When it comes to choosing paint for your next makeover project, it's natural to focus on the colour first - but it's also important to consider the finish you need, as different paint finishes can produce very different effects.
For instance, matt paint is really good at hiding imperfections when painting a wall, but it isn’t as hard-wearing as a satin or gloss paint. Meanwhile, gloss is great for a tough, high sheen finish, but it’s not as subtle as satin or matt and can actually accentuate, rather than hide, surface imperfections.
Read on for our quick and easy guide to understanding the different types of paint finish, so that next time you get out your paint brushes you can be sure that the final look will be exactly as you imagined. We give you the low-down on the perfect paint for every project…
And if you're not sure what kind of paint you need for the surface you're working with, just check out our simple rundown of the different types of paint on the market, from chalk paint to masonry paint. On a practical note, if you need to update your painting kit, we've tried-and-tested a range of brush sets to find the best paint brushes and put together a buyer's guide of the best painting tools - you're welcome.
Different types of paint finish
Matt and flat matt
Matt paint has a low-gloss, non-reflective finish which makes it ideal for painting ceilings and walls, particularly if you need to cover minor imperfections. You might also encounter 'flat matt', which has even less of a gloss than a typical matt finish. However, be aware that both matt and flat matt are among the more difficult finishes to clean effectively, so you may want to avoid them in high-traffic areas where splashes, marks and stains are a risk - for these kinds of areas, you may want to consider a silk finish (see below).
Silk
Silk has a slightly higher sheen and is more durable and easier to wash than matt, but this also makes it slightly more likely to show imperfections. Silk paint is typically used in areas with a higher than normal moisture content, such as bathrooms or kitchens, often with mildew suppressing additives. It is easy to apply with a brush and roller and easy to clean.
Gloss and semi-gloss
Gloss has a very high sheen, while semi-gloss has a slightly lower (but still high) sheen which gives a luxurious-looking finish. Traditionally these would have always been oil-based paints. They are the most hard-wearing type and will need an undercoat. Polyurethane gloss is an oil-based gloss made using polyurethane, which makes an incredibly hard-wearing finish. These days, most gloss paints are water-based, so not as durable but less smelly, faster drying and easy to clean.
Gloss is typically used on woodwork, as it has a high shine. However, its high sheen means it reflects a lot of light and will show up surface imperfections. For the best results, always sand the surface to be painted smooth and use an undercoat before applying gloss.
Satin
Satin paint is like a mid sheen gloss paint. Its finish sits between matt and gloss and it’s most often used for woodwork, such as doors, windows and skirting boards. It's less reflective surface means it shows fewer imperfections and creates a more subtle finish than gloss. It has a durable, wipeable finish which makes it easy to get rid of any dirty finger marks. Find out more about the difference between satin and gloss.
Eggshell
Eggshell has a low sheen, but a higher sheen than matt paint and has a finish similar to that of an eggshell — hence its name. This paint is similar in appearance to satin but typically has a slightly duller sheen. It works well on woodwork for a durable finish that can be wiped clean when needed.
