Which type of gloss is best?

Which type of gloss is best depends on where you are painting and what balance of durability, shine, and forgiveness you need, because each gloss level serves a different purpose. For general interior walls in living rooms, bedrooms, and hallways, eggshell or satin is often considered best because it provides a little washability and a soft glow without being too shiny or showing imperfections. For ceilings, flat or matte is best because it hides flaws and reduces glare. For trim, baseboards, doors, window casings, and cabinets, semi-gloss is generally considered the best overall because it is hard, durable, moisture-resistant, easy to clean, and its moderate shine creates a nice contrast with lower-sheen walls without being as demanding as full gloss. High-gloss or full gloss is best when you want maximum durability and a dramatic, enamel-like, mirror finish for front doors, high-end cabinetry, or furniture, but it requires meticulous prep because it shows every flaw. In kitchens and bathrooms where humidity and cleaning are major factors, satin or semi-gloss is best. There is no single best gloss for everything, the best choice is the right gloss for the specific surface.