Does your home have a hallway(s) that need a paint refresh? Choosing the right paint finish can make all the difference in your overall paint job – from the durability and ease of maintenance to the appearance and longevity. Not all paint finishes are created equal and the one you choose for your hallway depends on the amount of traffic and wear and tear that it’ll face. For example, a hallway in a home with no children or pets will likely have less wear and tear than a home that faces toys, sticky fingers, and dog toys. Read on to discover the best paint sheen for hallways so you can select the perfect finish for your home and family.
In This Post
Understanding Paint Sheens
If you’re new to the DIY painting world, you may be wondering, what is a paint sheen anyway? A paint sheen is the level of light that is reflected off the surface of the paint. These sheens range from flat to high-gloss, with various degrees of shine and durability in between. Before you head to the paint store, check out the 5 types of paint sheens below so you can have a better idea of what may be the best paint sheen for a hallway in your home.
The 5 Types of Paint Sheens
We dive deep into the different types of paint sheens in this blog post, but here’s a quick breakdown that can guide you as you choose paint for your hallway paint project.
- Flat and Matte – Non-reflective (little to no sheen), great for hiding imperfections and touching up, but difficult to clean.
- Eggshell – Slight sheen, more durable than flat, fairly easy to touch up, and easier to clean.
- Satin – Soft sheen, highly durable, touches up decently, and easy to maintain.
- Semi-Gloss – Noticeable shine, very durable, and moisture-resistant. Highlights imperfections and is hard to touch up.
- High-Gloss – Highly reflective, extremely durable and easy to clean, but highlights imperfections and is tough to touch up.
What is the Best Paint Sheen for Hallways?
Hallways are typically high-traffic areas, which means they’re exposed to more scrapes, dents, and fingerprints. Therefore, you need a paint sheen for your hallway that is durable, easy to clean, and can withstand wear and tear (such as shoe scuffs, toy cars, and nerf bullets if you’re like us!).
Hallways have unique needs when it comes to paint because while they do see constant foot traffic, they aren’t quite as used or exposed to elements like a kitchen or living room is. Every family is different though, and your hallway may be played in by your kids or walked through often with coats, bags, and shoes. Just keep in mind, the higher the traffic and wear and tear, the more likely you’ll need a sheen that is durable and easy to clean and touch up.
Paint Sheen for Hallway Recommendations
When choosing what paint sheen to use for a hallway, our top choices are almost always eggshell or satin.
Eggshell is highly resistant to fingerprints and easy to wipe clean. It’s a great choice for medium-traffic areas, such as hallways, that are prone to dirt and fingerprints. Eggshell provides a slight sheen while still being stain resistant and easy to maintain. It’s also fairly easy to touch up if needed.
Satin is durable, easy to clean, and offers a polished look. This is a fantastic option for hallways that experience heavier traffic, such as hallways leading from the garage to the main living area, between children’s bedrooms, etc. Satin resists dirt and grime while also giving a smooth, subtle sheen. It also touches up okay if needed down the road.
Choosing the Best Paint Products for Hallways
No matter what paint sheen you go with for your hallway, the quality of your paint job comes down to the paint product you use. We’re big fans of Sherwin-Williams and Benjamin Moore paint products here at Oak City Coatings. Always opt for a high-quality, washable paint from trusted brands like these to ensure you get the best application, coverage, and longevity. Be sure to prepare your walls properly for paint and use a high-quality primer so it goes on smooth and adheres well.
Need Help Painting Your Hallway?
Do you need help from a team of professionals to get your hallway(s) painted with high-quality products, proven techniques, and the best sheen for hallways? If you’re local to Wake County, NC, we’d love to partner with you.
Visit our contact page to book a consultation with us and get the process started. We’ll ensure it’s seamless from start to finish!
