You've picked the colour. Now comes the question that trips up most people in the paint aisle: matt, eggshell, satin or gloss? The finish (or sheen) changes how the colour looks, how well the wall hides flaws and how easy it is to wipe clean. Here's how to pick the right one for every room.
IMAGE PLACEHOLDER: row of painted sample boards showing matt to high gloss (landscape, 1600×900)
The sheen scale, from flat to shiny
- Matt (flat). No shine at all. It hides bumps and patches really well, but it's the hardest to clean.
- Eggshell / low sheen. A soft glow. It's more washable than matt and still forgiving on walls that aren't perfect.
- Satin / sheen. A smooth, silky shine. It's tough and easy to wipe, so it's good for busy areas.
- Gloss / enamel. High shine and very hard-wearing. It's best for wood and metal, and it shows every flaw underneath.
Rule of thumb: the shinier the finish, the more durable and washable it is, and the more it shows imperfections.
Which finish goes where?
| Area | Best finish | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Ceilings | Matt | Hides flaws and cuts down glare from lights |
| Lounges and bedrooms | Matt or eggshell | A soft, even look that's easy to touch up |
| Passages and kids' rooms | Eggshell or satin | Wipes clean after scuffs and sticky fingers |
| Kitchens and bathrooms | Satin / sheen | Stands up to steam, splashes and regular cleaning |
| Doors, skirting and window frames | Gloss or enamel | A hard, chip-resistant finish for high-touch surfaces |
| Exterior walls | Exterior low sheen | Weather protection and a finish that's easy to keep clean |
PRODUCT PLACEHOLDER: one recommended product per finish (matt, eggshell, satin, gloss), with links
Tips for a better finish
- Prep matters more with shine. Fill, sand and dust the walls before you use satin or gloss.
- Prime new or patched surfaces so the sheen dries evenly with no dull patches.
- Test a patch first. Sheen looks different in daylight and at night.
- Keep a wet edge. Work one wall at a time to avoid lap marks, especially with low-sheen and satin paints.
- Small room? A little sheen helps bounce light around. Read our guide to painting small rooms with light colours.
IMAGE PLACEHOLDER: close-up of someone cutting in skirting with a brush
What you'll need
- Paint in the right finish for your room [PLACEHOLDER: product link]
- Primer / undercoat [PLACEHOLDER: product link]
- Rollers (short nap for gloss, medium nap for walls) [PLACEHOLDER: product link]
- Brushes, masking tape and drop sheets [PLACEHOLDER: product link]
Still not sure?
Bring a photo of your room to any Al's Hardware branch and we'll help you match the right paint and finish to the job. [PLACEHOLDER: branch/service detail]
CTA PLACEHOLDER: button linking to Paint collection + button linking to Our stores