisting mildew, moisture and wear.

Applications: Cabinets and trim; high-traffic, high-moisture areas

Areas: Kids' rooms, hallways, kitchens, bathrooms, doors, windows, trim, cabinets, shutters

Durability: High

Products: BEHR DYNASTY® Interior Semi-Gloss Enamel
BEHR MARQUEE® Interior Semi-Gloss Enamel
BEHR ULTRA® Interior Semi-Gloss Enamel
BEHR PREMIUM PLUS® Interior Semi-Gloss Enamel

Purple dining room with a painted accent wall featuring a semi-gloss paint finish.

Hi-Gloss Enamel

Hi-Gloss enamel sheens have a brilliant, shiny appearance and a durable, glass-like finish that allows dirt and grime to be wiped clean.

Applications: High-use surfaces

Areas: Kitchens, bathrooms, doors, windows, trim, cabinets, shutters, interior furniture

Durability: High

Products: BEHR PREMIUM PLUS® Interior/Exterior Hi-Gloss Enamel

Purple dining room with a painted accent wall featuring a hi-gloss paint finish.
Interior paint sheen usage chart