When choosing the paint for your project, you’ll have to make a decision about the sheen of the paint—or the gloss level. The higher the gloss level, the shinier the appearance and the more scrubbable the finish.

Different types of sheens are going to be better for different areas of your home:

• Flat sheens are ideal for low-traffic areas, such as formal dining rooms, living rooms and master bedrooms. They provide a beautiful matte coating that hides minor surface imperfections.

• Eggshell paints provide excellent coverage that is washable and scrubbable. They have a slightly lower sheen than satin, but offer the same level of durability. Eggshell paints are perfect for living rooms, bedrooms and family rooms.

• Satin paints go a step above eggshells in scrubbability, providing a nice balance between washability and subtle gloss. They perform and look great in just about any room.

• Semi-gloss paints ensure maximum durability. They are commonly used in children's rooms and high-moisture areas, such as bathrooms. They are also used for trim.

• High-gloss paints are highly reflective and work well for highlighting details, such as trim and decorative molding. They are also the best choice for doors and cabinets—or any area that sees a high volume of abuse.

• Ceiling flats are designed specifically for ceilings. These are usually very spatter-resistant.