You’ve found a great paint color for your home improvement project, but what about a finish? Flat paint hides flaws, but higher sheen is easier to clean. Charlie Boswell, president of Color Wheel paint and home decor stores in suburban Virginia, offers this guide:

¢ Flat will not reflect light. It’s not washable, and it absorbs stains. Good for ceilings and imperfect walls.

¢ Matte is the lowest sheen that’s washable, scrubbable and stain-resistant. Good for any room but a kitchen or a bath.

¢ Eggshell gives “extra glow or richness,” Boswell says. It’s washable and resists stains and moisture. Good in many rooms, including bathrooms not frequently used.

¢ Satin has “quiet shimmer,” Boswell says. It can be washed often and is very resistant to stains, moisture. Good for kitchens, bathrooms and homes with children.

¢ Semigloss is highly reflective and very washable. Good for doors and trim.

¢ High-gloss is mirrorlike and shows all wall flaws. (Consider having a pro paint this finish.) Good for molding, doors, window frames and accent walls.