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Paint finishes explained: matte, eggshell, satin and gloss

June 18, 2026

What 'finish' means

A paint's finish, or sheen, is how much light it reflects. It affects durability, washability and how imperfections show — so choosing the right sheen matters as much as the colour.

The four main finishes

Matte hides surface flaws and suits ceilings and low-traffic walls. Eggshell offers a soft sheen that's easier to clean — a popular all-rounder. Satin is more durable and wipeable, ideal for kitchens, hallways and trim. Gloss is the toughest and most reflective, best for doors, metal and high-wear surfaces.

Stocking the range

Most retailers stock two to three finishes per colour to cover the majority of use cases. We supply all four across our brand and private-label programmes.

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