What 'sheen' actually means
Sheen is simply how much light a dried paint reflects. Flat matt reflects almost none, so it looks soft and velvety. Gloss reflects a lot, so it looks shiny and hard. Everything else sits in between.
As a rule, the shinier the finish, the tougher and easier to clean it is – and the more it shows up every dent, ridge and brush mark underneath. That trade-off is at the heart of choosing a finish.
| Finish | Look | Durability | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flat / dead flat matt | Chalky, no shine | Lowest | Ceilings, period homes, low-traffic walls |
| Matt | Soft, very low sheen | Low to medium | Living rooms, bedrooms |
| Durable matt | Matt look, wipeable | Medium to high | Hallways, stairs, children's rooms |
| Eggshell | Low sheen | High | Woodwork, kitchen walls, panelling |
| Satin | Mid sheen | High | Skirting, doors, window frames |
| Gloss | High shine | Very high | Traditional woodwork, front doors |
Common paint finishes compared
Walls: matt is usually the answer
For most living rooms and bedrooms, matt emulsion looks best. It's forgiving on older plaster and gives colours that rich, modern depth. The question is really how much wear the wall will get.
In a quiet spare room, a standard matt is fine. In a hallway where bags, bikes and buggies scrape the walls daily, go for a durable or scrubbable matt. Silk emulsion was popular for years because it wipes clean, but it shows every imperfection in the wall and has fallen out of favour.
Ceilings: flat and forgiving
Ceilings catch light from windows at a low angle, which exaggerates any unevenness. That's why decorators almost always use a flat matt on them. A shiny ceiling looks wavy even when it isn't.
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Woodwork: eggshell, satin or gloss
This is mostly about style. Gloss gives a crisp, traditional look and is very hard-wearing, which is why you'll still see it on front doors and in period homes. Satin is the most popular choice indoors now – practical without being too shiny. Eggshell is lower still and looks lovely on panelling, kitchen units and in rooms where you want the woodwork to blend in.
One thing to bear in mind: the shinier the finish, the more preparation it needs. A gloss finish on poorly sanded skirting will show every dent.
Kitchens and bathrooms
Steam and splashes are the main enemies here. Many paint makers sell kitchen and bathroom emulsions with a slight sheen and added mould resistance. A durable matt can also work well in a well-ventilated room. Avoid standard flat matt near the hob or the shower.
