A Simple Guide to Paint Finishes (and Why Dulux Makes the Choice Easy)
Picking a colour is the fun part. Picking the finish is the part that actually determines how your walls, trim, and furniture hold up over time — and it’s the step a lot of DIYers skip. The truth is, two cans of the exact same colour can look completely different on the wall depending on their sheen level, and one might last years longer than the other in a busy hallway or a sun-baked deck.
Here’s a straightforward breakdown of the main paint finishes, plus where Dulux’s paint and stain ranges fit into each one.
Matt / Flat
Matt (sometimes called flat) is the least reflective finish there is — smooth, velvety, and excellent at hiding small imperfections like uneven drywall or old patch jobs. It’s the go-to for ceilings and low-traffic rooms like formal living rooms or adult bedrooms, since it’s not designed to be scrubbed hard.
Where Dulux fits in: Dulux’s matt emulsions are formulated to still resist everyday marks better than old-school flat paint, so you get that soft, imperfection-hiding look without it feeling fragile.
Eggshell
Eggshell sits right between matt and satin — a gentle, low-key sheen that resembles, well, the surface of an eggshell. It’s more washable than matt but still forgiving on so-so walls, which makes it a favourite for hallways, kids’ rooms, and family living spaces.
Where Dulux fits in: Dulux’s eggshell finishes are popular for both walls and interior wood and metal trim, giving a consistent, low-sheen look across a whole room.
Satin
Satin has noticeably more sheen than eggshell, reflects a bit more light, and wipes clean easily — making it a solid all-rounder for kitchens, bathrooms, and woodwork like doors and skirting boards. It strikes a nice balance between durability and a soft, non-glaring look.
Where Dulux fits in: Dulux’s satinwood and satin ranges are quick-drying, self-undercoating options for trim and doors, so you can get a professional-looking finish without extra prep steps. For wood surfaces that need colour and protection in one step, Dulux’s stain-and-varnish products (like Woodsheen) deliver a durable satin sheen while locking colour into the timber.
Semi-Gloss
Semi-gloss has a noticeable shine without going full mirror finish. It’s tough, easy to wipe down, and stands up well to moisture, which is why it’s such a common choice for bathroom trim, kitchen cabinetry, and doors.
Where Dulux fits in: Dulux’s semi-gloss and enamel options are built for these high-contact surfaces, offering a durable film that resists scuffs and repeated cleaning.
Gloss
Gloss is the shiniest, most light-reflective finish on the shelf. It’s hard-wearing, easy to clean, and makes trim and doors really pop against a matt or eggshell wall — but it also shows off every surface flaw, so prep work matters more here than with any other finish.
Where Dulux fits in: Dulux’s gloss and enamel formulas are made for exactly this kind of high-durability trim work, giving a hard, washable shell that holds its colour and shine over time.
And Don’t Forget Wood Stains
Stains work differently than paint — instead of sitting on top of the wood and hiding it, they soak into the grain and let the natural texture show through, while adding colour and weather protection. This matters most on decks, fences, siding, and exterior joinery, where UV and moisture are constantly working against the wood.
Dulux’s exterior wood stain range is built specifically for that fight, offering long-lasting colour along with protection against sun and rain. For jobs that need both stain and a protective seal in a single product, options like Dulux Woodsheen combine the two into one durable, satin-finished coat — handy for doors, window frames, and outdoor furniture alike.
Quick Cheat Sheet
| Finish | Sheen Level | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Matt / Flat | Lowest | Ceilings, low-traffic rooms |
| Eggshell | Low | Hallways, bedrooms, family rooms |
| Satin | Medium | Kitchens, bathrooms, doors, trim |
| Semi-Gloss | Medium-High | Bathroom trim, cabinetry, doors |
| Gloss | Highest | Doors, trim, high-durability surfaces |
| Wood Stain | Varies | Decks, fences, exterior wood, furniture |
Bring Your Project In
Not sure which sheen fits your space, or whether you need a straight stain, a paint, or a stain-and-varnish combo? Stop by and talk to our team — we stock a full range of Dulux paints and stains and can help you match the right product (and the right amount) to your project before you pick up a brush.
Finish and stain information sourced from Dulux (dulux.ca)
