Learn · Guide
paint finishes explained.
Two paints in the same colour can look completely different. The finish decides how shiny, how washable and how forgiving your walls will be.
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the short answer.
- The more gloss, the easier to wash and the more it shows every flaw.
- Ceilings are flat matt. Living areas are matt or low sheen.
- Kitchens, bathrooms and hallways suit low sheen or satin.
- Doors and trims are usually semi-gloss or gloss.
the finish scale.
Finishes run from no shine to a high shine. Each step up is tougher and easier to wipe clean, and each step up also shows more of what is underneath.
| Finish | Look | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Flat matt | No shine, soft and even | Ceilings, low-traffic walls |
| Matt | Very low shine | Living rooms, bedrooms, feature walls |
| Low sheen | A soft glow | Hallways, kids rooms, busy living areas |
| Satin | A gentle shine | Kitchens, bathrooms, laundries |
| Semi-gloss | A clear shine | Doors, skirting boards, window frames |
| Gloss | High shine | Feature doors, trims, furniture |
which finish for walls?
Matt hides small bumps and patches and gives a rich, even colour. The trade-off is that it marks more easily and takes more care to clean.
Low sheen is the favourite for busy homes. It wipes clean better than matt, and it still looks soft and calm.
kitchens, bathrooms and laundries.
Steam, splashes and grease need a tougher finish. Satin or a washable low sheen stands up to wiping and resists moisture better. In a bathroom, we also recommend an anti-mould paint.
doors, trims and ceilings.
Trims and doors get touched, kicked and scuffed, so a semi-gloss or gloss finish makes them easy to wipe down and gives a crisp line against the wall.
Ceilings are normally flat matt. It reflects light evenly and hides roller marks. Anything shinier would show every flaw overhead.
exterior finishes.
Most exterior walls are low sheen or satin. It sheds dirt and water, and it handles Sydney sun and salt air well. Trims, eaves and doors are often semi-gloss for extra protection.
why preparation matters more with gloss.
The shinier the paint, the more light bounces off it and the more it shows any dent, crack or sanding mark underneath. A gloss door needs a flawless surface. That’s why we fill, sand and prime before any finish goes on.
not sure which to pick?
Tell us how you use each room and we will recommend the right finish. We use Dulux and Taubmans paints chosen to suit each surface, including washable interior finishes. See interior painting.
common questions.
What is the best paint finish for walls?
Matt for a soft, rich look in bedrooms and living rooms. Low sheen for busy areas and homes with children. Satin for kitchens and bathrooms.
Is gloss paint better?
It is tougher and easier to clean, but it shows every flaw. Gloss suits doors and trims. It is rarely the right choice for large walls.
What is the difference between matt and flat?
Flat matt has no shine at all and is used on ceilings. Matt has a very slight sheen and is more washable, so it suits walls.
Can I wash matt paint?
Gently, yes. Use a soft damp cloth. Scrubbing can leave shiny patches, which is why we suggest low sheen in busy areas.
Does the finish change the colour?
Yes. The same colour looks lighter and brighter in a higher sheen, and deeper in matt. Always test the colour in the finish you plan to use.
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