Matt, low sheen or semi-gloss: which finish where

Sheen is how much light a dried paint surface reflects. Higher sheen is tougher and easier to wipe, but shows every bump and roller mark. Lower sheen hides imperfections and looks softer, but marks more easily.

Ceilings: flat or matt. It hides joins and patching, and nobody wipes a ceiling.

Living areas and bedrooms: low sheen. It is the standard for good reason: washable enough for normal life, forgiving on older plaster.

Hallways, kids’ rooms and kitchens: low sheen still works, but a washable low sheen from a quality range makes a difference where hands and bags hit the walls.

Bathrooms and laundries: low sheen or satin, in a paint made for wet areas. Mould resistance matters more than the finish.

Doors, skirting, architraves and window frames: semi-gloss or satin enamel. It takes knocks, wipes clean, and gives the room its crisp edges.

Exteriors: low sheen or satin acrylic for walls and boards; gloss or semi-gloss for doors and trims. Full gloss on a whole house shows every imperfection in the timber.