Types of Interior Paint Finishes Explained

Are you carrying out domestic or commercial redecorating at the moment but still a bit confused by all the different interior paint types and finishes? Maybe you know what Matt and Gloss are, but unsure what the difference is between Satin, Eggshell, Silk and Sheen? And and which is the best type to use?

Well, choosing the right sheen level can completely transform the look of your walls. Always make sure you consider different finishes to make the most of your space. Here’s a little interior paint guide to help you:

Matt emulsion interior paint is smooth, velvety and helps to hide imperfections on less-than-perfect walls.

Flat matt emulsion interior paint is even more velvety and because matt surfaces don’t reflect light, they make all colours look as similar as they can be in very different light conditions. Flat matt works wonders on deeper shades, too.

Satin and Silk interior paint are ‘mid-sheen’ finishes, which means they look like a slightly polished surface and reflect a bit of light. Silk is a finish associated with walls and satin for woodwork. You can wipe silk wall finishes easily which makes them very practical but if you have less-than-perfect walls, all the lumps and bumps may show up a bit more. A satin finish on woodwork helps to hide imperfections and gives colour a softer appearance.

Eggshell interior paint has less of a sheen than silk or satin and it does look like the surface of an eggshell (the clue’s in the name). It sits somewhere between matt and a silk finish and gives a beautiful classic look to woodwork – and can also be used on walls when you want a heritage style look with a tough finish.

Gloss interior paint is a shiny finish designed for woodwork and it reflects lots of light – so is perfect for paler colours. You have to have a great surface to make it look its best, but it is hugely practical and adds a lovely contrast to walls that are painted in a matt.

If you go into a DIY store which offers Dulux MixLab colour mixing, you can choose your favourite interior paint colour in any finish and for any function, be it walls and woodwork in the kitchen or bathroom or walls and woodwork in a busy hallway.