Paint. Matt vs Silk

anotheruser

I've always thought matt was better thank silk as it wouldn't "shine" as much. Plus, it's easier to make touch ups.

But I read an old thread that suggested silk was good for wiping clean, it doesn't reflect light like a mirror but it's more subtle. Lastly, it says silk, although shows imperfections more, it lasts longer and has an extra kiss in the looks department.

Our new house has silk but needs touching up. We're thinking of going for matt but that's means we'll have to paint the entire wall. We'll be starting a family next year, so don't have too much cash to spare on paint.

Any advice?

Doozergirl

Silk reflects every single imperfection on a wall. I also find it a bit 'sweaty'. Each to their own, but I hate it.

arbrighton

If it just needs touching up, leave it be- it'll get drawn over/ mucky hands etc with a small child.

And, paint for a room isn't going to cost much more than £20 unless it's some sort of great big expanse

phil24_7

Matt for me. I have silk in one of my bedrooms and it does allow more light to bounce round, but it shows imperfections more and when I come to paint it it will need more prep than any of the other rooms!

elver_man

Another vote for Matt, All walls in my house that are painted are painted with Matt, its an old property and silk would show up all the imperfections (as Doozergirl has said).


Many of my customers are also moving to Matt when they redecorate so it must be fashionable as most have had silk previously.

rosie383

I always went for silk due to being able to wipe it. Got a big tin of the Dulux Diamond Endurance reduced in B&Q. It is matt and looks as if you couldn't clean it very well but it is tough stuff!

DH managed to lose his balance and broke his fall with two totally black hand prints on the newly painted kitchen wall. Cleaned it with a bit of HM stardrops spray and a cloth and there isn't a mark left.

Went and bought more to do the hall and it truly is scrubbable and looks so much better than silk.

A lot cheaper in Wilko's than in B&Q of course if you can find the colour you want.

Grenage

It's been a veeery long time since I've seen a wall painted in silk - exception being bathrooms.

If you do pain matt over silk, make sure you give the wall a good sand, or the paint will probably peel.

AylesburyDuck

Silk for me, much nicer finish, easier to clean, and matt just reminds me of blackboards.

J_B

Doozergirl wrote: »

Silk reflects every single imperfection on a wall. I also find it a bit 'sweaty'.

We used it in our two rental cottages in Snowdonia - great for cleaning after guests, but terrible in the winter when the house is empty and damp.
Mouldy curtains were the result

anotheruser

Thanks for the pointers