Best Paint Finishes of 2025

Ann Hale Avatar
Ann Hale
Last Updated: Jan 14, 2025

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Paint finishes are an important consideration when it comes to decorating a space. There are different types of finishes available, each with its own unique properties. For instance, flat finishes are great for hiding imperfections on walls and ceilings, while eggshell finishes have a slight sheen and are more durable, making them ideal for high-traffic areas. Satin finishes have a subtle shine and are easy to clean, making them a popular choice for kitchens and bathrooms. Lastly, glossy finishes are highly reflective and provide a polished, modern look to any space. It's important to choose the right paint finish based on the intended use of the room and the desired aesthetic.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

AMACO Rub n Buff Wax Metallic Finish 4 Color Kit Cover #TOP 1
AMACO Rub n Buff Wax Metallic Finish 4 Color Kit
ftb score rating icon 9.9
AMACO Rub 'n Buff Metallic Wax Kit Cover #TOP 2
AMACO Rub 'n Buff Metallic Wax Kit
ftb score rating icon 9.8
AMACO Rub n Buff Silver Leaf 15ml Cover #TOP 3
AMACO Rub n Buff Silver Leaf 15ml
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Paint Finishes

#TOP 1

AMACO Rub n Buff Wax Metallic Finish 4 Color Kit

39672988286
AMACO Rub n Buff Wax Metallic Finish 4 Color Kit Cover
AMACO Rub n Buff Wax Metallic Finish 4 Color Kit - Antique Gold Silver Leaf Gold Leaf Ebony 15ml Tubes - Versatile Gilding Wax for Finishing Furniture Antiquing and Restoration - 4 Rub and Buff Colors

The AMACO Rub n Buff Wax Metallic Finish 4 Color Kit features fine powders and carnauba wax to cover up to 20 sq. feet with one versatile 15 ml tube. It is easy to apply with a clean, dry finger or soft cloth, and can be used on various surfaces including wood, metal, ceramic, and glass. The level of shine is adjustable by controlling the amount of buffing. The kit includes four stunning shades: Gold Leaf, Antique Gold, Silver Leaf, and Ebony, perfect for embellishing craft projects, frames, and antiques.

What We Like
Wide color variety
Little product needed
Easy to use
Versatile on different surfaces
Great for small decor items
What We Don't Like
Small tube size
Some colors don't adhere well
#TOP 2

AMACO Rub 'n Buff Metallic Wax Kit

39672988293
AMACO Rub 'n Buff Metallic Wax Kit Cover
AMACO Rub N Buff Wax Metallic Finish Gold Kit - Antique Gold Autumn Gold European Gold Gold Leaf Grecian Gold 15ml Tubes - Versatile Gilding Wax for Finishing and Restoration- 5 Rub and Buff Colors

The AMACO Rub 'n Buff Kit offers a versatile solution for your crafting and restoration needs. With just a small amount, you can cover a large area, making it ideal for both big and small projects. Application is straightforward; simply use your finger or a soft cloth to apply the wax, allowing you to create detailed metallic finishes easily. You can adjust the shine by how much you buff the wax, giving you control over the final look. This kit includes five beautiful shades, perfect for enhancing a variety of items, from frames to cosplay costumes.

What We Like
Transforms various surfaces
Wide range of colors
Easy application process
Long-lasting product
Good value for price
What We Don't Like
Possible defective tubes
#TOP 3

AMACO Rub n Buff Silver Leaf 15ml

673054
Silver Leaf
AMACO Rub n Buff Silver Leaf 15ml Cover
AMACO Rub n Buff Wax Metallic Finish - Rub n Buff Silver Leaf 15ml Tube - Versatile Gilding Wax for Finishing Furniture Antiquing and Restoration - Rub and Buff Colors Single Tube

AMACO Rub n Buff offers a versatile gilding wax that can transform your projects with ease. With just a small amount, you can cover large areas, making it perfect for both big and small tasks. The simple application process allows you to use your fingers or a soft cloth to create beautiful metallic finishes or intricate details. You can also adjust the shine by how much you buff the wax, giving you control over the final look. Available in nine stunning shades, this product is ideal for enhancing furniture, crafts, and more.

What We Like
Easy to use
Great value
Long-lasting coverage
Effective for restoration
What We Don't Like
Tube size was surprising
#TOP 4

AMACO Rub n Buff European Gold 15ml

76379X
European Gold
AMACO Rub n Buff European Gold 15ml Cover
AMACO Rub n Buff Wax Metallic Finish - Rub n Buff European Gold 15ml Tube - Versatile Gilding Wax for Finishing Furniture Antiquing and Restoration - Rub and Buff Colors Single Tube

AMACO Rub n Buff is a versatile gilding wax that allows you to achieve stunning finishes on various surfaces. With just a small amount, you can cover up to 20 square feet, making it perfect for both large and small projects. The application is straightforward; simply use your finger or a soft cloth to buff the wax onto surfaces like wood, metal, and ceramic. You can easily control the shine by adjusting how much you buff it, allowing for both subtle and high-shine effects. Plus, with nine beautiful colors available, you'll find the perfect shade for your creative needs.

What We Like
Easy application
High-quality finish
Wide variety of colors
Little product needed
Great for vintage look
What We Don't Like
Somewhat pricey
Water exposure risks
#TOP 5

AMACO Rub n Buff Wax Metallic Finish 9 Color Kit

39672988316
AMACO Rub n Buff Wax Metallic Finish 9 Color Kit Cover
AMACO Rub n Buff Wax Metallic Finish 9 Color Kit - Antique Gold European Gold Grecian Gold Autumn Gold Gold Leaf Spanish Copper Silver Leaf Ebony Pewter - 9 Rub and Buff Gilding Wax 15ml Tubes

The AMACO Rub n Buff Wax Metallic Finish 9 Color Kit is a versatile and easy-to-use product that allows you to embellish craft projects, frames, antiques, and more with stunning metallic finishes. Made from fine powders and carnauba wax, a little goes a long way, covering up to 20 sq feet with just one 15 ml tube. The adjustable luster feature allows you to control the shine level by buffing the wax, while the simple application makes it easy for anyone to use. This kit includes nine stunning shades to choose from, and it is perfect for use on porous surfaces.

What We Like
Easy to use
Long-lasting finish
Variety of colors
Great for refinishing
Affordable price
What We Don't Like
Can be messy
Multiple coats may be needed
#TOP 6

AMACO Rub n Buff Wax Metallic Finish - Rub n Buff Antique Gold 15ml Tube

76362B
Antique Gold
AMACO Rub n Buff Wax Metallic Finish - Rub n Buff Antique Gold 15ml Tube Cover
AMACO Rub n Buff Wax Metallic Finish - Rub n Buff Antique Gold 15ml Tube - Versatile Gilding Wax for Finishing Furniture Antiquing and Restoration - Rub and Buff Colors Single Tube

AMACO Rub n Buff Wax Metallic Finish is a versatile gilding wax that is perfect for finishing furniture, antiquing, and restoration. Made from fine powders and carnauba wax, this 15 ml tube can cover up to 20 sq feet, and can be used on wood, metal, ceramic, glass and more. It is easy to apply with a clean, dry finger or soft cloth, and creates subtle details or metallic finishes. With adjustable luster, you can control the level of shine, and there are nine stunning shades to choose from.

What We Like
Versatile and easy to use
Long-lasting and durable
High-quality finish
Good price point
Minimal odor
What We Don't Like
Small package size
Color may not be very antiquey
#TOP 7

AMACO Rub n Buff Antique Gold Gilding Wax

76303Gx2-1
Antique Gold
AMACO Rub n Buff Antique Gold Gilding Wax Cover
AMACO Rub n Buff Wax Metallic Finish - 2 Rub n Buff Antique Gold 15ml Tubes - Versatile Gilding Wax for Finishing Furniture Antiquing and Restoration - Rub and Buff Colors Set of Two

The AMACO Rub n Buff Wax is a versatile gilding wax that enhances your projects with ease. A small amount of this 15 ml wax can cover up to 20 square feet, making it perfect for both large and small tasks. You can apply it simply with your finger or a soft cloth, allowing for detailed designs or striking metallic finishes. Plus, you can adjust the shine level by how much you buff the wax, letting you achieve everything from subtle accents to brilliant effects. With nine beautiful colors to choose from, you're sure to find the perfect shade for your creative needs.

What We Like
Long-lasting product
Easy to use
Wide range of color options
Perfect for furniture and decor
Minimal product needed
What We Don't Like
Small tube size
Requires careful application
#TOP 8

Rub n Buff Antique Gold Wax

rubnbuff
Antique Gold
1 Ounce (Pack of 1)
Rub n Buff Antique Gold Wax Cover
Rub n Buff Wax Metallic Antique Gold, Rub and Buff Finish, 0.5-Fluid Ounce, Pixiss Blending and Application Tools for Applying Metallic Wax Paint

The Rub n Buff Antique Gold is a wax metallic paste that offers a stunning finish for all your creative projects. Whether you're working on furniture, antiques, or home decor, this product is perfect for adding a touch of elegance. You can easily apply it using your fingers, a cloth, a brush, or the included Pixiss blending tools. After application, simply buff the surface to achieve a beautiful sheen. With 16 color options available, you can choose the perfect shade to match your vision.

What We Like
High paint quality
Easy application
Good coverage
Effective on small projects
Lasts a long time
What We Don't Like
Small tube size
Value for money concerns
#TOP 9

AMACO Rub n Buff Metallic Finish Kit

39672988279
AMACO Rub n Buff Metallic Finish Kit Cover
AMACO Rub n Buff Wax Metallic Finish 3 Color Kit - Antique Gold Grecian Gold and Gold Leaf 15ml Tubes - Versatile Gilding Wax for Finishing Furniture Antiquing and Restoration - 3 Rub and Buff Colors

The AMACO Rub n Buff Kit offers an easy way to enhance your projects with metallic finishes. With just a small amount of the wax, you can cover a large area, making it perfect for both big and small crafts. Applying the wax is a breeze; simply use your finger or a soft cloth to achieve beautiful details on various surfaces. You have control over the shine, allowing you to create either a subtle or a high-gloss finish. Plus, the kit includes three elegant shades, providing plenty of options for your creative endeavors.

What We Like
Easy to use
Versatile for many projects
Rich gold color options
Long-lasting application
Cost-effective for DIY
What We Don't Like
Small tube size
May rub off on high traffic items
#TOP 10

AMACO Rub n Buff Wax Metallic Finish

76361A
Gold Leaf
AMACO Rub n Buff Wax Metallic Finish Cover
AMACO Rub n Buff Wax Metallic Finish - Rub n Buff Gold Leaf 15ml Tube - Versatile Gilding Wax for Finishing Furniture Antiquing and Restoration - Rub and Buff Colors Single Tube

AMACO Rub n Buff is a versatile gilding wax that can enhance various surfaces like wood, metal, and glass. With just a small amount, you can cover up to 20 square feet, making it perfect for both large and small projects. Applying it is easy; simply use your finger or a soft cloth to buff the wax onto your item, allowing you to add intricate details or a metallic sheen. You can even control the shine by adjusting how much you buff—whether you want a subtle glow or a high-shine finish. With nine stunning colors available, you’ll find the perfect shade for any creative endeavor.

What We Like
Rustic look
Dries quickly
Little goes a long way
Easy application
Versatile for various surfaces
What We Don't Like
Slight chemical smell
Can be pricey for size
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are the 5 paint finishes?

The five paint finishes are high-gloss, semi-gloss, satin, eggshell, and flat/matte. High-gloss finishes are the most reflective and shiny, while flat/matte finishes have no sheen.

2. Is eggshell or satin better for walls?

Both eggshell and satin finishes are suitable for walls. Eggshell is a flatter finish that can be wiped down, while satin is more durable. It ultimately depends on personal preference and the level of shine desired.

For interior walls, flat, eggshell, and satin finishes are recommended. Flat finishes have no sheen, eggshell has a subtle shine, and satin is more durable.

4. What is the difference between paint finishes?

The difference between paint finishes lies in their light-reflecting properties. Flat/matte paints absorb more light, while semi-gloss and gloss paints reflect light and have a shiny finish.

5. Do designers use flat or eggshell paint?

Designers often use eggshell paint on walls for its durability, ease of cleaning, and ability to cover imperfections.

6. Why use eggshell paint?

Eggshell paint is commonly used in living rooms and dining rooms due to its durability and resistance to dirt. It can also help disguise wall imperfections.

7. Is satin too shiny for living room?

Satin finishes offer a medium gloss sheen, shinier than matte but not as shiny as semi-gloss. It is suitable for smooth walls in high-traffic areas like hallways, family rooms, and kids' rooms.

8. Is flat or satin better for walls?

For high-traffic spaces like mudrooms, satin or eggshell finishes are recommended for interior walls. Flat or matte finishes are best for ceilings, and semi-gloss is suitable for interior trim and doors.

9. What is eggshell paint used for?

Eggshell paint is commonly used in living rooms and dining rooms due to its durability and resistance to dirt. It can also help conceal wall imperfections.

Editor's Notes

During our paint finish research, we found 24 paint finish products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 51,140 customer reviews through our big data system to write the paint finishes list. We found that most customers choose paint finishes with an average price of $11.66.

The paint finishes are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of paint finishes, including AMACO, GRAS Art Bundles. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 122 consumers with an average rating of 4.9.

Written by
Ann Hale Avatar

Ann Hale is a seamstress, pattern maker, and fashion designer with extensive sewing experience. She has worked in the fashion industry for over 10 years now after receiving Associates's Degree in fashion design in 2010. Also as a writer, she has many creative and unique insights when it comes to articles.