Matt, Wipeable or Eggshell Paint Finish

If you're renovating your new home or simply changing the colour of a single room, one of the questions you'll ask is 'Which paint finish should I use?'.

In this guide, we'll talk you through the most common types of paint finishes, what they look like, their benefits, where you should use them and how to use them to achieve the best results.

First, let's understand what paint finishes are and why they are important.

What are paint finishes?

Paint finishes are the different textures and sheens that a paint can have after it dries. These finishes can range from matt to high-gloss, and each has its unique benefits and drawbacks. The finish you choose will depend on the room you're painting, the type of paint you're using, and the desired look you want to achieve.

Why are paint finishes important?

Paint finishes not only add aesthetic value to your walls but also serve a functional purpose. Different finishes can affect how easy or difficult it is to clean the walls, how much light reflects off them, and how long they last before needing a touch-up or repaint.

Understanding the different types of paint finishes

There are three main types of paint finishes: matt, wipeable and eggshell. Each has its own unique qualities, so it's important to understand their differences before selecting a paint finish.

Matt Paint

Let’s start with matt paint. This type of finish has no shine, so it will soak up light rather than reflect it. This is great for covering any imperfections on your walls, as the light won’t bounce off them making them more visible. Matt gives a velvet (or chalky) look finish to a room, and it’s a great paint finish for the upstairs areas, creating a cosy atmosphere – ideal for bedrooms or the study. As it’s more difficult to clean, avoid using it in high-traffic areas such as the kitchen, bathroom, or children's bedroom where any fingerprints will be harder to get rid of.

Wipeable Paint

Wipeable paint has a slight sheen to it (although this is only really noticeable when it is under the direct glare of a spotlight). It will however reflect the light a little more. It’s a great paint finish for downstairs areas such as your kitchen, bathroom and hallways – any areas which get quite a bit of through traffic as it’s easy to clean. With a clean, damp, cloth you can just wipe off those scuff marks, sticky paw prints and the mucky residues from when the family hound has had a good shake after a particularly muddy walk! Our customers love Wipeable as it achieves the same look as matt but it’s practical too. It’s a durable paint so it really does offer the best of both worlds. If you’re bold enough too, a little sheen can create a glamorous feel when used on walls, or even furniture. For a small study dark blue walls with a subtle sheen will create an inviting space that doesn’t feel claustrophobic because the reflection of light will create a sense of space.

Remember, matt paint pulls you in, creating a cosy feel, while gloss gives the optical illusion of opening up a room. Wipeable sits neatly somewhere in between.

Eggshell Paint

Last but not least is eggshell, also known as a satin finish. Eggshell finishes vary quite a bit from brand to brand - from ‘dead flat’ to ‘high gloss’. Eggshell is best used on woodwork and furniture, as it’s durable, can be easily cleaned, and it’s the perfect compromise when you don’t want a flat colour, and a gloss finish is too much.

Picking the right shine level for every room is just as important as picking the right colour. How colour is perceived can change based on how matt or shiny it is, especially when interacting with natural light. For instance, grey can look much whiter than you’d expect in a light sheen – light room context, whereas darker colours contain more pigment, so they will always have more lustre.