An ideal porcelain veneer placed on a non-discolored tooth requires the least amount of tooth preparation and the use of a translucent porcelain that interferes minimally with the transmission of light. In contrast, veneering a discolored tooth requires additional tooth preparation and the use of a chromatic or opacious porcelain. This article discusses several criteria for the selection of porcelain for porcelain veneers, including some steps to enhance the esthetic properties of these restorations.