Painting Homes

 Dr Dulux is here to help clear up the confusion. Q: Hi Dr Dulux, I’m redecorating and I'm confused by all the different paint finishes . I know what Matt and Gloss are, but what about Satin , Eggshell , Silk , and Sheen ? Which one should I use? Thanks, Maggie from Cheshire. A: Choosing the right paint finish can really change how your walls look, so it’s important to pick the best one for your space. Here’s a simple guide to help you: Matt paint is smooth and velvety. It’s great for hiding wall imperfections and gives a soft look. Flat Matt is even more velvety and doesn’t reflect light, making colours look the same in different lighting. It's great for deep shades and hiding flaws. Satin and Silk are "mid-sheen" finishes, meaning they have a slight shine. Silk is mainly used on walls, while Satin is often used for woodwork. Both are easy to clean, but Silk may show imperfections on the walls. Satin on wood helps hide flaws and gives a softer appeara...

When decorating paint colors for north facing rooms , it’s important to focus on maximizing light and warmth to combat the typically cooler, darker atmosphere.  One of the best approaches is to choose lighter shades that can reflect more light. Dulux’s Light + Space range, which features Lumi Tec technology, is a great option as it helps reflect up to twice as much light around the room, making the space feel brighter and more open. For walls, consider warm neutrals like Desert Wind or Morning Light, which balance out the blue-tinged light that often filters into north-facing rooms, adding warmth and coziness. Additionally, painting ceilings with a bright white, like Dulux Ultra White Matt, can enhance the light reflection and create a sense of height in the room. Furniture choices should also be light, so opting for pale-colored sofas and light wood furniture helps avoid further darkening the space. Mirrors can be used effectively to reflect and amplify natural light, so consider ...