Matt vs Silk Paint in Oldbury

The main difference between matt and silk paint is how much light they reflect. Matt has a flat, chalky finish that reflects very little light, which makes walls look smooth and hides small bumps, filler and uneven plaster. Silk has a soft sheen that bounces light around, so it is easier to wipe clean, but it shows every dent and patch on the wall underneath.

For most living rooms, bedrooms and ceilings, matt is the popular choice today because it looks modern and forgiving. The trade-off used to be that matt marked easily and could not be scrubbed, but durable and washable matt paints have changed that, so you can have the flat look and still wipe off fingermarks. Silk still suits rooms where walls get handled a lot and are in good condition. For kitchens and bathrooms, the bigger choice is a specialist moisture- and mould-resistant paint, which comes in both finishes.

In Oldbury, many older walls in the terraces around Langley and the town centre have years of filling and patching under the paint, and matt hides that far better than silk. On smooth newly plastered walls in newer homes, either finish works, so it comes down to the look you prefer.