Traditionally, gloss paints have been oil-based, incorporating resins to achieve a hard-wearing and durable finish. While some excellent oil (solvent) based gloss paints remain available, the market now also offers high-performing water-based alternatives.

• Liquid Gloss (Traditional Oil-Based & Water-Based): Typically requires an undercoat for optimal results. Oil-based liquid gloss is renowned for its classic, high-shine finish, exceptional hardness, and resistance to dirt. Modern water-based versions strive to match these qualities.
• Satinwood: A durable gloss paint that offers a more subtle, velvety sheen compared to traditional high gloss. While excellent for its understated elegance, it’s generally not as hard-wearing as a full gloss finish.
• Eggshell: Provides an even flatter finish than satinwood, though not entirely matte. Often favoured for smaller decorative elements like architrave and skirting boards, offering a sophisticated, low-sheen look.
• Polyurethane Glosses (Oil-Based): These oil-based paints are fortified with polyurethane resin, significantly enhancing their toughness and providing a very hard-wearing surface capable of withstanding more abrasion than standard gloss paints. Ideal for high-traffic areas.
• Silthane (Silicone & Polyurethane): A cutting-edge combination of silicone and polyurethane resins. Manufacturers claim this blend offers superior durability to polyurethane alone, with the silicone providing extra protection, particularly during the crucial drying phase when paint is most vulnerable to damage.
• Non-Drip (Thixotropic) Gloss: An alternative formulation of gloss paint with a jelly-like consistency. This makes it easier to apply without drips, especially for those who struggle with brush control. However, it’s essential not to overload the brush and to adequately “lay off” the paint to avoid runs, particularly in corners. While manufacturers often suggest that an undercoat isn’t necessary, using one will generally result in a better and more durable finish, especially for exterior woodwork where weather resistance is crucial.

Exploring Emulsion Paints for Interior Surfaces

Modern emulsion paints are water-based, incorporating vinyl or acrylic resins to improve their durability compared to traditional emulsions. The addition of these resins results in a range of finishes with varying degrees of sheen, with higher sheen levels generally indicating greater durability. Common finishes include matt, eggshell, silk, satin, and full gloss.

While primarily designed for internal walls and ceilings, some water-based emulsion paints are specifically formulated for woodwork. These are user-friendly and easy to apply but typically don’t offer the same level of hard-wearing durability as oil-based paints on trim.

Emulsion Paints for Interior Walls and Ceilings: Choosing the Right Sheen

Emulsion is the go-to paint for interior walls and ceilings due to its water-based nature, lower odour, relatively quick drying time, and ease of application. The three main types offer distinct finishes:

• Vinyl Matt Emulsion: Provides a flat, non-reflective finish that excels at concealing minor imperfections on walls and ceilings. (Shinier finishes reflect more light, thus accentuating any flaws.) However, matt emulsions are generally less durable and less washable than their glossier counterparts.
• Vinyl Satin Emulsion: Offers a subtle, soft sheen and provides a more durable surface than vinyl matt. It’s a good choice for areas that may require occasional light washing or sponging, offering a balance between aesthetics and practicality.
• Vinyl Silk Emulsion: Delivers a high-sheen finish and is the most durable and washable of the standard emulsion paints. Its moisture resistance makes it particularly suitable for rooms prone to condensation, such as bathrooms. Some manufacturers offer specific “Kitchen & Bathroom” emulsions that are even more tailored to high-humidity environments.