Right, let's talk paint finishes. If you've ever stood in the paint aisle at Bunnings or your local Resene ColorShop, staring at those sample cards wondering what the heck "low sheen" actually means, you're not alone. After 20 years painting homes across Queenstown and beyond, I've seen countless DIYers and even some tradies get this wrong – and trust me, choosing the wrong finish can turn your dream reno into a right nightmare.

Here's the thing: paint finish isn't just about how shiny your walls look. It's about durability, cleanability, and how forgiving the surface will be when your kids decide the hallway is their personal art gallery. So grab a cuppa, and let me break down exactly which finish belongs where in your Kiwi home.

Understanding Paint Finishes: The Basics

Before we dive into room-by-room recommendations, let's get clear on what we're actually talking about. Paint finishes range from dead flat (zero shine) to high gloss (mirror-like). In between, you've got your workhorses: matte, low sheen, semi-gloss, and gloss.

The shinier the finish, the more durable and washable it is – but here's the catch – it also shows every imperfection in your walls. That dodgy plastering job your mate Dave did? Gloss paint will highlight it like a spotlight at Eden Park.

The Finish Breakdown: What Each One Actually Does

Matte/Flat Finish

Think of matte as the forgiving friend. It absorbs light rather than reflecting it, which means it hides imperfections brilliantly. Perfect for those older villas with walls that have seen better days. The downside? It's about as washable as tissue paper. One sticky fingerprint and you're looking at a touch-up job.

Low Sheen

This is what I call the Goldilocks finish – not too shiny, not too flat, just right. It's got a subtle, velvety appearance that adds depth without the glare. Most importantly for us Kiwis dealing with condensation issues, it's washable enough to handle a gentle wipe-down.

Semi-Gloss

Now we're getting into the practical territory. Semi-gloss can take a beating and come back smiling. It's your go-to for high-traffic areas and anywhere moisture is a concern. Yes, it'll show some imperfections, but nothing a decent prep job can't handle.

Gloss

The heavyweight champion of durability. This finish can handle anything you throw at it – scrubbing, moisture, daily abuse. But unless your walls are absolutely perfect (and whose are?), you'll see every bump, ripple, and dodgy join.

Room-by-Room Guide: What Goes Where

Living Areas & Bedrooms

Best choice: Low Sheen

Your lounge and bedrooms need that perfect balance. Low sheen gives you enough washability for the occasional mark (red wine accident, anyone?) while keeping things looking sophisticated. In master bedrooms, some folks prefer matte for that luxurious, cocoon-like feel, but remember – if you've got kids or pets, stick with low sheen. Trust me on this one.

Kitchen

Best choice: Semi-Gloss or Low Sheen

Kitchens cop it all – steam, grease splatters, food fights (hopefully not too many of those). You need something you can wipe down without taking the paint off. Semi-gloss on the walls near your cooktop and sink is non-negotiable. For areas further from the action, low sheen works fine. And please, for the love of all that's holy, never use flat paint in a kitchen unless you fancy repainting every year.

Bathroom

Best choice: Semi-Gloss

With our humidity levels, especially in winter when everyone's having hot showers with the windows closed, bathrooms need serious protection. Semi-gloss handles moisture like a champ and won't grow that fuzzy black mould we all dread. Some paint companies now make specific bathroom paints with anti-mould additives – worth every penny if you ask me.

Hallways & Entryways

Best choice: Low Sheen or Semi-Gloss

These areas see more action than a Black Caps test match. School bags dragging along walls, muddy hands reaching for light switches, dogs shaking off after walks in the rain – your hallway paint needs to be tough. I usually recommend semi-gloss up to about 1.2 metres (what we call the "damage zone") and low sheen above that.

Kids' Rooms

Best choice: Low Sheen or Semi-Gloss

Let's be realistic here – kids' rooms need washable paint. End of story. Low sheen is usually sufficient, but if you've got particularly creative little ones, semi-gloss might save your sanity. Pro tip: keep a tin of the exact paint for touch-ups. You'll thank me later.

Ceilings

Best choice: Flat/Matte

Ceilings should disappear, not draw attention. Flat paint is perfect here – it hides imperfections and doesn't create any glare. Unless you're dealing with a bathroom ceiling (where you'd want low sheen for moisture resistance), stick with flat. Your neck will thank you for not having to stare at reflected light while watching telly.

Doors, Trim & Skirting Boards

Best choice: Semi-Gloss or Gloss

These elements take an absolute hammering. Doors get touched constantly, skirting boards get kicked, and window trim battles condensation. Go with semi-gloss minimum, though many pros (myself included) prefer gloss for these areas. Yes, you'll need good prep work, but the durability is worth it.

Special Considerations for Kiwi Homes

Older Villas & Bungalows

Those charming character homes we all love? They've got walls with more waves than Piha beach. Matte or low sheen will be your best mates here. Save the glossier finishes for trim work where they belong.

Weatherboard Interiors

If you've got exposed weatherboards inside (very trendy right now), low sheen shows off the timber grain beautifully without being too shiny. Just make sure they're well-sealed first.

South-Facing Rooms

These darker spaces benefit from low sheen or semi-gloss finishes that bounce light around. Matte paint in a south-facing room can make it feel like a cave.

Common Mistakes I See All the Time

1. Using flat paint in bathrooms or laundries – Unless you enjoy watching paint bubble and peel, just don't.
2. Gloss paint on imperfect walls – I've been called to "fix" so many of these jobs. Save yourself the heartache.
3. Not considering natural light – North-facing rooms can handle matte finishes better than south-facing ones.
4. Mixing finishes incorrectly – If your walls are low sheen, don't put matte on the ceiling unless you want it to look like it's floating.
5. Cheaping out on bathroom and kitchen paint – These rooms need quality paint with proper moisture resistance. This isn't where you save money.

The Bottom Line

Choosing the right paint finish isn't rocket science, but it does require thinking about how each room is actually used in your home. When in doubt, low sheen is rarely a bad choice for walls, and semi-gloss for wet areas and trim will serve you well.

Remember, paint is one of the most cost-effective ways to transform your home, but only if you get it right the first time. Take the time to prep properly, choose the right finish for each space, and don't be afraid to ask for samples to test in your actual rooms – lighting can change everything.

And if all else fails, give us a call. After two decades in this game, I've seen it all and painted most of it. There's no shame in calling in the pros when you need them. Better to get it right than to live with glossy, imperfect walls that make you cringe every time the sun hits them.

Happy painting, folks. May your lines be straight and your finish be exactly what you were after.