Paint Sheens and Their Place in the Home

When it comes to finishing the interior of a new build, few steps make as big a visual impact as painting. Colour is the most noticeable detail, but just as important is the sheen. The sheen determines how much light reflects off the surface, how easy it is to clean, and how the finish performs day to day. At Quality Homes & Renovations, we follow a consistent system for interiors: flat paint on ceilings, eggshell on walls, and semi-gloss on trim and interior doors. Each has its place, and understanding why helps explain why these choices are standard in our homes.

What Is a Paint Sheen?

Sheen refers to the level of shine in a paint finish. It’s created by the ratio of pigment to binder in the paint formula. A higher binder content results in a smoother surface that reflects more light, giving a glossier finish. More pigment makes the surface rougher, scattering light and creating a flatter appearance.

Every manufacturer sets their sheen levels a little differently. What one company calls “eggshell” may look very close to another’s “satin.” Even within the same label, gloss levels can vary slightly from brand to brand. Because of these differences, we always work with paints we know and trust, ensuring consistent results across projects.

Flat Paint on Ceilings

Ceilings are almost always finished with flat paint. A flat finish has little to no shine, so it absorbs light rather than reflecting it. This helps reduce glare from light fixtures and creates a smooth, uniform look across the entire surface. Flat paint also does an excellent job of hiding minor imperfections in the ceiling drywall.

Durability isn’t a concern here. Ceilings don’t get touched or cleaned very often, so the scuff resistance of glossier paints isn’t necessary. Flat paint keeps the focus on the walls and trim while making the ceiling appear consistent and clean.

Eggshell Paint on Walls

Walls take much more day-to-day use than ceilings, so they need a finish that balances appearance with practicality. That’s why we use eggshell. With its low-luster surface, eggshell gives walls a soft, finished look without being shiny. At the same time, it has more binder than flat paint, which makes it more durable and easier to wipe clean.

Eggshell is ideal for living rooms, bedrooms, and hallways — the main spaces of a home that see daily traffic. It resists light scuffs and can handle occasional cleaning without losing its look. Compared to flat paint, it holds up better over time, but it doesn’t highlight imperfections the way a glossier finish would. For us, it’s the right balance between durability and a comfortable appearance.

Semi-Gloss on Trim and Interior Doors

Trim and interior doors are handled differently. These surfaces are touched frequently, get knocked by furniture, and need to be wiped clean regularly. For that reason, we finish them with semi-gloss paint.

Semi-gloss reflects more light, giving trim and doors a brighter, crisper look. More importantly, the higher binder content makes it tough and moisture-resistant. It stands up well to repeated cleaning, which is important on doors, baseboards, and casings. The glossy surface also adds a subtle contrast against the softer look of eggshell walls, helping the trim and doors stand out as finished features of the home.

The only drawback to semi-gloss is that it shows imperfections more readily. Any dings, nail holes, or rough spots on trim will be easier to see once painted. For that reason, we take extra care in sanding, filling, and preparing trim and doors before painting. With the right preparation, the result is a smooth, durable finish that looks sharp and performs well.

Why Sheen Matters

Choosing the right sheen isn’t just about appearance. It’s about using the correct finish for each surface so it performs as expected. Ceilings benefit from flat paint because it hides flaws and reduces glare. Walls need eggshell because it balances cleanability with a comfortable look. Trim and doors require semi-gloss to handle regular use and stand up to cleaning.

At Quality Homes & Renovations, our standard interior paint system is straightforward: flat on ceilings, eggshell on walls, and semi-gloss on trim and interior doors. This approach gives each surface the right balance of appearance and durability. Flat paint creates smooth, consistent ceilings. Eggshell provides walls with a soft look that still stands up to daily use. Semi-gloss delivers crisp, durable trim and doors that can be cleaned easily and withstand regular wear. By matching sheen to surface, we finish homes in a way that is both practical and polished, ensuring every room is ready for years of comfortable living.