Paint comes in a variety of finish gloss levels. These are not standardized, but normally run:
- flat
- matte
- eggshell
- satin
- semi-gloss
- high gloss
Different manufacturers group these differently, so some consider flat and matte to be synonymous, and so on. In traditional interiors, walls are usually painted in flat or eggshell gloss, wooden trim (including doors and window sash) in high gloss, and ceilings almost invariably in flat. Similarly, exterior trim is usually painted with a gloss paint, while the body of the house is painted in a lower gloss. Flat-gloss surfaces normally soil more easily, and are harder to clean. On the other hand, they can sometimes be touched up locally without repainting the entire surface. High-gloss paint is usually tougher and more resistant to staining.
