Paint & Paper Library Paint Finishes and Colours You’ll Love

If you love rich, timeless colours with a slightly more grown-up, design-led feel, Paint & Paper Library is a brand well worth getting to know. Their palette is full of beautifully balanced shades that feel considered and calm, and just like with any premium paint brand, choosing the right finish is just as important as choosing the colour itself.

Whether you are planning a full home refresh or just updating a few key rooms, understanding the different Paint & Paper Library finishes will help you get the best possible result. In this guide, I will talk you through each finish we offer, explain where it works best, and share some of their best-selling colours to inspire your next project.

Let’s get stuck in.

Paint & Paper Library Finishes Explained

Pure Flat Emulsion

Pure Flat Emulsion is all about softness and depth. With an ultra-low 2 percent sheen, it creates a beautifully powdery, velvety finish that really enhances colour, especially darker and more dramatic shades. It absorbs light rather than reflecting it, which gives rooms a cosy, intimate feel.

This finish is breathable and micro-porous, making it ideal for modern plaster walls and ceilings. While it is gently wipeable, it is best suited to lower-traffic areas where you want a luxurious matt look without worrying too much about scuffs.

Best for: Bedrooms, snugs, libraries, living rooms, and ceilings where you want a soft, elegant finish.

Architects Matt

Architects Matt is the practical hero of the range. It has a very low sheen of around 3 to 5 percent, so it still looks beautifully flat on the wall, but it is also fully washable and highly resistant to scuffs and stains.

This makes it ideal for busy family homes where you want a matt look without the stress. It can be used on walls and ceilings, and it is tough enough for kitchens, hallways, and even bathrooms. It can also be used on woodwork, radiators, and tiles if you are aiming for a seamless, colour-drenched look.

Best for: Hallways, kitchens, bathrooms, family living spaces, and anywhere that needs durability without shine.

Architects Eggshell

Architects Eggshell has a low sheen level of around 10 to 20 percent and offers a smooth, durable finish that works beautifully on woodwork, metalwork, furniture, and radiators. It is fully washable and resistant to moisture, which means it can also be used on kitchen and bathroom walls, especially in areas prone to condensation.

It is a great option if you want something tougher than a standard emulsion but softer and more understated than gloss.

Best for: Woodwork, furniture, radiators, kitchen and bathroom walls, and interior or exterior metal.

Architects Satinwood

Architects Satinwood is designed for woodwork and joinery, with a subtle satin sheen of around 30 to 35 percent. It sits nicely between matt and gloss, giving a soft glow that feels smart and modern without being too shiny.

It is self-priming, hardwearing, and moisture resistant, which makes it a great choice for doors, skirting boards, kitchen cabinets, and even exterior woodwork like front doors and window frames.

Best for: Skirting boards, doors, window frames, kitchen cabinetry, furniture, and exterior woodwork.

Architects Gloss

If you love a bold, polished look, Architects Gloss delivers. With an 80 percent sheen level, it creates a striking, reflective finish that really makes colours pop. It is tough, flexible, and suitable for both interior and exterior use.

This finish is often used on front doors, statement woodwork, and metalwork, but it can also be used on walls if you want to create contrast with flatter finishes elsewhere in the room.

Best for: Front doors, statement woodwork, metalwork, furniture, and high-impact design features.

Architects ASP All Surface Primer

While not a topcoat, Architects ASP is worth mentioning because it makes such a difference to the final finish. This all-surface primer is suitable for wood, metal, tiles, glass, and plastics, and it provides excellent adhesion while improving coverage.

It can be tinted to match your topcoat, which helps with colour depth and reduces the number of coats needed. It is quick-drying, low odour, and suitable for both interior and exterior projects.

Best for: Prepping tricky surfaces and creating a flawless base for your chosen Paint & Paper Library finish.

Paint & Paper Library Best-Selling Colours

Now for the fun part, colour inspiration. These are some of Paint & Paper Library’s most popular shades, loved for their versatility, depth, and timeless appeal.

Kigali (678)

Kigali is a cool, modern blue-grey that feels clean and architectural. It is a great choice if you love a contemporary look with a slightly moody edge.

Pairs well with: Slate I, Porcelain IV, Capuchin

Blue Blood (668)

Blue Blood is a confident, inky blue that feels rich and dramatic without being overpowering. It works particularly well in dining rooms, studies, and snug spaces.

Pairs well with: Wattle II, Cotton I, Jaipur Pink

Stable Green (554)

Stable Green is earthy and grounding, with a heritage feel that suits both traditional and modern interiors. It is calming, versatile, and easy to live with.

Pairs well with: Sprig I, Willow I, Sencha

Hunter Dunn (523)

A soft, chalky neutral with a relaxed feel, Hunter Dunn is perfect if you want something gentle and timeless. It works well in spaces where you want light without stark white.

Pairs well with: Sand I, Sand III, Sand V

Mockingbird (695)

Mockingbird is a deep, characterful shade that brings warmth and drama to a space. It is ideal for feature walls or rooms where you want a cosy, cocooned feel.

Pairs well with: Lead III, Roben’s Honour, Spruce

Scarlet ’n’ Rust (316)

Scarlet ’n’ Rust is a warm, earthy red that feels bold but grounded. It is fantastic for adding personality and works especially well in period properties or creative spaces.

Pairs well with: Salt III, Desert Rose, Mink

Truffle (271)

Truffle is a rich, warm neutral that adds depth without overwhelming a room. It feels sophisticated and pairs beautifully with both warm and cool tones.

Pairs well with: Canvas II, Glass IV, Sand III

Atlas (716)

Atlas is a rich, warm red with strong orange and earthy undertones. It feels bold and sunbaked rather than bright or sweet, with a depth that gives it a slightly contemporary edge.

Pairs well with: Stone II, Stone V, Iguana

Desert Rose (243)

Desert Rose is soft, dusty, and earthy, with a subtle warmth that feels inviting rather than sweet. It works beautifully in bedrooms and relaxed living spaces.

Pairs well with: Stone I, Rouge II, Caddie

Grenache (372)

Grenache is a deep, wine-toned red that feels luxurious and bold. It is perfect for spaces where you want drama and warmth in equal measure.

Pairs well with: Salt II, Lady Char’s Lilac, Stone II

Choosing the Right Paint & Paper Library Finish and Colour

When choosing your finish, think about how the room is used as well as how you want it to feel. Low-traffic areas are perfect for ultra-matt finishes like Pure Flat Emulsion, while busy spaces benefit from the durability of Architects Matt or Eggshell.

As for colour, always test your favourites first. Paint will change throughout the day depending on light, so sample pots are your best friend before committing. you can also order the Paint & Paper Library Jewels Colour Chart for a better look at the newest collection of colours!

I’d absolutely love to see how your project turns out if you decide to try any of these beautiful shades, so don’t forget to tag us on  Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok with a snap of your newly decorated space.

And if you have any questions or need a bit of guidance, we’re always here to help. Reach out via social media, live chat, phone (01388 608144), email or even WhatsApp. We’re more than happy to support you in creating your perfect space.

Happy painting!
Helen x