Understanding Paint Finishes: Emulsion, Eggshell, Gloss, and Satinwood
Walking into a decorating centre can feel overwhelming when you’re faced with dozens of tins and finish types. Understanding the four main finishes will help you make the right choice for every surface in your home.
Emulsion
Emulsion is a water-based paint and the most widely used finish for interior walls and ceilings. It dries quickly, has low odour, and is easy to clean up with water. Emulsion comes in two main varieties:
- Matt emulsion – a completely flat, non-reflective finish that hides surface imperfections well. Ideal for ceilings and low-traffic walls, though less durable when scrubbed.
- Vinyl silk / soft sheen emulsion – has a subtle sheen that reflects a little light, making it slightly more washable. Better suited to rooms where walls may need wiping down.
Eggshell
Eggshell has a low-to-mid sheen — somewhere between matt and satin — and is more durable than standard emulsion. It is water- or oil-based and provides a smooth, wipeable surface. Eggshell is traditionally used on woodwork such as skirting boards, door frames, and window sills, but modern water-based eggshells are increasingly popular on walls in kitchens and hallways where durability matters.
Gloss
Gloss paint has a high-shine, reflective finish and is the most durable of the common interior finishes. It is typically oil-based (though water-based versions are available) and is used almost exclusively on woodwork — doors, banisters, radiators, and window frames. Gloss is hard-wearing and moisture-resistant, but it does highlight surface imperfections, so thorough preparation is essential.
Satinwood
Satinwood sits between eggshell and gloss in terms of sheen. It offers a smooth, mid-sheen finish that is both attractive and practical. Like gloss, it is used primarily on woodwork and is more forgiving of minor surface flaws than full gloss. Many decorators prefer satinwood over gloss for interior woodwork because it is easier to apply and gives a more contemporary look.
Which Finish Suits Which Room?
Choosing the right finish for each room comes down to balancing aesthetics with practicality. Here is a room-by-room guide.
Kitchen
Kitchens are high-traffic, high-moisture environments prone to grease, steam, and splashes. For walls, choose a vinyl silk or soft sheen emulsion — or a dedicated kitchen paint — that can be wiped clean without the surface breaking down. For woodwork such as cupboard doors and skirting boards, eggshell or satinwood provides durability and a smart finish. Avoid matt emulsion on kitchen walls as it will absorb grease and stain easily.
Bathroom
Bathrooms present similar challenges to kitchens: high humidity, condensation, and the risk of mould. Use a specialist bathroom emulsion or a moisture-resistant vinyl silk on walls. These formulations contain anti-mould agents and are designed to cope with steam. For woodwork, satinwood or gloss is recommended for its moisture resistance. Ensure the room is well ventilated during and after painting.
Living Room
The living room is typically a lower-traffic space where you can prioritise appearance over durability. Matt emulsion is a popular choice here as it gives a rich, flat finish that makes colours look their best and minimises the appearance of uneven walls. If you have young children or pets, a soft sheen emulsion offers a practical compromise — still attractive, but easier to wipe clean.
Bedroom
Bedrooms are low-traffic rooms where comfort and atmosphere take precedence. Matt emulsion is the go-to choice, creating a calm, non-reflective finish that works beautifully with both neutral and bold colour palettes. For woodwork such as skirting boards and door frames, eggshell or satinwood provides a neat, durable contrast to the walls.
How to Calculate How Much Paint You Need
Buying too little paint mid-project is a common and frustrating mistake. Here is how to work out the right quantity before you start.
Step 1: Measure Your Wall Area
Measure the width and height of each wall in metres, then multiply them together to get the area in square metres (m²). Add all the wall areas together for the total surface area of the room.
Step 2: Subtract Doors and Windows
Deduct the area of any doors (approximately 1.8 m² each) and windows (approximately 1.2 m² each) from your total. This gives you the net paintable wall area.
Step 3: Check Coverage Per Litre
Most UK paint tins state a coverage figure on the label — typically 10–14 m² per litre for emulsion and 12–16 m² per litre for eggshell or gloss. Use the lower end of the range for porous or textured surfaces.
Step 4: Account for the Number of Coats
Most jobs require two coats for an even, opaque finish — especially when changing colour significantly or painting over a dark shade. Multiply your net area by the number of coats, then divide by the coverage per litre to get the total litres needed. Round up to the nearest available tin size.
Example: A room with 40 m² of net wall area, two coats, and a coverage of 12 m²/litre requires (40 × 2) ÷ 12 = 6.67 litres — so buy two 5-litre tins.
Preparation: The Key to a Professional Finish
No matter how good your paint is, a poor surface will undermine the result. Thorough preparation is the single most important step in any decorating project.
Filling Cracks and Holes
Use a ready-mixed filler (such as Polyfilla) for small cracks and nail holes. Apply with a filling knife, slightly overfilling the recess, then allow to dry fully before sanding back flush with fine-grit sandpaper (120–180 grit). For larger cracks or damaged plaster, use a two-part filler for a harder, more durable repair.
Sanding Surfaces
Sand previously painted woodwork with 120-grit sandpaper to key the surface and remove any nibs or brush marks from previous coats. Always sand in the direction of the grain on timber. Wipe down with a damp cloth or tack cloth to remove all dust before painting.
Priming Bare or Stained Surfaces
- Bare plaster – allow new plaster to dry fully (at least four weeks), then apply a mist coat (emulsion diluted 10% with water) before full coats.
- Bare wood – apply a wood primer or an all-purpose primer to seal the grain and improve adhesion.
- Stains (water marks, nicotine, felt-tip) – use a stain-blocking primer (such as Zinsser BIN or Bulls Eye 1-2-3) to prevent bleed-through. Standard paint will not cover these reliably.
- Previously glossed surfaces – sand thoroughly and apply a bonding primer if switching to a water-based topcoat.
Popular UK Paint Brands and Colour Trends for 2026
The UK market offers a wide range of paint brands to suit every budget and taste.
Premium Brands
- Farrow & Ball – renowned for their rich, complex pigments and distinctive colour palette. Their estate emulsion and estate eggshell are beloved by interior designers. Expensive, but the depth of colour is hard to replicate.
- Little Greene – another premium brand with a heritage palette and excellent coverage. Their intelligent matt emulsion is particularly well regarded for period properties.
- Lick – a newer premium brand offering a curated, trend-led palette with a strong sustainability focus and direct-to-consumer pricing.
Mid-Range Brands
- Dulux – the UK’s best-selling paint brand, offering reliable quality across a vast colour range. Their Easycare range is a practical choice for family homes.
- Crown – a solid mid-range option with good coverage and a wide colour selection. Their Breatheasy range is low-odour and suitable for those with sensitivities.
Trade Brands
- Johnstone’s – a favourite among professional decorators for its excellent coverage and durability. Available in trade and retail versions.
- Leyland Trade – another trade staple offering great value and consistent quality.
Colour Trends for 2026
The dominant themes for 2026 lean towards warm, earthy neutrals and deep, saturated tones used as bold accents:
- Warm terracottas and clay tones – bringing warmth and texture to living rooms and hallways.
- Sage and olive greens – continuing their popularity from recent years, particularly in kitchens and garden rooms.
- Deep navy and midnight blue – used on feature walls, joinery, and kitchen cabinetry for a dramatic, sophisticated look.
- Soft off-whites with warm undertones – replacing cool, stark whites as the go-to neutral for ceilings and trim.
- Dusty pinks and blush tones – making a return in bedrooms and bathrooms for a soft, contemporary feel.
When to Hire a Professional Decorator
Some decorating projects are well within the reach of a confident DIYer, but others are best left to the professionals. Knowing the difference can save you time, money, and frustration.
Signs the Job Is Beyond DIY
- High ceilings or stairwells – working at height safely requires proper scaffolding or a professional-grade tower. The risk of a serious fall is not worth taking.
- Extensive plaster repairs – if walls have significant cracking, damp damage, or blown plaster, a professional will achieve a far better result.
- Specialist finishes – techniques such as colour washing, limewashing, or Venetian plaster require skill and practice to execute well.
- Large-scale projects – decorating an entire house or multiple rooms simultaneously is physically demanding and time-consuming. A professional team will complete the work far more quickly.
- Listed buildings or period properties – these may require specific materials and techniques to preserve the character of the building.
What to Look for in a Decorator
When hiring a decorator, look for the following:
- Membership of a trade body such as the Painting and Decorating Association (PDA) or the Dulux Select Decorator scheme.
- Public liability insurance – always ask for proof before work begins.
- A portfolio of recent work and verifiable references from previous clients.
- A detailed written quote that specifies materials, number of coats, preparation work included, and a clear timeline.
- Clear communication – a good decorator will advise you honestly on what is achievable and flag any issues they find during preparation.
