Matte, Eggshell, Satin or Semi-Gloss? A Complete Guide for Montreal Homeowners

One of the most common questions we get from Montreal homeowners is: 'Which paint finish should I use?' The colour gets all the attention, but the sheen level is equally important — it affects durability, washability, and how the colour looks in different lighting conditions. Here's our complete guide.

Understanding Paint Sheens: What Do They Mean?

Paint sheen refers to how much light the dried paint surface reflects. The higher the sheen, the more reflective, durable, and washable the paint — but also the more it highlights surface imperfections. Lower sheens are more forgiving and create a warmer, more elegant look.

• Flat/Matte: No sheen, most forgiving of imperfections
• Eggshell: Slight sheen, very popular for living areas
• Satin: Medium sheen, good for high-traffic areas
• Semi-Gloss: High sheen, very washable and moisture-resistant
• High-Gloss: Maximum sheen, used for trim and special accents

Living Rooms & Bedrooms: Eggshell Is King

For living rooms and bedrooms, eggshell is the near-universal choice of professional painters. It has just enough sheen to be wipeable, but not so much that it highlights every roller mark or minor wall imperfection. It looks warm and elegant in Montreal's natural light.

Kitchens & Bathrooms: Go Satin or Semi-Gloss

In moisture-prone and high-traffic areas like kitchens and bathrooms, you need a finish that can be wiped down repeatedly without losing colour. Satin is our recommendation for bathroom walls; semi-gloss is excellent for the ceiling (especially with steam) and behind ranges.

• Satin for bathroom walls and kitchen walls
• Semi-gloss for kitchen/bathroom ceilings
• Semi-gloss or high-gloss for all trim and doors

Ceilings: Always Flat or Matte

Ceilings should always be painted in a flat or matte finish — no exceptions. Any sheen on a ceiling will pick up and reflect overhead lighting, making every texture and imperfection glaringly visible. Flat white is the standard; a slightly off-white ceiling colour can make rooms feel taller.

Trim, Doors & Baseboards: Semi-Gloss or High-Gloss

Trim takes a beating — it gets bumped, scuffed, and touched constantly. Semi-gloss is the industry standard for baseboards, door frames, and window trim. High-gloss is reserved for front doors and statement pieces where you want maximum sheen and impact.

A Quick Room-by-Room Reference

Here's the summary: Living room → Eggshell. Bedroom → Eggshell. Kitchen walls → Satin. Kitchen ceiling → Semi-gloss. Bathroom walls → Satin. Bathroom ceiling → Semi-gloss. All trim → Semi-gloss. All ceilings (non-kitchen/bath) → Flat. Front door → High-gloss.

Frequently Asked Questions