The Best Paint Finishes for High-Traffic Areas (and Why They Matter)

Westside Finishes
Sep 30
3 min read

When it comes to painting your home, color gets all the attention, but finish is what really determines how your paint performs. If you’ve ever scrubbed fingerprints off a wall or tried to touch up a scuffed hallway, you know not all paint finishes are created equal.

At Westside Finishes, we help homeowners across Gig Harbor and the South Sound choose the right paint finishes for every room, especially the high-traffic areas that see the most daily wear.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the best finishes and why they matter. 👇

1. Flat Finish (Matte) – Best for Low-Traffic Areas

Flat paint has a smooth, non-reflective finish that hides surface imperfections beautifully. It’s ideal for ceilings or low-traffic rooms like adult bedrooms or formal dining areas. However, because it’s less washable, it’s not the best choice for hallways, bathrooms, or kids’ rooms where walls need regular cleaning.

✅ Use in: Bedrooms, ceilings, low-touch walls

🚫 Avoid in: High-traffic or moisture-prone areas

2. Eggshell Finish – The Everyday Favorite

Eggshell offers a soft, low sheen with a touch more durability than flat paint making it one of the most popular choices for homeowners. It’s easy to clean without showing every little imperfection, and it looks beautiful in living rooms and hallways.

✅ Use in: Living rooms, hallways, entryways

💡 Pro tip: Eggshell balances style and function - perfect for family homes.

3. Satin Finish – Durable and Easy to Clean

Satin finishes are the workhorses of interior painting. With a smooth, velvety sheen, they’re washable, moisture-resistant, and ideal for high-traffic or kid-friendly spaces. This finish is often our go-to for active households that want a durable wall without too much shine.

✅ Use in: Kitchens, kids’ rooms, hallways, laundry rooms

💪 Why we love it: It wipes clean easily and holds up to everyday life.

4. Semi-Gloss Finish – Built for Busy Spaces

Semi-gloss paint has a noticeable shine and a tough finish, making it perfect for surfaces that need frequent cleaning or extra protection. It reflects more light, brightens darker rooms, and handles moisture like a champ which is why we use it often in bathrooms, kitchens, and trim work.

✅ Use in: Bathrooms, kitchens, doors, trim, cabinets

🧽 Bonus: It’s the easiest finish to clean and maintain.

5. High-Gloss Finish – For Accent Details

High-gloss finishes are ultra-durable and sleek, but they highlight every surface imperfection so they’re best for small details, not full walls. When applied professionally, they can make trim, doors, and furniture really pop.

✅ Use in: Doors, cabinets, furniture

⚠️ Note: Only for smooth, well-prepped surfaces.

Empty room with gray walls and wood-look flooring. Recessed lighting on ceiling, black door, and small window on right. Modern and clean.

How to Choose the Right Finish

Choosing the right paint finish depends on how you use the space and who’s using it.

Here’s a quick cheat sheet:

Area	Best Finish	Why
Hallways & Entryways	Satin or Eggshell	Washable and durable
Kitchens & Bathrooms	Satin or Semi-Gloss	Handles moisture and stains
Kids’ Rooms	Satin	Easy to clean
Trim & Doors	Semi-Gloss or High-Gloss	Durable and bright
Bedrooms & Ceilings	Flat or Eggshell	Soft, cozy appearance

Why Finish Choice Matters

Using the wrong paint finish in a high-traffic area can lead to faster wear, harder cleaning, and premature repainting. Choosing the right one from the start saves you time, money, and frustration and keeps your home looking fresh longer.

At Westside Finishes, we take pride in helping homeowners choose the right products and finishes because your walls deserve to look good and hold up to everyday life. We want to help you use the best paint finishes for high traffic or low traffic areas.

Ready to Refresh Your Space?

Whether you’re tackling a full home repaint or just updating a few rooms, Westside Finishes can help you choose the perfect color and finish for your home.