Gallery
As a general guideline, we would recommend using matte paints in low-traffic areas that are unlikely to get scuffed or marked; these make an excellent choice for walls. In contrast, finishes such as acrylic eggshell are better suited to high-traffic rooms that are exposed to high levels of moisture and humidity, due to its increased durability. Gloss, satin or eggshell finishes are also suitable for woodwork. The choice of paint finish ultimately depends on your taste, the desired effect and durability. A gloss finish tends to make a bold statement, while satin or eggshell finishes offer a more understated look.
Gloss
Gloss finish paint is a popular paint finish for wood and metal. It’s ultra shiny, hard and reflects the light. This paint finish is the most durable and highly scrub, stain and moisture resistant, making it the easiest finish to clean and, therefore, great for busy home areas such as hallways, bathrooms and kitchens. Due to its reflective appearance, a gloss finish paint can highlight defects and imperfections on a surface.
Satin
This finish is a mid-sheen paint. This type of finish provides a balanced option between flat matte and glossier paint finishes. A satin finish offers an ideal choice for high-traffic areas that require a durable paint finish without the ultra-sleek, shiny appearance of gloss finishes. This is a great choice for areas where practicality is important but aesthetic appeal is also necessary. We would recommend using this finish on wood and metal; for example, kitchen cabinets, furniture and trims where both durability and cleanability are important considerations – when used with the appropriate primer.
Eggshell
This paint has a finish between satin and matte, making it a perfect all-around choice. Its robust nature helps to withstand daily wear and tear, making it more resistant to marks and easier to clean, ensuring that your walls and woodwork maintain their beautiful appearance. This makes eggshell a great option for hallways and busy living rooms. When applied to woodwork, it imparts a beautiful and timeless aesthetic. Similarly, this would be an excellent choice if you desire a heritage-style ambience for your walls.
Matte
Matte finish paint is a really popular choice for interior walls and ceilings. It comes in three different types; vinyl, acrylic durable and flat. Vinyl matte finish has a very subtle sheen allowing it to be gently wiped, and strikes a balance between minimal reflection and enhanced durability compared to flat matte paint. While it maintains a subdued appearance, it offers improved resilience and resistance to wear and tear. This makes it a favourable choice for areas requiring more durability without compromising on the desired low-reflective aesthetic. Therefore, we recommend matte finishes for bedrooms and living rooms with less traffic. It is also a highly-pigmented finish, ideal for coverage and reducing costs.
Acrylic durable matte finishes are similar to vinyl alternatives but are much harder wearing and can be scrubbed clean without damaging the finish or the colour. This kind of emulsion is perfect for busy hallways or living areas.
A flat finish has the lowest level of sheen. This type of finish exhibits a smooth and nearly non-reflective appearance. The absence of light reflection makes flat paint an ideal option for walls that have imperfections or surface irregularities, as higher-sheen finishes tend to accentuate such flaws. By using flat paint, you can achieve a clean and seamless look for your walls, minimising the visibility of any surface imperfections.
Due to their low-sheen and non-reflective nature, flat finishes tend to highlight and retain any marks and stains more easily. This means it’s best used on ceilings and low-traffic areas with minimal risk of stains or marks.
