How to Pick the Perfect Paint Finish for Any Project

How to Pick the Perfect Paint Finish for Any Project

When it comes to decorating your home, choosing the right paint finish is just as important as selecting the perfect colour. The finish you choose affects durability, sheen, and overall appearance, making a big impact on the final result of your project. 

Here’s a helpful guide to help you pick the perfect paint finish for any space.

A blue walled living room with two cream sofas and large french doors and windowsA blue walled living room with two cream sofas and large french doors and windows

Matt Finish

Best for: Ceilings, low-traffic areas (unless specially formulated), and walls with imperfections.

Flat and matt finishes provide a smooth, non-reflective look that effectively conceals surface flaws. However, some can be more challenging to clean, making them ideal for spaces with minimal wear and tear. Luckily, Crown’s Matt ranges have been specially formulated to ensure that cleaning is effortless. 

  • Walls & Ceilings Matt Emulsion: A thick and creamy formula that applies easily, offering a modern, non-shiny finish. Breatheasy® 99% solvent-free for a healthier home.

  • Easyclean® Matt: Perfect for walls, ceilings, wood, and metal, this tough, washable finish combines practicality with rich colour.

  • Easyclean® Kitchen Matt Emulsion: Features Greaseguard+ technology to keep kitchen walls pristine and easy to maintain.

  • Easyclean® Mouldguard+ Bathroom Emulsion: Designed to resist soap marks and mould, making it ideal for humid bathroom environments.

  • Elle Decoration by Crown: A premium, durable interior emulsion offering the perfect flat matt finish with endless protection for walls and woodwork.

  • CRAFTED™ by Crown: Luxurious Flat Matt Finish provides a rich, creamy texture that glides smoothly onto walls, ceilings, and wood, creating a seamless, soft, and warm feel.

Eggshell Finish

Best for: Living rooms, dining rooms, and bedrooms.

Eggshell has a subtle sheen while remaining relatively low-maintenance. More durable than flat finishes and easier to clean, it's a great choice for rooms with moderate activity.

  • Quick Dry Eggshell (Pure Brilliant White): A water-based, low-shine finish suitable for interior and exterior wood, metal, and PVCu. Touch-dry in one hour, it resists yellowing and maintains long-lasting whiteness.

 

Silk Finish

Best for: Hallways, kitchens, and bathrooms.

Silk finishes balance durability with a slight sheen, making them moisture-resistant and ideal for high-traffic areas.

  • Silk Emulsion Finish: A wipeable finish with a subtle shine that applies smoothly and provides excellent coverage. Breatheasy® 99% solvent-free for a healthier living environment.

Glossy Finish

Best for: Accent features, furniture, and high-impact areas.

Gloss finishes offer the highest sheen and durability, creating a polished, striking effect. However, they can highlight surface imperfections, so proper preparation is key.

  • Quick Dry Gloss for Wood & Metal: A fast-drying, water-based formula that delivers a wipeable, high-shine finish for interior and exterior wood, metal, and PVCu. It resists yellowing, remains touch-dry in an hour, and is Breatheasy® 99% solvent-free and Vegan Verified.

A bathroom half white tiled and half pink with a mirror and a sinkA bathroom half white tiled and half pink with a mirror and a sink

Mid-Sheen Finish

  • Easyclean® Bathroom Mid Sheen Emulsion: Featuring Mouldguard+ technology, this is Crown’s most advanced washable, wipeable, and durable multi-surface bathroom paint.

Suede Textured Finish

  • CRAFTED™ by Crown Suede Textured Finish: Adds a unique, subtle texture to walls, created using natural ground olive stones for an organic brush-stroke effect. This finish is perfect for adding depth and warmth to a space, making it feel cosy yet sophisticated. It works well in areas where a soft, tactile look is desired, such as living rooms or bedrooms. When choosing this finish, consider how lighting will enhance its texture and how it pairs with other design elements in the room.

A gold wall with a plush purple toned armchairA gold wall with a plush purple toned armchair

CRAFTED™ by Crown Lustrous Metallic Finish

  • CRAFTED™ by Crown Lustrous Metallic Finish: Brings an understated shimmering effect that can make walls and wood surfaces stand out. This finish is ideal for creating striking feature walls or adding a touch of glamour to furniture and trim. The way light interacts with the metallic sheen can influence its impact, making it important to test samples in different lighting conditions. It pairs well with modern, elegant interiors and can be used to highlight architectural details or create a sense of luxury in a space.

 

Choosing the right paint finish can enhance both the look and longevity of your project. Consider the level of sheen, durability, and maintenance required to find the best fit for your space. Be sure to test out paint within your home before making your final decision so you can be certain it’s the right fit for you. Our A4 Paint Samples make that process easy and mess-free!

With the right finish, your painted surfaces will remain beautiful and resilient for years to come!

 

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