Okay, so you’ve picked your paint color.  Now you need to decide what sheen.  Latex paints (water based) and oil/alkyd paints offer a range of sheens and the one you choose should be based on how you want your paint to wear, and the final look you want to achieve.

• If your drywall has surface blemishes and minor flaws, and you want a matte look to your room, pick a flat sheen.  Flat paint is ideal for ceilings, bedrooms, and formal living areas – rooms that benefit from a “softer” look and feel.
• A satin finish is a good choice for high traffic areas such as family rooms, kids’ bedrooms, and hallways.  It has a slight gloss finish which adds the benefit of cleanability.
• Rooms that are exposed to moisture or steam and rooms you constantly clean, such as kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms, are best suited for a semi-gloss finish.
• A gloss finish works best for woodwork, cabinets, and doors because it provides an extremely hard and durable finish.