Collection: Soft Sheen Paint

Soft sheen paint is an emulsion paint with a subtle sheen or low-to-medium level of reflectivity, sitting between a matt and higher-sheen finish.

It is commonly used on interior walls and ceilings where you want a finish with a little more light reflection than matt paint. The exact appearance, durability and washability can vary between products and manufacturers, so it's important to check the specification of the individual paint.

Soft sheen paint is available in a wide range of colours and can be used to create a practical and decorative finish in many areas of the home.

The main difference between soft sheen, matt and silk paint is the level of sheen and the appearance they create.

• Matt paint has very little sheen and provides a flatter, understated finish. It can help disguise minor surface imperfections.
• Soft sheen paint has a subtle sheen, providing more light reflection than matt while remaining relatively understated.
• Silk paint has a higher sheen than soft sheen and creates a more reflective finish.

The durability and washability of these finishes can vary depending on the individual product, so you shouldn't assume that one finish is always more durable than another. Check the manufacturer's product information when durability or cleanability is important.

Standard soft sheen emulsion may be suitable for some kitchens and bathrooms, but this depends on the specific product and the conditions in the room.

For areas exposed to regular moisture, condensation or frequent cleaning, it's better to choose a specialist kitchen or bathroom paint that is specifically formulated to withstand those conditions.

Always check that the paint is suitable for the intended environment before applying it. Areas directly exposed to water, such as inside a shower, will require a coating specifically designed for that application rather than a standard wall emulsion.

Some soft sheen paints can be wiped or washed, but the level of washability varies between products.

Check the individual paint's specification to see whether it is classified as washable, scrubbable or suitable for regular cleaning. A specialist durable or washable emulsion may be a better choice for areas where walls are likely to need frequent cleaning.

When cleaning painted walls, use the method recommended by the paint manufacturer and avoid aggressive scrubbing unless the product is specifically designed to withstand it.

New plaster is highly absorbent, so standard soft sheen paint should not normally be applied directly to bare new plaster without suitable preparation.

A mist coat is commonly used to seal and prepare new plaster before applying the finishing coats. The exact dilution and application method should follow the manufacturer's recommendations for the specific paint.

Some paints are specially formulated for use on new plaster and may have different preparation requirements, so always check the product's technical information before starting.

Yes, the slight sheen of soft sheen paint can make surface imperfections more noticeable than a flat matt finish, particularly where light falls across uneven areas.

For the best results, make sure walls are properly prepared before painting. Fill cracks, holes and other imperfections, then sand the repaired areas smooth and remove any dust before applying the paint.

If your walls have significant imperfections, a matt finish may be more forgiving, as it reflects less light and is generally better at disguising minor surface irregularities.