Matt (and flat matt)
- Low sheen, so it hides lumps and bumps in walls and ceilings well.
- The usual choice for ceilings and living room or bedroom walls.
- Standard matt can mark more easily; durable or washable matt paints are made for busier rooms.
Eggshell
- A soft low sheen, slightly more durable and wipeable than matt.
- Popular on walls in hallways and kitchens, and on woodwork for a modern, less shiny look.
Satin (and silk)
- A mid sheen that is hard-wearing and easy to wipe.
- Common on doors, skirting and window frames. Silk emulsion on walls shows imperfections more than matt.
Gloss
- High shine and very durable.
- Traditional for woodwork and metalwork, inside and out.
- Shows every imperfection, so good preparation is essential.
Special paints
- Kitchen and bathroom paints are designed to resist moisture and mould.
- Masonry paint is for exterior walls; see painting the outside of your house.
- New plaster needs a mist coat first; see how to paint new plaster.
- Old woodwork in pre-1960s homes may have lead paint underneath; see lead paint in older homes.
Agree it with your decorator
Before work starts, agree the brand, colour and finish for each surface, how many coats are included, and who is buying the paint. Compare local painters and decorators.
Last updated: 14 October 2026
