I have flat paint throughout my house (except for bathrooms), including the kitchen, which I painted myself. I do have a backsplash from the counter to the upper cabinets on my stove wall so I haven't had a problem. In other areas, it cleans up pretty well with a damp sponge. More difficult spots I've used a Magic Eraser--I know, it removes a bit of the surface. When all else fails I touch it up with a bit of paint. Since it's flat, you usually can't even tell where it happened.

https://www.consumerreports.org/interior-paints/pick-the-perfect-paint-sheen-for-every-room/

This question comes up often. Please read the above link.

Don't let paint scare you. Life is too short.

We only use flat paint for ceilings. I would use eggshell or satin for a kitchen.

I believe with the Emerald paint it's matte, not flat (unless they've added that recently). It is also amazing miracle paint that you can scrub the heck out of and it'll look great. It's the only paint I use for walls and it's held up to everything I've thrown at it.

I used SW Cashmere low luster in entry and hall and SW flat Cashmere in dining room.

I would go with eggshell. It's not worth the headache or worry.

I've used Cashmere, Super Paint and Emerald from Sherwin williams. Cashmere and Super Paint are fabulous and would use again and again. Emerald, not so much. You could give it to me for free and I'd still refuse. The paint finish has an almost sandpaper feel to it and every spec of dust or lint clings to it.

And...Emerald is one of their most expensive lines of paint. Ask him WHY he wants you to use it?

Suedonim75, I wonder if the exterior Emerald is better? I have used it on our south facing garage doors (hot climate, full sun for months) and it's been fabulous! No fading, easiest paint to get smooth and fantastic coverage.

So it seems like the available sheens are Flat, Matte, Satin and Semi-gloss. I stopped by the paint store and they did a 2x2 sample of both the Flat and the Matte for me. The Matte is quite nice. Not quite eggshell but it feels like it would hold up better than the Flat. To suedonim75's comment, the flat feels a bit rough so I could see how things may stick to it. The matte is a smoother/sleeker finish.

Don't hesitate to double check and push back against your painter at least a little bit. You are allowed to step out of the box just a wee bit. Your approach sounds prudent.

Matte 100% over flat.

Maybe it has improved, I bought it when it first came out. I was so irritated that I never bought it again. I believe I used flat, and I think when it first came out it didn't have the matte option.

Well, I absolutely love a super flat paint (no sheen of any kind) on all my walls and ceilings. I do not like any type of sheen on these surfaces nor do I care for the matte finishes that all have a bit of a sheen to them.

Flat paint is much more forgiving if there are any wall imperfections (helps hide lumps, bumps, and uneven walls). It’s also easier to patch up holes as the newly applied flat paint blends in much better with the older paint on the wall (no worry about sheen variation etc.) and I’ve found that dirt wipes off easily. I’ve only had flat paint in all the homes I’ve ever lived in (so ....45 years of experience with flat paint).

And this is just my personal opinion, but flat paint on the walls and ceilings looks a lot classier.

When we moved into a new home, our painter recommended Behr Ultra Premium Plus matte/flat for all of our rooms, kitchen and bathrooms included. It's been very washable and the finish is beautiful. Go for it.

I do love the lush look of flat paint in some circumstances. That's why the guy at my SW store recommended their "cashmere" finish, which is just one stop above flat, very velvety looking. But sounds like you're not working with that line?

Years ago I painted a "kitchen an bath " paint flat finish.. Love it - I can take a sponge to it.. no issues... I believe it was Behr Ultra premium out of Home depot

Flat and matter are the same for me. Magic eraser and you all set.

If I remember correctly, in sw emerald, matte is more washable than flat. and more expensive. we paid an upcharge, but used the matte in kitchen, baths, and everywhere else. No discernible sheen, but i can wash off thumbprints with water and a microfiber cloth. I used matte on walls, satin on trim and doors. Very happy with the soft look.

My whole house is matte sw emerald and I absolutely love it! Looks so smooth.

This is the Sherwin Williams sheen bible. Like Nidnay, I love flat to hide imperfections and to tone down the texture they use here regionally in north Florida. My favorite is Emerald flat, Duration flat is 2nd to that. Cashmere flat has the same level of sheen as Emerald matte. If you are going with a level 5 sheen instead of 3 (flattest), I personally like Cashmere flat over Emerald Matte. I have no idea what it is but the feel is great, most people don’t pet walls though. 99% of the time I am going to grab Emerald flat to better hide the imperfections and texture. I have young boys that are wild so we cleaners and spare paint on hand. I haven’t really seen the high grade paints clean up substantially different based on sheen.

Flat will give you richer color. A more sophisticated look. Makes sense because no light is bouncing off it.

I wouldn't want any paint to have a texture to it, though.

We ended up going with Emerald Matte with ProClassic Satin for the trim. It turned out quite nice.

That's what we used in my house.