flat paint

Zero-sheen wall finish

Flat paint is paint that dries without any sheen or reflectivity, absorbing rather than reflecting light.

It hides surface imperfections well but shows marks and scuffs more readily than glossier finishes.

Flat paint is commonly used on ceilings and low-traffic walls: We used flat paint in the bedroom for a softer look.

Related

matteNon-reflective surface finish
primerPreparatory coat or guide
eggshellBrittle ovum casing
ceilingRoom's upper surface
satinGlossy-surfaced woven cloth

sheen · latex · wall · accent wall · roller · brush · drywall · texture · chalky · dull · finish · coat · one coat · interior · touch-up · dry time · hide · coverage

Categories

house paintsatin, eggshell, semi-gloss, gloss, base coat
interior finishesdrywall, flooring, tile, carpet, hardwood floors
matte finishesmatte, satin, eggshell, frosted, dull
model paintsprimer, base coat, top coat, flesh tone, gunmetal
water paintswatercolor, gouache, tempera, ink wash, sumi-e

Opposites

sheen level

flat paintgloss paint

Shiny, hard-drying coating

gloss finish · lacquer · enamel paint · polished finish · mirror finish

surface texture appearance

flat paintreflective paint

Coating that reflects light back

polished surface

Family

flat, flats, flatten, flattened, flattening, flattens, flatter, flattest, flatly

Familiarity: Top 200,000
Profile: Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Everyday, not technical · Rated G