Gloss, Satin, or Matte?
A Simple Guide to Choosing the Right Paint Finish
You’ve finally chosen the perfect colour, but when you get to the paint shop, you’re faced with another wall of choices: Matte, Low Sheen, Satin, Semi-Gloss, High Gloss. It’s easy to get confused, but the finish you choose is just as important as the colour. It affects not only how your walls look but also how durable and easy to clean they are. This guide breaks down the jargon so you can pick the perfect finish for every room in your Aussie home.
What is Paint Sheen?
"Sheen" simply refers to how shiny or reflective the paint is once it dries. The amount of sheen is determined by the ratio of resins and binders to pigment in the paint. The rule is simple: the more sheen, the more durable and washable the paint, but the more it will highlight imperfections on the wall.
The Main Finishes, From Flattest to Shiniest
- Matte (or Flat): This finish has almost no shine, giving it a soft, velvety look. Its biggest advantage is that it’s fantastic at hiding small bumps, cracks, and imperfections on older walls. However, it's the least durable and can be difficult to clean without leaving marks, making it best for low-traffic areas like formal lounge rooms or ceilings.
- Low Sheen: This is the workhorse of the Australian paint world and the most popular choice for interior walls. It has a slight sheen that gives it a subtle glow without being shiny. It offers a great balance, providing good washability for everyday scuffs while still minimising the appearance of surface imperfections. Perfect for living rooms, hallways, and bedrooms.
- Satin: A step up in durability from low sheen, a satin finish has a smooth, silky look. It’s highly washable and scrubbable, making it an excellent choice for high-traffic areas, kids' rooms, or walls in kitchens and laundries where you need to wipe away marks frequently. The extra sheen means it will show up wall imperfections more than a low sheen will.
- Semi-Gloss: This is your go-to for all things timber. Semi-gloss is a hard-wearing, shiny finish that’s incredibly easy to wipe clean. It’s the standard choice for skirting boards, architraves, doors, and window frames. Because it’s so reflective, it will highlight every single dent and flaw, so your surface preparation needs to be perfect.
- High Gloss: The toughest and shiniest of them all. High gloss creates a durable, almost mirror-like finish. It's traditionally used for front doors or statement furniture to create a dramatic effect. Like semi-gloss, it requires a perfectly smooth surface to look its best.
Quick Guide: Where to Use Each Finish
- Ceilings: Always use Matte.
- Living Rooms & Bedrooms: Low Sheen is the perfect all-rounder.
- Hallways & Kids' Rooms: Satin offers the best durability for high-traffic zones.
- Kitchens & Bathrooms: For Kitchens & Bathrooms, always look for a paint specifically formulated for wet areas (often called 'Kitchen & Bathroom' paint) which includes mould inhibitors. These typically come in a Low Sheen or Satin finish, providing the best balance of moisture resistance and aesthetics.
- Skirting, Doors & Trim: Semi-Gloss is the professional standard for its toughness and cleanability.
Pro Tip from a Sydney Painter
The choice of finish is a trade-off between aesthetics and practicality. While a matte finish on a feature wall can look incredibly sophisticated, it’s not practical for a busy hallway. The biggest reason professional jobs look so good is that we take the time to prepare surfaces perfectly, which allows us to use durable, higher-sheen paints without highlighting flaws. At DRJ Painting, we can advise you on the best finish for every surface to ensure your home not only looks beautiful but also stands up to everyday life.
