Eggshell has a low sheen that suits most walls. Satin is shinier, wipes clean more easily and resists stains better, so it fits doors, trim and busy rooms. Flat reflects almost no light, so it hides patches and flaws best but is the least scrubbable. These are general rules within one brand’s product line. The exact formula matters as much as the sheen name.
The sheen ladder
Benjamin Moore’s finish guide ranks its finishes from least to most glossy: flat, matte, eggshell, pearl, satin, semi-gloss, high gloss.
| Finish | What Benjamin Moore says | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| Flat | No sheen and “more forgiving of flaws” | Ceilings, low-traffic rooms, patched walls |
| Matte | Nearly as shine-free as flat, slightly more durable | Bedrooms, dining rooms, hallways |
| Eggshell | Low sheen, more durable than flat or matte, easy to clean | Most walls |
| Satin | Higher gloss, better stain resistance and durability | Doors, trim, high-traffic walls |
Sheen names aren’t standardized across brands, so compare sheens within the product line you’re buying.
Pick by the problem you’re solving
- Patched or uneven walls, or strong side light from a window: go lower. More sheen makes surface flaws easier to see. Paint can’t hide a raised patch, though, so sand and prime first.
- Fingerprints, kids, kitchens and hallways: eggshell or satin, depending on how much shine you’ll accept.
- Bathrooms: choose by the product’s intended use, not sheen alone. Benjamin Moore sells Aura Bath & Spa in a matte finish made for high-humidity rooms, so low sheen doesn’t rule out a bath. Fix leaks and poor ventilation before you repaint.
- Touch-ups: these can show with any sheen. Keep the product name, color formula and sheen on record, and repaint to a corner or edge if a spot repair shows.
Test before committing
- Get a sample in the actual product and sheen. Some sample pots come in a different finish from the gallon.
- Paint two coats on a board or a prepared patch of wall.
- Look at it in daylight and lamp light, and from an angle as well as straight on.
Cleaning
Let the paint cure as the label says before you wash it. Dry to the touch isn’t the same as ready to scrub. Benjamin Moore’s cleaning advice recommends gentle methods suited to the finish, since aggressive scrubbing can damage any paint, satin included.