2025 Paint Guide
The Ultimate Paint Color & Finish Guide for Your Home or Business
Choosing the right paint for your home or commercial space goes beyond picking a pretty color. The type of finish you choose can have just as much impact on the final look and functionality of your walls, ceilings, and cabinetry. At Lush Brush Painting, we help clients across Martin County make informed choices about color, product, and finish so that their space not only looks amazing but also performs beautifully for years to come.
This guide covers everything you need to know about paint finishes, types, and how to choose the right one based on your space. Whether you’re painting a residential interior, revamping your kitchen cabinets, or giving your storefront a facelift, we’ve got the brushstroke breakdown to help.
Why Finish Matters Just as Much as Color
A paint’s finish affects how it reflects light, how easy it is to clean, and how well it hides imperfections. Glossy finishes add brightness and drama but will reveal every flaw on the wall. Matte finishes hide blemishes but can be difficult to maintain in high-traffic areas. Finding the right balance is key to a great-looking, long-lasting result.
Types of Paint Finishes
Matte / Flat Finish
Best for: Ceilings, low-traffic walls (like formal living rooms)
Pros: Non-reflective, excellent at hiding imperfections, velvety finish
Cons: Difficult to clean; may scuff or stain easily
Perfect if: You want a soft, modern look that de-emphasizes wall texture
Eggshell Finish
Best for: Living rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms
Pros: Slight sheen for subtle elegance, easier to clean than matte
Cons: Not ideal for heavy traffic or mess-prone areas
Ideal for: Homeowners wanting a balanced aesthetic with light durability
Satin Finish
Best for: Kitchens, bathrooms, kids’ rooms, hallways
Pros: Durable, easy to clean, resists moisture and mildew
Cons: Will highlight any wall flaws if not prepped properly
Great choice: For busy households or moisture-prone rooms
Semi-Gloss Finish
Best for: Trim, doors, crown molding, cabinetry
Pros: Very durable and easy to clean, highly reflective
Cons: Shows surface imperfections and brush strokes
Recommended for: Surfaces you touch and clean often
High-Gloss Finish
Best for: Built-ins, decorative trim, statement pieces
Pros: Most durable and scrubbable, super shiny
Cons: Requires perfect prep—amplifies flaws
Bold pick: For modern, high-drama looks with sleek surfaces
Paint Types by Room or Space
Not all finishes are created equal when it comes to different areas of your home or business. Here’s how we guide clients in choosing the best product and finish per space:
Interior Spaces
Living rooms & bedrooms: Eggshell or satin
Hallways: Satin or semi-gloss for durability
Kitchens & bathrooms: Satin or semi-gloss (moisture-resistant)
Trim, doors, cabinets: Semi-gloss or high-gloss for cleanability and pop
Cabinetry & Built-ins
Cabinetry needs a hard, durable finish to withstand constant use. We recommend:
Semi-gloss: Classic and highly durable
High-gloss: Modern, high-shine impact
Garage & Utility Floors
Epoxy flooring is the go-to here. Durable, slip-resistant, and available in many styles and flake options.
Exterior Surfaces
Flat or satin for siding (flat hides flaws; satin lasts longer)
Semi-gloss for trim and accents
Choose paints rated for UV and humidity resistance, especially in Florida
Popular Color Families & Trends
Neutrals
Go-to for resale value and flexibility
Timeless tones like greige, taupe, warm whites
Coastal Palettes
Ideal for Florida homes
Soft blues, seafoam greens, sandy beige
Bold Statements
Navy, charcoal, emerald green
Works best as an accent wall or built-in color
Warm Modern
Rust, terracotta, clay paired with cream
Creates a cozy, curated look
Paint Finish FAQs
What is the most durable paint finish for a busy household?
Satin and semi-gloss finishes are your best bet. They handle moisture, handprints, and cleaning better than flat or eggshell.
Can I mix finishes in one room?
Is high-gloss too shiny for homes?
What finish should I use in a bathroom?
Can Lush Brush Painting help me choose the right finish?
Ready to Paint It Right?
At Lush Brush Painting, we help you do more than just pick a color. Our team will guide you through choosing the best paint finish for every surface—ensuring it looks incredible and holds up beautifully.
Whether you’re repainting your entire home, updating your business interior, or refinishing cabinets, we’re the residential and commercial painting contractor Martin County trusts.
Need help choosing the right finish? Let your trusted painter near me help you bring your space to life. Schedule your free color consultation today.