What problem this solves
Designers often default to eggshell because charts say “walls.” That’s a defensible default in diffuse-lit, low-traffic rooms with new drywall. In a hallway with side window light, eggshell will show every roller mark; flat is the better choice. In a kitchen, satin or semi-gloss is more durable than eggshell. The wizard walks through five inputs instead of one to land the right call.
Who it’s for
- Interior designers writing finish schedules
- DIY painters upgrading or restoring a room
- Contractors specifying paint for clients who can’t articulate their use case
How to interpret the result
The wizard recommends a primary sheen plus an optional accent for trim or ceilings. The recommendation respects trade-offs: raking light + flat substrate argues for flat; moisture + cleaning argues for satin/semi-gloss. If the recommendation seems contradictory to your room, the inputs need adjustment.
Limitations
- Some brands call their sheens by different names (e.g. “matte” vs “flat”)
- Newer “washable matte” products (Dulux Endurance+, Benjamin Moore Aura) break the rule that flat = no wash
- Primer choice (acrylic vs alkyd) changes the final sheen by a half-step
- Two coats vs three shifts perceived sheen significantly