Different Types of Paint Finishes

September 22nd, 2022

Paint can come in all types of finishes, so knowing which finish is right for you and your project will make all the difference in achieving the perfect finish. At Brewers we only stock the highest quality trade paints across a wide range of brands to help you find the right product for the job. Here's our quick guide on the different types of paint finishes.

Matt emulsion is commonly used on walls and ceilings. 

It is a flat finish with a sheen level of less than 10% and can scuff quite easily. 

Durable Matt is a common finish which has been designed to resist marking and is up to 500x stronger than Vinyl Matt.


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Eggshell paint has a dull shine, like the shell of an egg.

Eggshell can be used on trim instead of a traditional gloss.

It can also be used on walls and ceilings, but an acrylic version of eggshell is recommended due to low VOC content.


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Satin has a dull shine with an approximate 20% sheen level.

It is a modern alternative to gloss for trim such as skirtings, window surrounds and frames.

Albany Super Satin is water-based with good flow and opacity.


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Traditional finishes for walls in high traffic areas such as hallways and kitchens.

They are shinier and more wipeable, with a greater resistance to steam.

Top Tip: The higher the sheen level, the greater chance of highlighting imperfections in the walls.


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Gloss can be used for both interior and exterior decorating.

The sheen level of gloss is 90%, making the finish highly reflective and washable.

Commonly used on trim and sometimes used in commercial kitchens for increased hygiene levels.


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With thousand's of colours to choose from, browse the Albany colour card online or pick up your free card in store.