Tips

Gloss, matte or low sheen? Which white paint should you use?

White paint is white paint, right? Well, no, that would be far too easy! There are lots of white paints with lots of different finishes and it all comes down to what you are painting and the finish you are looking for.

November 3, 2022

The ‘sheen’ of any paint refers to the level of shininess once it’s dry. Basically, the sheenier the shine, the hardier the paint will be. It’s also worth noting that colour will change slightly with the sheen level. With a matte finish, more light is absorbed, so the colour will appear darker. With glossier sheens, light is reflected and can appear lighter.  

Here are the differences and what’s best for where:

Matte

  • Also known as flat finish
  • Low light reflection with a velvety finish
  • Hides any surface imperfections
  • Marks easily so not great for wear and tear
  • Mainly used on walls, ceilings & cornices

Low sheen

  • Also known as satin finish
  • Good for walls
  • Hardwearing & washable
  • Can reduce glare  

Semi-gloss

  • Slightly shiny appearance
  • Suitable for walls, doors, trims & cupboards
  • Good for high traffic areas

Gloss

  • Highly reflective finish
  • Durable & easy to clean
  • Can show surface imperfections
  • Suitable for woodwork such as skirting boards & window frames

Low gloss

  • Hard-wearing & chip-resistant finish  
  • Works well with low sheen or matte wall paint  
  • Reduces the appearance of imperfections
  • Ideal choice for doors, window frames & trims

Bear in mind that different brands sometimes have different names for their own type of white paint, so contact your local painting and decorating expert who will be able to help you choose the perfect white. And remember, when it comes to paint, cheap isn't always cheerful!

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