interior painting

Choosing the perfect interior paint color is only half the decision—selecting the right paint sheen is just as important. As experienced Atlanta interior painters, we’ve seen how the wrong sheen can make a room feel flat, highlight imperfections, or become difficult to maintain. The right sheen, on the other hand, protects your walls, enhances your space, and supports long-term durability.

If you’re planning an interior painting project in Atlanta, here’s a breakdown of the most common sheens and the pros and cons of each.

Flat Sheen

Flat, also known as matte, has no shine, which makes it excellent for hiding surface imperfections. Because it absorbs light, it softens bright spaces—ideal for:

  • Bedrooms
  • Family rooms
  • Ceilings

However, flat sheen is harder to clean, stains easily, and touch-ups can appear uneven even with the same paint. For these reasons, we don’t recommend flat paint in high-traffic areas like kitchens, bathrooms, hallways, or kids’ spaces.

choosing paint colors 05

Eggshell/Satin Sheen

Eggshell and satin are the most popular choices for interior painting in Atlanta homes. They offer a soft, low-to-medium shine that’s easier to maintain than flat paint.

Best uses:

  • Kitchens
  • Bathrooms
  • Living rooms
  • Children’s bedrooms
  • High-traffic areas

Satin’s subtle sheen helps reflect light and can make a room feel more open. It’s also more washable—great for families or anyone wanting long-lasting results.

Gloss And Semi-Gloss Sheen

Gloss and semi-gloss are the highest-shine options, reflecting a lot of light. They’re extremely durable and the easiest to clean, making them ideal for:

  • Baseboards
  • Doors
  • Window trim
  • Cabinets

Because of their reflective nature, these sheens highlight imperfections. Use them strategically to avoid unwanted glare.

atlanta interior painting

Considerations

Choosing paint colors with higher gloss requires more coats than flatter paints. A room that only requires one coat of flat paint might need two to three coats of satin and three to four coats of gloss. The higher the gloss, the more scuff and dirt-resistant the surface becomes, which makes cleaning easier, but the trade-off is that the cost of paint also increases with the gloss. Flat paint is less expensive by the gallon than gloss paint. This is an important factor, depending on the size of the space being painted.

If you have any questions about the type of paint that is best for your needs, contact Atlanta’s Paint Doctor. We will help you choose the perfect paid for your needs. Reach out to us now!