Not all home improvement paints are created equal.
Think of all the surfaces in your home, from the window frames and the plastered walls to the baseboards and kitchen tiles. There’s a specialised paint finish for each of them. Choosing the right tools and paint formula for the space you’re going over is crucial.
Paint finishes sit on a scale with matte on one end and high-gloss on the other. While gloss is chosen for its highly durable and reflective qualities and helps ping light around the room, matte (also known as flat) paint gives a velvety finish and can cover imperfections like brushstrokes or marks from rollers.
In the middle of this scale sits a range of sheens - running from eggshell, satin and semi-gloss. Satin is the best-of-both-worlds option offering great coverage and a subtle sheen that’s more understated elegance than gloss’s high-octane flashiness. It’s close to eggshell which dries with slightly more texture, but if you’re not sure which one to choose, consider lighting and how much activity the space experiences.
When it comes to interior wood like door frames, stair bannisters and skirting boards, choose a satin or eggshell finish for a subtle sheen and high durability.
The great thing about satin is that because it’s a mid-level sheen, you can get away with applying it on walls too - perfect if you’re hoping to emulate the colour-drenching trend that continues to reign supreme in the interiors world (where the entire room - ceilings, door frames, trims, radiators - are painted in the same hue). But a word of warning; it’s key to ensure you have a perfectly flat surface with zero dings, scratches or scuffs, otherwise the sheen in satin, however subtle, will highlight those flaws instead of masking them.
If all you’re looking to do is return yellowing baseboards and door frames back to a nice, pristine white, then a satin finish paint is perfect. We’ve rounded up the best cans to buy now spanning the popular shades and a few trend-led shades too.
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AMK® Dulux Once Satinwood Wood & Metal Paint
Over time interior wood and metal fixtures can turn yellow from age and general wear and tear. Get them looking like new in no time with Dulux’s satinwood formula. Available in a range of shades, it can be used on everything from skirting boards and doorways to radiators. This can of Pure Brilliant White can be applied in just one coat - no primer needed (although a gentle sanding of the surface first will get rid of bumps and dings, helping the paint to ‘stick’ better).
Buy now £30.97, Amazon
Johnstone's Quick Dry Satin Brilliant White - Satin Finish
This fast-drying water-based paint from Johnstone’s is perfect for covering large patches, even if you’re dealing with dense colour. The high-opacity pigment can be used both inside and outside the house on wood and metal surfaces, which means you can spruce up lots of areas with just one can. The formula won’t yellow over time, and fumes are low, although you should always ensure there’s plenty of ventilation when you’re painting. Apply light coats and expect it to be touch dry in two hours or less.
Buy now £19.00, Amazon
Crown Retail Quick Dry Satin Pure Brilliant White, 750ml
So you want to smarten up internal wood and metal but can’t wait hours for everything to dry? Enter Crown’s quick-dry non-drip paint, which promises to be touch dry in just 60 minutes. This does mean you need to work quite quickly, so ensure everything is taped up before cracking the tin open and stirring the paint.
The mid-sheen satin finish can be applied by brush or roller if covering large areas.
Buy now £11.98, Amazon
Dulux Quick Dry Satinwood Paint For Wood And Metal
If you like the idea of a contrast trim against your walls, it’s time to deviate from the charms of Brilliant White. Dulux has just the thing with its deep black shade, which can add a contemporary feel to window frames, doors and radiators. The water-based paint doesn’t require an undercoat either, making your home makeover that much quicker.
Buy now £17.08, Amazon
Frenchic Apple Barn Trim Paint
Chalk-based paint brand Frenchic offers a swathe of options to see to every corner of the house. For indoor wood, any one of its 159 trim paints is up to the job, leaving behind a soft-satin finish. Once dry, it's scuff-resistant, meaning it's ideal for high-traffic areas or furniture you may need to clean now and again (think dining tables or chair legs).
Buy now £14.95, Frenchic
Ronseal Quick Drying Walnut Satin Woodstain 750ml
Prefer a natural look for your wood? Whether your front door needs neatening up or you want to restore bannisters to their original glory, Ronseal’s wood stain has it in the bag. The long-lasting formula is guaranteed for 10 years and can be applied on hard as well as soft wood. It should be dry in just 30 minutes with a satin-effect finish to add a gentle gleam to the timber.
Buy now £17.99, Homebase
Berger Wood & Metal Sweet Duck Egg Satin Finish Paint 750ml
This soft-sheen paint offers a more subtle look than straight-up gloss, diffusing light without glare. This makes it particularly good to use in dark areas: think the hallway or a bathroom without a window. Apply this elegant duck egg to interior wood and metal for a chic home upgrade.
Buy now £13.99, Homebase
Vintro Paint Satin Furniture Paint - Light Stone
Fans of soothing, calming tones can make use of Vintro Paint’s Pebble shade, a warm cream that can be used to stain everything from walls to woodwork and of course, furniture. In fact, the water-based solution is safe enough to use on children’s toys and furniture, useful if you want to give their Little Tykes pedal car a showroom-worthy makeover. Once tried, it’s easy to keep your upcycled project in good nick as it’s washable, making cleaning a breeze too.
Buy now £32.99, Amazon
Johnstone's Quick Dry Satin Brilliant White
Sick of the sight of yellowing baseboards and stair bannisters? Make them look brand new again with this brilliant white wood and metal paint from Johnstone's. The satin finish will give skirting boards a subtle definition that won't yellow with age. It's also low-odour and dries in as little as 60 minutes, making it a great choice for quick but effective touch-ups.
Buy now £14.00, Amazon
