Dr Dulux: Understanding Different Paint Finishes

 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 appearance.
  • Eggshell has a softer sheen than Silk and Satin. It gives a classic look to woodwork and works well on walls when you want a heritage style with a durable finish.
  • Gloss is a shiny finish mostly used for woodwork. It reflects a lot of light, which makes it great for light colours, but it needs a smooth surface to look its best. It’s practical and looks beautiful when paired with Matt finishes on walls.

When shopping for paint, some stores, like Dulux MixLab, let you pick any colour and finish for your project, whether it’s for walls, woodwork, or a specific room like a kitchen or bathroom.

Hope this helps!

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