Is silk that bad?

jonny2510

We've just got back from B&Q (3 for 2 on all paint:)) with loads of paint for a (newish) house we're due to complete on soon.

We've always gone with matt previously, and in the most part have today, though in a moment of spontaneity (madness???) chose silk emulsion for the hall/landing.

I've got back, done a quick google, and seem to be reading bad things on silk (shows imperfections, looks dated/horrible, reflects light badly), with the only good thing seeming to be that it wipes down better.

I'm now wondering whether we should go exchange it for matt. I have no real preference for silk, we just thought we'd choose it for a change!

Is silk really that bad?

CountingPennies

Its depends on the individual i suppose. Personally i would never use anything but silk. I think matt is rather dull looking. I use matt on the ceilings but thats it. Give it a try and see what you think. xx

Enterprise_1701C

I never use anything but silk - it is easier to wipe over (if you have to), and I find it looks so much nicer when the sun comes out!

kmmr

I have silk in a dark corridor and it looks lovely with the lights shining on it. They were newly skimmed walls though, so may not look as good if the walls have imperfections.

I wish I had used it on the areas we used Matt to be honest.

loracan1

Matt on ceilings and tops of walls, silk anywhere that might get grubby. Hate matt with a passion anywhere I can see it properly but silk does show up bumps more.

pinkwitch_2

I always use silk ,only use matt for ceilings.

jonny2510

well thanks for the replies everyone - we'll stick with the silk for now.

In fact you've almost convinced me to take the rest of my matt back and exchange it for silk!!! :rotfl:

busiscoming2

I always buy Silk. I hate matt, my DH convinced me to have matt on the lounge walls and I HATE it, its so dull and doesn't wipe easily. If there are imperfections, which most walls probably have, they are going to show regardless of the paint used. If you hate them showing then wallpaper instead.

Mrs_Arcanum

Try it and see.

Matt tends to be better at making the space appear bigger/recede.

Don't like silk myself so will stick to matt, first thing we did was paint over the tomato soup orange silk walls when we moved in. The rest we could live with.

keystone

A lot is down to personal preference. Personally I hate silk. Just because it says matt on the tin doesn't mean it can't be wiped down. Flat matt obviously presents a problem. Vinyl matt has a sheen to it if applied correctly, soft sheen finish even more so. For a matt that can be easily cleaned try Dulux Endurance.

Cheers

alwaysbrassic

we always use vinyl soft sheen from Johnsons. It's slightly more expensive, but gives a much better finish. Even better now we have found it on offer in B and M!:j