When it comes to decorating your home, choosing the perfect paint can feel overwhelming. With so many types of emulsion paints available, it’s essential to understand what they are and how their finishes — matte, silk, and gloss — differ. The brand of paint can also make a large difference, we recommend reputable brands such as Farrow and Ball. Whether you’re painting interior walls or giving a fresh coat to high-traffic areas, knowing the differences will help you pick the best paint for the job
What Is Emulsion Paint?
Emulsion paint is a water-based paint with added acrylic or vinyl resins to improve durability and finish. Known for its quick drying properties, low odour, and eco-friendly formulation, emulsion paints are widely used for interior walls and ceilings. They can be bought nowadays in almost any colour imaginable, allowing you to create the perfect look for your home.
Emulsion paints come in various finishes, with the three most popular being matte emulsion paint, vinyl silk emulsion, and gloss. Let’s dive into the differences between these three emulsion paints.
Matte Emulsion Paint
Matte emulsion paint offers a flat, non-reflective finish with a low sheen finish. This makes it ideal for hiding imperfections on less-than-perfect walls, as the lack of reflection minimises the appearance of all the lumps, bumps, and uneven surfaces.
One of the main benefits of matte emulsion paint is its ability to hide imperfections. The matte finish conceals flaws, making it a popular choice for older homes or walls with minor damage. It also creates a soft, subtle look, perfect for creating a calming atmosphere in living rooms, bedrooms, or dining areas. Available in almost any colour, it’s easy to find a shade that suits your style.
However, matte paint tends to be less durable compared to other finishes, meaning it might not be the best choice for high-traffic areas or children’s bedrooms where walls are more likely to get scuffed. While it’s easy to apply and usually requires just two coats, cleaning matte emulsion can be tricky, as scrubbing may damage the surface.
Silk Emulsion Paint
Silk paint has a slightly polished surface with a mid-sheen finish. Often referred to as vinyl silk emulsion, it’s more durable than matte and can be wiped clean with a damp cloth, making it suitable for high-traffic areas like hallways, kitchens, and children’s bedrooms.
The main advantage of silk emulsion paint is its higher durability. It’s resistant to moisture and easier to clean than matte paint. The reflective finish adds a sense of light and a spacious feel to rooms, making it a great choice for smaller spaces or areas lacking natural light. Silk paint works well in both modern and traditional homes, offering a balance between shine and practicality. However, due to its reflective finish, it may highlight wall imperfections more than a matte finish would.
Gloss Paint
Finally, gloss paint delivers a bold and striking high-sheen look. Though less commonly used for entire walls, gloss is fantastic for woodwork, trims, and doors. It’s the most hard-wearing of the three finishes and is extremely easy to clean, making it perfect for areas that experience frequent contact. A wood project’s success can be determined by the style of paint used, so be sure to learn about the best paint for wood before beginning!
Gloss paint is known for its extreme durability. It’s resistant to stains, moisture, and scrubbing, making it ideal for high-traffic areas. The high sheen finish adds a modern, sleek look to surfaces and reflects light, creating contrast and adding brightness to darker spaces. Due to its sheen level, gloss paint is not typically used on full interior walls, but it pairs beautifully with matte emulsion or silk paint to create a layered, textured appearance.
Satin Finish — A Happy Medium
If you’re torn between silk and gloss, a satin finish could be the perfect paint choice. Satin offers a mid-sheen finish that’s more reflective than matte but less shiny than gloss. It works well in high-traffic areas like hallways or children’s bedrooms, providing a balance between durability and aesthetic appeal.
How to Choose the Right Finish for Your Walls
When deciding which paint finish to use, consider the following. For interior walls with imperfections, opt for matte emulsion paint to conceal flaws. High-traffic areas benefit from vinyl silk or satin finishes for extra durability and easy cleaning. If you want to create a light and spacious feel, a silk finish or high-sheen paint will reflect light and brighten up a room. For children’s bedrooms, choose a silk paint or satin finish that can withstand a bit of rough and tumble.
No matter your choice, the way you paint the walls should always be the most thorough part. By applying at least two coats you will ensure even coverage and a polished look. Remember that preparation is key — clean your walls, fill in any cracks, and always use the appropriate primer where needed.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the differences between matte and silk paint, and gloss finishes will help you select the best paint for every room. Whether you want the soft elegance of matte emulsion paint, the durability of vinyl silk, or the standout shine of gloss, there’s a finish for every style and purpose. The variety of emulsion paints you can buy nowadays means you’re never limited in colour or creativity.
Ready to transform your walls? LGC Decorators is here to help you pick the perfect paint and finish for your home. Get in touch with us today to start your next decorating project!