Why not use satin paint?

There are some situations where you might not want to use satin paint, even though it is a very popular and versatile finish. Satin has a soft, pearl-like sheen with about 25 to 35 percent gloss, which means it reflects more light than eggshell or flat. Because of that reflectivity, satin is less forgiving than flatter finishes and will show wall imperfections such as dents, poorly taped drywall seams, patches, and roller marks more readily. If your walls are in rough shape or have a lot of texture issues, flat or eggshell will hide flaws better. Another reason not to use satin is if you prefer a very cozy, velvety, non-reflective modern matte look, since satin will add a slight glow that can feel too shiny in certain lighting. On trim and cabinets, some people avoid satin because it is not as durable, hard, or washable as semi-gloss or high-gloss, so it may not hold up as well to heavy scrubbing, moisture, and daily wear. Finally, satin can sometimes cause glare in rooms with strong natural light. For those reasons, designers often reserve satin for walls that need washability but not for ceilings or very imperfect walls.