If you are thinking of sprucing up your property with a fresh coat of paint, the first thing that comes to mind is the color. But to accomplish the look you are trying to achieve, an equal amount of thought should go into the type of paint sheen you will use, which is how much light reflects off the paint. For a rundown of the most common sheens read on.

Matte or Flat – With no reflective properties, this is a good option for touch-ups since they are less visible. Keep in mind it’s less durable, and will be damaged if treated with a cleaner, so it’s best used in low-traffic areas.

Eggshell – This sheen is soft like an eggshell, hence the name. It’s good for medium-traffic areas like entryways, hallways, and living rooms.

Satin – A popular choice for its increased gloss and better durability over lower sheens like eggshell, making it easier to clean and good for busy areas.

High-Gloss or Semi-Gloss – These sheens are shiny, sleek, and very durable with high moisture resistance, making them good for high-traffic and humid areas like kitchens and bathrooms. However, their shine shows imperfections the most. For maximum shine and durability, high-gloss is the best choice.

If you are torn between what sheen to choose, you can always mix them to get a little of both.