The 3 best types of paint for interior wood

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Gloss paint used to be the go-to for every bit of woodwork — skirting boards, doors, bannisters, you name it. But times have changed. These days, there are three main types of paint people choose when freshening up interior wood: gloss, satinwood, and eggshell.
Each has its pros and cons — so here’s a breakdown to help you pick the right one for your home.
Gloss: the toughest and shiniest
- Best for: Skirting boards, door frames, bannisters, kitchens, utility rooms
- Finish: High shine (very reflective)
- Durability: Excellent
- Water-based or oil-based? Both available
Gloss paint is still a favourite in high-traffic areas because it stands up to knocks, scuffs, and frequent cleaning. If you’ve got kids, pets, or just a busy household, it’s a safe bet.
But there’s a trade-off — gloss shows every brush mark and fingerprint. It also reflects a lot of light, which some people find a bit too much.
Tip: Choose water-based gloss if you want a whiter finish that stays white longer. Oil-based gloss can yellow over time, especially in sunlight.
Satinwood: the modern middle ground
- Best for: Doors, skirting, wood panelling, radiators
- Finish: Soft sheen (not too shiny, not too flat)
- Durability: Very good
- Water-based or oil-based? Both exist, but water-based is more common
Satinwood paint is popular in modern homes because it offers a clean, low-sheen look without going fully matt. It’s still wipeable and much less likely to yellow than oil-based gloss.
Most satinwood paints today are water-based, but always check the label if you’re trying to avoid oil-based products.
Eggshell: soft, subtle, and a bit delicate
- Best for: Furniture, panelling, feature doors
- Finish: Low sheen, soft matt
- Durability: Fair – not ideal for busy areas
- Water-based or oil-based? Mostly water-based
Eggshell gives a lovely soft finish and is perfect for adding a calm, vintage or country feel. It’s less practical in high-use areas but great when you want a more relaxed look.
It’s often used for furniture, upcycled pieces, or panelling in bedrooms or lounges.
Eggshell looks great but doesn’t love being knocked about. If you’re painting skirting boards in a hallway, you’ll be touching up dings in no time.
Quick comparison
Paint type | Finish | Durability | Best for | Yellowing risk |
---|---|---|---|---|
Gloss | High shine | Excellent | Skirting, doors, kitchens | High (if oil-based) |
Satinwood | Mid-sheen | Very good | Most interior woodwork | Low (if water-based) |
Eggshell | Low sheen | Moderate | Furniture, panelling, low-traffic | Very low |
How long to wait between coats?
- Oil-based paints (gloss or satinwood): Around 16 hours between coats
- Water-based paints: Usually 4–6 hours, sometimes sooner
Always check the label: some quick-dry formulas are ready in as little as 2 hours.
Choose what fits your space
There’s no one right answer. If you need something tough and practical, gloss is still the strongest. If you want something more modern and subtle, satinwood is a great choice. And if you’re going for a calm, chalky look — especially on furniture or panelling — eggshell could be perfect.
Just don’t forget to check whether your chosen paint is water-based or oil-based. It affects drying time, smell, yellowing, and how you clean your brushes.