Walk into any paint shop and you will face a wall of finishes — matt, flat matt, eggshell, silk, satin, gloss, satinwood. It is genuinely confusing. Here is a straightforward guide to what each finish does and where it works best.
The Main Paint Finishes Explained
Flat Matt
Completely non-reflective. Hides surface imperfections beautifully. Not very wipeable — marks show easily. Best for: ceilings, and walls in low-traffic rooms where a luxurious, chalky look is wanted. Popular with Farrow & Ball and Little Greene lovers.
Matt Emulsion
A small amount of sheen — barely visible. Still hides imperfections well. Slightly more durable than flat matt. Best for: living rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms. The most versatile all-round wall finish.
Eggshell (Water-based)
A subtle sheen — like the surface of an eggshell. More washable than matt. Works on walls and woodwork. Best for: hallways, kitchens, bathrooms, and woodwork for a modern low-sheen look.
Silk / Soft Sheen
A noticeable sheen that reflects light. Very washable. Shows surface imperfections more than matt. Best for: high-traffic areas, hallways, children's rooms. Less fashionable currently but very practical.
Satin (Water-based)
More sheen than eggshell, less than gloss. Extremely durable and washable. Best for: woodwork (skirting boards, doors, architraves) when a modern finish is wanted. Very popular as a gloss alternative.
Gloss
High shine, very hardwearing, very washable. Shows every imperfection. Traditional choice for woodwork. Best for: skirting boards, doors and exterior timber where maximum durability is needed.
Quick Reference Guide by Room
| Room | Walls | Woodwork | Ceiling |
|---|---|---|---|
| Living room | Matt or flat matt | Satin or eggshell | Flat matt white |
| Bedroom | Matt or flat matt | Satin or eggshell | Flat matt white |
| Hallway | Eggshell or silk | Satin or gloss | Flat matt white |
| Kitchen | Eggshell or kitchen paint | Satin or gloss | Flat matt white |
| Bathroom | Bathroom paint / eggshell | Satin or gloss | Bathroom paint |
| Children's room | Silk or eggshell | Satin | Flat matt white |
A Note on Farrow & Ball Finishes
Farrow & Ball use different terminology. Their Estate Emulsion is their flat matt wall paint. Modern Emulsion has a slight sheen and is more washable. Estate Eggshell is for woodwork and walls where a low-sheen wipeable finish is needed. Full Gloss is their traditional woodwork finish.
Our recommendation: For most York homes, matt emulsion on walls, flat matt white ceilings, and water-based satin on woodwork gives a clean, contemporary result that holds up well to everyday living.
Not Sure What to Choose?
We can advise on finishes and brands on our free quote visit. Based in York, covering North Yorkshire.
Get a Free Quote