The Best Paint Finishes for High-Traffic Areas
Learn which paint sheens and types stand up to the rigors of daily life in busy homes and offices.
"The best way to predict the future is to create it."— Peter Drucker
Choosing the right paint finish is just as crucial as selecting the perfect color, especially for high-traffic areas in your home or office. These spaces—hallways, kitchens, bathrooms, and children’s rooms—demand durability to withstand daily wear and tear. A finish that can’t handle scuffs, stains, and frequent cleaning will quickly lose its luster, leading to premature repainting and added costs.
For maximum durability, satin and semi-gloss finishes are the top contenders. A satin finish offers a subtle sheen that is both elegant and easy to clean, making it a popular choice for living rooms and hallways. It reflects more light than eggshell or matte finishes, adding a soft glow to the room while being resilient enough to handle occasional scrubbing.
When you need even greater toughness, semi-gloss is the answer. Its higher sheen provides a hard, durable surface that is highly resistant to moisture and staining. This makes it ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, and trim work like doors and baseboards. While its reflective surface can highlight imperfections on the wall, its washability is second to none. For the ultimate in durability, a high-gloss finish is an option, though it is typically reserved for accent trim due to its intense shine.