What Paint Finish to Use in Boston Apartments

Paint finish selection is one of the most overlooked decisions in interior painting — and it makes a big difference in how the final result looks and holds up. Here's what we recommend for Boston apartments and homes based on years of experience in Greater Boston.

Flat / Matte

Best for ceilings and low-traffic areas. Hides imperfections well but doesn't clean easily. Good for older Boston homes with textured or uneven ceilings.

Eggshell

The go-to finish for living rooms, dining rooms, and bedrooms. A slight sheen that's wipeable but not shiny. Works well in the older Allston and Cambridge apartments we paint regularly.

Satin

Our recommendation for kitchens, bathrooms, hallways, and kids' rooms. More durable and moisture-resistant than eggshell. Stands up to the humidity that comes with Boston winters and the heavy use that rental units see.

Semi-Gloss

Standard for trim, doors, and window casings. The slight shine highlights architectural details and cleans easily. Brighton and Somerville triple-deckers with original woodwork look great with semi-gloss trim.

Benjamin Moore's Aura Interior line offers all these sheens in thousands of colors and is one of our most-used products for Boston residential work.