Matt vs satin: what is the difference?
The two finishes most people choose between, compared on durability, light and where each one belongs.
By Tunde Bakare · · 1 min read
Both are wall finishes. The difference is how much light they bounce back, and that one property decides nearly everything else.
How they handle light
Matt absorbs and scatters. Satin reflects a little. On the same colour, satin will read slightly deeper and slightly more alive; matt will read softer and flatter.
How they handle imperfection
This is where matt earns its place. Any wall that has been repaired, skimmed or lived in for a decade has small undulations, and matt hides them. Satin picks them out, especially on a wall lit from the side.
How they handle cleaning
Satin wins, clearly. A damp cloth takes marks off satin without changing the surface. The same treatment on matt burnishes a shiny patch that is more obvious than the mark you were removing.
Choosing between them
Pick matt for ceilings, bedrooms and formal rooms. Pick satin for kitchens, bathrooms, hallways and anywhere with children.