Should You Use Flat Paint on Walls
Flat paint on walls works well, but it can occasionally seem like a subtle secret in a room, quietly merging into the background.
It looks smooth and soft, almost like velvet. It does not shine much, so it can hide small bumps and marks.
In some light, it can even look different from one wall to the next. That’s what makes it interesting. It’s straightforward but can significantly alter the vibe of a room. Curious about what many overlook?
What is Flat Paint?
Flat paint has zero to minimal sheen, meaning it doesn’t shine; it looks completely matte. The surface has a porous texture that feels slightly rough to the touch.
Instead of reflecting light like a mirror, flat paint absorbs it, reducing glare and making walls appear smooth.
This light-absorbing quality helps hide bumps, cracks, and other wall imperfections. However, the porous texture means dirt and stains can soak in more easily, making flat paint harder to clean than shinier options.
Flat Paint on Walls: Pros and Cons
Flat paint delivers a smooth, non-reflective finish that hides surface flaws and creates a soft, modern look. It works best in low-traffic areas where grace matters more than durability.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Hides cracks and bumps well | Hard to clean and stains easily |
| Soft, rich color appearance | Less durable in high-traffic areas |
| Easy to touch up | Not moisture resistant |
| Reduces glare in bright rooms | Shows fingerprints and scuffs |
| Modern design appeal | Limited washability |
Where Should You Use Flat Paint?
Choosing the right rooms for flat paint is crucial for balancing beauty with practicality. Some spaces benefit greatly from its matte finish, while others require more durable options.
- Ceilings (All Rooms): The industry-standard choice because flat paint hides imperfections, doesn’t create distracting glare, and ceilings rarely need cleaning, making it a perfect overhead finish regardless of room type.
- Low-Traffic Adult Spaces: Ideal for adult bedrooms, formal living rooms, dining rooms, home offices, and guest rooms where a sophisticated look matters more than heavy-duty durability and cleaning requirements.
- Avoid Moisture-Prone Areas: Never use it in kitchens, bathrooms, or laundry rooms where grease, humidity, steam, and moisture cause flat paint to absorb water and develop mold or permanent stains.
- Skip High-Traffic Zones: Hallways, mudrooms, and entryways experience constant wall contact from hands, bags, and furniture, creating scuff marks and dirt that flat paint can’t handle or clean effectively.
- Wrong Choice for Kids’ Spaces: Children’s rooms and playrooms require washable finishes because fingerprints, crayon marks, and sticky messes can permanently soak into flat paint’s porous surface without harsh scrubbing.
Flat Paint vs Other Paint Finishes
Different paint finishes affect how your walls look, feel, and perform over time. Understanding these differences helps you choose the right option for each room.
| FACTOR | FLAT VS MATTE | FLAT VS EGGSHELL | FLAT VS SATIN / GLOSS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sheen Level | Both are non-reflective, but matte has slightly more sheen than flat. | Flat has no sheen, while eggshell has a soft, low glow. | Flat has no sheen, while satin and gloss have noticeable shine. |
| Durability | Flat is less durable, while matte resists wear slightly better. | Eggshell is more durable than flat. | Satin and gloss are much more durable than flat. |
| Cleanability | Matte is easier to clean than flat. | Eggshell is easier to wipe and maintain than flat. | Satin and gloss are the easiest to clean compared to flat. |
| Best Use | Flat is good for ceilings, while matte is better for low-traffic rooms. | Flat works well in low-traffic areas, while eggshell suits moderate-traffic spaces. | Flat suits quiet rooms, while satin or gloss works best in busy or moist areas. |
Notes: Many painters recommend eggshell or satin paint for most walls because they are easier to clean and last longer. These finishes handle daily scuffs, fingerprints, and moisture better than flat paint, especially in busy rooms.
What DIY and Online Communities Say
“I used flat paint in my living room and it hid every wall flaw.”
One Houzz user shared that flat paint made their older plaster walls look smooth and even. They loved the soft look but said they would not use it in the kitchen. They also mentioned that it gave the room a more high-end, “finished” feel. They felt flat paint was the best choice for older walls with lots of texture.
“We tried flat in our hallway and regretted it.”
A Reddit homeowner said the walls looked great at first, but fingerprints and scuffs showed up quickly. They ended up repainting with eggshell for easier cleaning.
They said the hallway needed constant touch-ups, which became frustrating. They also shared that wiping marks off often made the paint look worse.
“Flat looks amazing, but touch-ups were tricky.”
Another homeowner on Reddit noted that spot repairs blended seamlessly in certain lighting but appeared patchy in different conditions.
They mentioned that repainting the entire wall produced the best outcome. Additionally, they cautioned that paint aging and sun exposure can cause touch-ups to stand out more. They recommended saving leftover paint from the same can to ensure a better color match later.
“Flat paint made our bedroom feel calm and cozy.”
A blog commenter on Luxwisp mentioned that the non-shiny finish contributes to a soft, relaxing environment. They selected satin for the rest of the house due to its durability.
They noted that flat paint made the wall color appear deeper and more calming. Additionally, they appreciated that it minimized glare from lamps and windows during the night.
“Painter recommended satin instead of flat for busy rooms.”
A homeowner shared in a Houzz thread that professionals usually advise against using flat paint in high-traffic areas, mainly because it’s hard to keep clean.
After seeing how easily flat paint gets marked near doors and corners, they agreed with this advice. They mentioned that satin paint still has a soft appearance but is much more durable for everyday use.
Modern Flat Paint Solutions
Today’s flat paint technology has evolved significantly, offering improved durability and washability while maintaining the beautiful matte appearance homeowners love.
- Advanced Stain-Resistant Formulas: Modern flat paints use improved resins and additives that resist stains and moisture better than traditional flat paints while preserving the classic matte look.
- Washable Premium Brands: Benjamin Moore Regal Select Matte, Sherwin-Williams Emerald Matte, and Behr Premium Plus Ultra Flat offer washable finishes that resist damage during gentle cleaning.
- Stain-Blocking Technology: New primers and paints include stain-blocking ingredients that prevent marks from bleeding through, making touch-ups easier and extending paint life.
- Hybrid Matte Options: Some manufacturers offer nearly flat finishes with extremely low sheen that make cleaning easier while still effectively hiding wall imperfections.
- Know the Limits: While these modern formulas work great for bedrooms and living rooms, high-moisture bathrooms and busy hallways still need glossier, more durable finishes.
Wrapping It Up
Choosing the right paint finish can make or break your room’s look, but flat paint on walls remains one of the most misunderstood options.
Some designers swear by its grace and velvety appearance, while others warn about its cleaning challenges. So what’s the real story behind this popular yet controversial finish?
If you’re painting a bedroom, living room, or ceiling, understanding the unique properties of flat paint will help you decide whether this refined matte finish is right for your walls.
