Difference Between Silk and Matt Paint

Silk, matt, gloss, and satin etc are names used to refer to the sheen of paint on the walls. However, they have come to be known as products. These are names that are used for lipstick shades and photograph prints, as well. While matt finish is typically dull and without any shine, silk is a finish that is very smooth and shiny. Silk finish even reflects light, but which is not the case with matt finish. This article tries to highlight the difference between silk and matt paint.

Matt Paint

Exterior walls and ceilings inside are usually done in a matt finish. It gets dry in about 2 hours, but a second coat, if required, may be applied only after 4 hours. Matt finish is suitable for hardboards, stucco, wallpaper, plasterboard, and even brick. Matt finish is known for its ability to absorb light that is good to hide any imperfections in the wall. Matt finish, when created on a wall, ensures a reflection free surface. It is similar to an unglazed tile. Contractors readying houses prefer matt finish as it helps in hiding holes created by nails and helps in making invisible patchy areas in a wall. Also, if a particular part of the surface develops a crack and requires a touch up, touch up and weathered matt paint look same and one cannot tell if there has been any touch up from a distance. However, the drawbacks of matt finish pertain to their inability to keep dirt away and their inability to be washed.

Silk Paint

Sold as a paint type, it refers to the emulsion that has a sheen or gloss, and it reflects light. Silk has a smooth finish, and though it is resistant to scruff making it washable, it does not hide imperfections. It is, therefore, applied mostly in areas of high traffic such as kitchen, kids room, living room, and so on so that to allow for easy cleaning of marks. The brushes and rollers using silk paint need to be cleaned with water after the paint has been applied on a wall.