Differences Between Matte, Silk, Gloss, and Eggshell Paint Finishes

When painting your home or apartment, choosing the right paint finish is just as important as picking the color. Each finish affects how your walls look, feel, and perform over time. At Rangi Paint Store, we help customers in Parklands and beyond find the perfect paint type for every surface.

Here’s a breakdown of the most common paint finishes—matte, silk, gloss, and eggshell—and where to use them.

1. Matte Finish

Look & Feel: Flat, non-reflective, and smooth

Best For: Bedrooms, ceilings, living rooms, and low-traffic areas

Pros:

• Hides surface imperfections well
• Gives a calm, elegant look
• Easy to touch up

Cons:

• Harder to clean
• Not ideal for humid or high-traffic areas

2. Silk Finish (Also known as Soft Sheen)

Look & Feel: Slightly shiny with a soft glow

Best For: Living rooms, corridors, and medium-traffic areas

Pros:

• Easier to clean than matte
• Adds a subtle luxurious finish
• Reflects some light, making spaces feel brighter

Cons:

• Highlights minor wall flaws more than matte

3. Gloss Finish

Look & Feel: High shine, very reflective

Best For: Kitchens, bathrooms, doors, trims, and metal surfaces

Pros:

• Very easy to clean (wipeable and durable)
• Moisture-resistant
• Great for modern accents and feature areas

Cons:

• Shows surface imperfections easily
• Can be too shiny for large wall areas

4. Eggshell Finish

Look & Feel: Low-sheen, velvety texture (between matte and silk)

Best For: Dining rooms, hallways, and areas with moderate traffic

Pros:

• More durable than matte, yet soft in appearance
• Doesn’t highlight imperfections as much as silk or gloss
• Versatile and elegant

Cons:

• Not as stain-resistant as gloss
• Slightly harder to clean than silk

How to Choose the Right Finish:

• Low-traffic + subtle look? → Matte or Eggshell
• Moderate traffic? → Silk or Eggshell
• High-traffic or wet areas? → Gloss

Need help choosing? Our team at Rangi Paint Store will guide you based on your room type, lighting, and wall condition.

Why Rangi Paint Store?

• We stock Crown, Duracoat, Plascon, and Crow paints
• Expert color and finish advice
• Fast delivery across Nairobi
• Visit us online: rangi.co.ke

Final Tip: Before buying paint, test a small patch on your wall with the finish you want. Lighting and texture can make a big difference in the final appearance.

For personalized assistance or to order now, contact Rangi Paint Store – Let’s Paint Kenya!