When it comes to Benjamin Moore paint, choosing the right color is only half the equation. The finish (or sheen) you select will impact how that color looks, how durable it is, and how well it holds up to Houston’s unique combination of heat, humidity, and high-traffic living.
Flat and matte finishes absorb light rather than reflect it, which makes them ideal for:
But don’t assume they’re fragile. Benjamin Moore’s Aura® Matte and Aura® Bath & Spa Matte are the only truly scrubbable matte paints on the market. You get all the richness of matte with the cleanability of higher-sheen paints—perfect for living rooms, bedrooms, and even bathrooms.
Regal Select® Matte offers another great option: a soft, designer look with dependable washability—unlike other brands where the paint scuffs or marks just from being touched.
( 𝒊 ) Ceiling | Distant Gray 2124-70 | Waterborne Ceiling Paint Ultra Flat
In almost every home, ceilings are painted flat—and there’s a good reason for that.
Flat paint on ceilings:
Benjamin Moore Waterborne Ceiling Paint is specially formulated for this purpose. It’s their flattest finish, offering a beautifully uniform, flawless look on ceilings—even in tricky lighting. Whether you're dealing with a popcorn ceiling, a textured surface, or drywall seams, this paint helps disguise it all, making your ceiling disappear in the best way possible.
( 𝒊 ) Walls | October Mist 1495 | Regal Select Interior Eggshell
These mid-sheen finishes are where style meets performance:
If you're painting a kitchen, hallway, or kid’s room, satin/pearl is often the top choice—especially in Houston homes where dust, fingerprints, and daily life demand a little more toughness.
( 𝒊 ) Lower Cabinets | Mysterious AF-565 | Advance Semi-Gloss
High-gloss and semi-gloss paints are highly reflective and extremely durable—but they’re not for walls. They're best used for:
Just be aware that these sheens show every imperfection, so they require excellent prep work.
Lower-sheen finishes—especially matte—reveal the richest, most accurate version of your chosen color. If you want bold, beautiful color that isn't muted or distorted by glare, matte is the way to go.
That’s why top designers often pair Benjamin Moore Aura® Matte with vibrant colors: it brings the truest tone and looks beautiful under all kinds of lighting.
Choosing the right paint sheen doesn’t need to be confusing. Stop by Southwestern Paint and talk to our Benjamin Moore paint experts. With locations across Houston, we’ll guide you through finishes that balance durability, beauty, and performance—no matter the space you’re painting.
Find fresh color inspiration for 2026 with Benjamin Moore’s new Color of the Year and Color Trends Palette. Silhouette is a study in balance — rich yet restrained, moody yet inviting.
Let’s walk through what to look for when choosing exterior paint that can stand up to Texas weather and how Southwestern Paint can help you make the right decision.
