Pick the RIGHT PAINT

With so many different finishes now available – and clever paints that can transform – it’s important

to know your types. EMULSION

Hard-wearing, water-based paint that’s typically used for walls and ceilings. Traditionally, we had matt and silk, but now there are more technologically advanced, or special finishes, such as Little Greene’s Intelligent Matt (15 times tougher than ordinary matt emulsion) or Farrow & Ball’s Estate Emulsion, with its distinctive chalky matt finish. GLOSS AND SEMI-GLOSS Traditionally used on wooden trim, such as skirting, door frames, windows and doors. Gives a hardwearing finish that is easy to clean but can also highlight any imperfections. SATIN

This is a mid-sheen gloss paint. It has a less reflective surface than gloss, giving a more subtle finish.

It’s usually durable and can be wiped clean, as required.

EGGSHELL

Low in sheen, it is a great choice for woodwork, giving a forgiving, durable finish that can be wiped clean. FURNITURE PAINT

Often the chalkier finishes don’t need preparation (like Chalk Paint by Annie Sloan), making it possible to upcycle a piece of furniture with just one coat. KITCHEN CABINET PAINT

While you can use eggshell, there are specific paints that, like their furniture friends, don’t need priming or topcoat. Try Rust-oleum’s Kitchen Cupboard Paint.

UPVC PAINT

Special UPVC paints, such as Rustoleum, allow you to paint guttering or window frames in a whole array of colours. You can also use an all-surface primer, such as Little Greene’s Intelligent ASP, and then use an exterior eggshell.