Finish Guide for High‑Traffic Rooms: Entry, Hallways, Kitchen, and Bath

TLDR:

• Use eggshell on most busy walls for touch‑ups, satin where frequent cleaning is needed
• Semi‑gloss or enamel on trim and doors protects edges from scuffs and moisture
• In Ohio humidity, allow full dry and cure times and add airflow to prevent flashing

Intro

At Richardson Custom Painting, we’re often called to fix scuffed halls, shinier touch‑ups, and trim that won’t wipe clean. This guide lays out the finishes we recommend for the most trafficked rooms in Southwest Ohio homes so your paint looks good and holds up.

What It Is

A room‑by‑room finish guide with specific sheen and product choices for durability, cleanup, and consistent appearance.

Why It Matters

• The right sheen makes cleaning easy without highlighting surface flaws
• Higher traffic and humidity need tougher, more washable films
• Matching finishes by surface keeps touch‑ups predictable later

How It Works

Entry and Hallways

• Walls: Eggshell for scuff resistance and low glare
• Trim and doors: Semi‑gloss enamel for wipeability and edge durability
• Notes: Use corner guards or a harder enamel on frequently bumped areas

Kitchen

• Walls: Satin for better grease and fingerprint cleanup
• Backsplash walls: Consider a scrubbable coating or tile for splash zones
• Trim/doors: Semi‑gloss enamel; caulk fine gaps for a sealed edge

Bathroom

• Walls and ceilings: Satin or washable matte with mildew‑resistant formula
• Over‑shower areas: Spot‑prime and use moisture‑resistant finish; add ventilation
• Trim/doors: Semi‑gloss enamel; allow longer cure before heavy cleaning

Stairs and Railings

• Walls: Eggshell (satin if hands regularly contact walls)
• Handrail/newel: Hard‑drying enamel for wear resistance
• Notes: Light de‑nib between coats for a smooth, non‑tacky feel

Laundry/Mudroom

• Walls: Satin for frequent cleaning
• Trim/utility doors: Semi‑gloss or enamel
• Notes: Control humidity to avoid surfactant streaks on fresh paint

What To Do (Checklist)

1. List each surface by room and choose sheen based on use and cleaning needs
2. Spot‑prime repairs and glossy areas before finish coats
3. Apply thin, even coats and respect dry times, especially in humid weather
4. Label leftover paint by room and sheen to make touch‑ups easy
5. Add felt pads and door stops to protect new finishes

Common Mistakes

• One sheen everywhere → Kitchens and baths need more washability than bedrooms
• High gloss on rough trim → Reveals flaws; prep well and consider semi‑gloss instead
• Rushing coats during humid stretches → Leads to blocking and flashing

Care and Maintenance

• Wait a week before washing newly painted walls
• Clean with mild soap and soft cloths; avoid abrasives
• Touch up eggshell walls with a feathered, thin coat for best blend

If you want room‑by‑room finish recommendations for your home, see our interior painting services for Southwest Ohio or ask us during a walkthrough to confirm the right sheens and products.