Paint Finishes & Types Explained | Paint & Paper Library

Each of our finishes is formulated in the UK using the highest quality, eco-friendly ingredients.

Our water-based paints have been formulated to make an impact on your walls, not the environment, offering a finish for every project, whether interior or exterior.

With a sheen level of just 2%, Pure Flat Emulsion provides a matt, chalky finish which amplifies the profound pigmentation of Paint & Paper Library colours for a sumptuous finish.

Our Architects’ finishes make it possible to apply a single finish to a variety of surfaces. Many of the paints are self-priming, to further simplify the process of completing a decorating project.

Ceiling: Slate II

Wall: Slate IV

Items on table: Scallion

Lower Wall: Stable Green

Table: Hunter Dunn

Architrave: Teal

Chair: Apple Smiles II

“This collection will transform how we decorate, allowing designers and homeowners alike complete control of where and how they use colour. The self-priming and durable nature of these formulations means our entire range of colours can be used on virtually any surface. Those motivated by the beautiful interplay of light on a matt surface can use Architects’ Matt Emulsion across walls, woodwork, radiators and tiles, this stunning matt finish is as effective and hardwearing on woodwork as a conventional, higher sheen paint. The range of finishes, from the chalky Pure Flat matt to the higher sheen Architects’ Satin and now water-based gloss, offers the opportunity to really play with sheen levels and their effect on colour.”

– Andy Greenall, Head of Design at Paint & Paper Library.

Walls: Sencha

Cornicing: Pollen II

PURE FLAT EMULSION

A matt water-based emulsion paint that dries to a soft chalky finish.

The high pigmentation gives a profound depth of colour and the flattest emulsion available. The paint is also micro-porous, to allow the fabric of a building to breathe.

Suitable for all interior plaster ceilings and walls
2% sheen level (dead flat)
Environmentally friendly and low odour, with minimal VOCs (<0.1%)
Quick-drying, re-coatable in 4 hours and gently wipeable

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Technical Data

Pure Flat Emulsion

Wall: Parasol

Ceiling: Clay III

Trim: Clay I

ARCHITECTS' MATT

A high-performance, self-priming alternative to Pure Flat Emulsion.

Completely washable matt emulsion with excellent scuff and stain resistance. Suitable for interior and exterior use. Use on interior walls and ceilings for all rooms including kitchens, hallways, bathrooms, and areas of high usage.

Suitable for all walls and ceilings, including kitchens and bathrooms
Pastel colours 3% sheen level, dark colours 5% sheen level
Environmentally friendly and low odour, with minimal VOCs (<2%)
Washable, quick-drying and re-coatable in 4 hours
Self-priming

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Technical Data

Architects' Matt

Wall: Blue’s Blue

Door: Salt III

Ceiling, arch and skirting: Salt I

ARCHITECTS' EGGSHELL

A high performance, self-priming water-based paint suitable for all interior and exterior woodwork and walls, especially for kitchens and bathrooms where condensation may be problematic. Also suitable for furniture, metalwork and radiators. Dries to a smooth low sheen

Suitable for all interior and exterior woodwork and walls
10-20% sheen level (almost flat)
Environmentally friendly and low odour, with minimal VOCs (<2%)
Washable, quick-drying and re-coatable in 4 hours
Self-priming, non-yellowing formula

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Architects' Eggshell

Walls: The Long Room

Cabinets: Roben’s Honour

Ceiling: Paper I

Windows: New Black

ARCHITECTS' SATIN

A durable, low-maintenance satin paint suitable for all interior and exterior woodwork, in particular all household joinery, skirting, doors and windows. Easy to apply, it is extremely hard-wearing and designed to withstand the many knocks delivered to woodwork including kitchen cabinetry and is also suitable for front doors.

Suitable for all interior and exterior woodwork
30-35% sheen level (satin)
Environmentally friendly and low odour, with low VOCs (<6%)
Washable, quick-drying and re-coatable in 4 hours
Self-priming

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Technical Data

Architects' Satin

Wall: Morning Room

Panelling and door: Muga

Bench: Bronze

ARCHITECTS' GLOSS

A protective and durable water-based paint that dries to a high sheen finish. This tough, flexible and hard-wearing gloss paint is suitable for all interior & exterior woodwork, furniture, metalwork and radiators. The high gloss finish of this paint makes it an excellent choice for the decoration of front doors. Prime new woodwork and aged gloss paint with Architects’ A.S.P. in the same colour.

Suitable for all interior and exterior woodwork
80% sheen level (high gloss)
Environmentally friendly and low odour, with low VOCs (<6%)
Washable, quick-drying and re-coatable in 4 hours

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Technical Data

Architects' Gloss

Wall & Tiling: Mchanga

ARCHITECTS' A.S.P. (ALL SURFACE PRIMER)

An all-surface, water-based primer undercoat for interior and exterior use. Architects' ASP (All Surface Primer) is easy to apply and extremely robust, offering a durable and long-lasting base for woodwork, all building plastics, tiles, glass and metal. With its low odour and quick drying time of two hours, Architects' ASP is the go-to preparation tool for a DIY or professional project.