Paint finishes compared
Matt to gloss,
side by side.
Sheen changes how a painted surface reflects light. It does not, by itself, tell you how tough or washable the coating will be.
Gloss tends to reveal surface defects; a flatter finish reduces reflections. Choose the appearance here, then check the actual product’s substrate approval, scrub resistance and cleaning instructions.
Appearance, not a performance rating
Five finishes,
honestly compared.
There is no universal durability score for a sheen name. Some very matt coatings are washable. Farrow & Ball, for example, describes its 2% sheen Dead Flat as durable and scuff resistant. Always check the current product advice sheet.
Flat matt
Low reflection. Finish names and sheen measurements vary between manufacturers.
Where it belongs
Ceilings, period rooms, bedrooms and walls that see little traffic.
Watch out
Some traditional flat finishes mark or burnish easily, while modern durable flat products behave differently. Test touch ups because colour and texture can remain visible.
Matt
Low reflection. Finish names and sheen measurements vary between manufacturers.
Where it belongs
Most living room, bedroom and hallway walls. Durable matt ranges also suit kitchens.
Watch out
Washability varies a lot between ranges. Check the scrub class on the data sheet.
Eggshell
Soft reflection. Finish names and sheen measurements vary between manufacturers.
Where it belongs
Woodwork with a suitable trim product, or walls with a separate product approved for those rooms. A shared sheen name does not make them interchangeable.
Watch out
Shows more surface flaws and roller texture than matt, so preparation matters.
Satin
Noticeable reflection. Finish names and sheen measurements vary between manufacturers.
Where it belongs
Doors, skirtings, frames, radiators and busy family woodwork.
Watch out
Picks out dents and brush marks in low raking light.
Gloss
Strong reflection. Finish names and sheen measurements vary between manufacturers.
Where it belongs
Traditional woodwork, front doors, railings and exterior timber.
Watch out
The least forgiving finish. Every flaw underneath is magnified.
Finishes
Questions
we get asked.
- Is eggshell or satin better for woodwork?
- Satin usually reflects more light than eggshell, but neither name guarantees greater toughness. Compare products approved for your woodwork and check their cleaning and curing instructions, then choose the appearance you prefer.
- Can I use matt paint in a kitchen or bathroom?
- Yes, if it is a durable matt with a good scrub rating. A chalky flat matt will mark and can struggle with steam.
- Why does my matt wall have shiny patches?
- Rubbing or scrubbing a flat matt polishes it. This is called burnishing. A more durable matt or an eggshell suits walls that get touched a lot.
- Which finish hides imperfections best?
- The flatter the finish, the less it reflects light, so the more it hides. Flat matt hides the most, gloss the least.
Not sure which to use?
We will help
you choose.
We can bring samples in different sheens so you can see them in your own light before anything goes on.
Practical painting advice for Fife homes.