Matt, satin or gloss: which paint finish should you choose?

For most interior walls, matt or satin is the best choice. Matt hides imperfections. Satin stands up better to cleaning. Gloss is kept for doors, skirting boards and other items that are cleaned a lot. The finish changes the way light hits the wall, so it is worth choosing calmly.

What is the finish

The finish is the level of sheen of the paint once it has dried. The same colour looks different depending on whether it is matt or gloss. With a gloss finish, the colour looks more vivid and the surface reflects the light. With a matt finish, the colour looks softer and the light is scattered.

There is no single right finish for everything. Each one has advantages and disadvantages.

Matt paint

Matt paint does not reflect light. That is why it hides small flaws, such as plaster marks, patches and slightly uneven walls. It is the usual choice for ceilings and for living room and bedroom walls.

Today there are washable matt paints, which stand up better to cleaning. If you have children or pets, look for that on the tin.

Satin paint

Satin has a soft sheen. It is a middle ground between matt and gloss. It cleans better than matt and hides flaws reasonably well, as long as the wall is properly prepared.

It is a good choice for hallways, kitchens, bathrooms and children's bedrooms. These are areas where walls get dirtier.

Gloss paint

Gloss creates a very smooth surface that is easy to clean. But it shows every flaw: a scratch, a filled hole or a badly sanded area will be plain to see. That is why it is rarely used on large walls.

It works well on doors, windows, skirting boards, cupboards and radiators. These are small items, touched often, which benefit from a hard, washable film.

How to decide

  1. Look at the wall. If it has many flaws, choose matt.
  2. Think about use. A high-traffic or greasy area calls for satin or washable matt.
  3. Think about light. Dark rooms can benefit from a soft sheen.
  4. Test in a corner or on a large sample before painting everything.

Seeing the sample on the wall, in daylight and at night, helps a lot. A small square of paper or a test painted on card is more misleading than an area of half a square metre.

A common mistake

Many people choose gloss because they think it is easier to clean, and then regret it when they see every imperfection. If the wall is not very smooth, go for satin or a washable matt.

Tip: You can use different finishes in the same room. Matt walls with satin or gloss doors and skirting boards give a clean, practical result.

See also