
When it comes to painting, achieving the right finish is crucial for the overall aesthetic of the room. Paint finishes vary in their level of sheen or glossiness, with high sheen paints appearing shiny and wet, while low sheen paints have a more flat and modern finish. Two of the most common types of paint finishes are matt and vinyl silk, which differ in terms of sheen level and durability. While it is possible to mix matt and vinyl silk paints together, especially since they are both water-based, it is not recommended as it may compromise the coating and result in a less silky finish. Instead, it is suggested to opt for a durable matt paint that can be applied over the existing paint to achieve the desired sheen level without compromising durability.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can you mix matt and vinyl silk paint together? | Yes, it is possible to mix matt and vinyl silk paint together, especially if they are water-based. |
| What happens when you mix them? | The finish may not be as good as it would be otherwise, as the vinyl content is watered down, resulting in a less silky finish. The colour may also be lighter than expected. |
| What is the alternative? | It is recommended to get a durable matt mixed in the required colour and apply it on top of the existing paint. |
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What You'll Learn
- Matt and silk paint can be mixed, but the result won't be a sheen between the two
- Mixing matt and silk paint may compromise the coating and finish
- Matt emulsion and vinyl silk are both water-based, but mixing them will dilute the vinyl content
- The more sheen a paint has, the more durable it is, and vice versa
- Crown Trade Vinyl Matt is a popular choice for its coverage, finish, and value

Matt and silk paint can be mixed, but the result won't be a sheen between the two
Yes, matt and silk paint can be mixed, but the result will not have a sheen that is exactly between the two. The final product will be a watered-down version of the silk paint, with a finish that is more matt than silk. This is because matt paints have a lower sheen or reflectivity than silk paints. Mixing the two will, therefore, result in a paint with lower reflectivity than silk paint.
While it is possible to mix matt and silk paints, it is not recommended, as it may compromise the coating and durability of the paint. The finish may also not be as good aesthetically, with the colour appearing lighter and less intense. Furthermore, mixing paints with different finishes may result in an uneven application and patchiness.
If you are looking to achieve a specific colour or sheen, it is best to purchase a paint that matches your desired shade and finish. This will ensure that you get the exact colour and sheen level you are looking for without compromising the quality or durability of the paint.
However, if you already have both matt and silk paints and want to mix them to make use of the paint you have, there are some things you should keep in mind. First, ensure that both paints are water-based, as this will make it easier to mix them together. You will also need to thoroughly mix the paints to ensure an even colour and consistency. An electric whisk can be helpful for this.
Keep in mind that you may need to apply multiple coats when using a mixed paint, as it will be thinner than a regular paint. Additionally, the mixed paint may not have the same durability as a pure silk or matt paint, so it may not be suitable for high-traffic areas or areas that require frequent cleaning.
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Mixing matt and silk paint may compromise the coating and finish
While it is possible to mix matt and silk paints, as they are both water-based, doing so may compromise the coating and finish. The finish will be less silky because you are watering down the vinyl content with the matt emulsion. The more you add, the less intense the colour will be, and you may need to apply a second or third coat. The result will be more matt than silk.
The tricky part is in the mixing and getting the right colour. When you add more white to your new colour, the colour will go lighter. The silk finish will be more or less matt than silk. It may be a better option to get a durable matt mixed in the required colour. As long as the existing paint is in good condition, you can apply the durable matt on top.
If you are set on mixing the paints, it is recommended to use an electric whisk to thoroughly mix the paints and reduce the risk of patchiness on the finish.
It is worth noting that there are differences between matt and silk paints, with advantages to using both. For example, matt paints are suitable for low-traffic rooms, such as living rooms or adult bedrooms, as they offer a modern and homely feel. On the other hand, silk paints provide a light and open feel, making them ideal for high-traffic areas like hallways, bathrooms, and kitchens.
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Matt emulsion and vinyl silk are both water-based, but mixing them will dilute the vinyl content
Although it is possible to mix matt emulsion and vinyl silk paints, it is not recommended as it will dilute the vinyl content and compromise the coating. Both paints are water-based, but the finish will not be as good as the original paint because you are watering down the vinyl. The more sheen a paint finish has, the more durable it is. Therefore, by mixing matt emulsion with vinyl silk, you will end up with a less durable paint.
Matt emulsion paints have a low sheen level, resulting in a flat, modern, and homely finish. They are suitable for interior walls in low-traffic areas such as living rooms and adult bedrooms. On the other hand, vinyl silk paints offer higher sheen levels, resulting in a glossy and shiny appearance. They provide better coverage and durability and are ideal for high-traffic areas or areas with high condensation, such as hallways, bathrooms, and kitchens.
If you mix matt emulsion with vinyl silk, the resulting paint will lean more towards the characteristics of matt emulsion. The finish will be less silky, and the colour may be lighter than desired due to the addition of more white. Additionally, the paint may require multiple coats for adequate coverage. While mixing these two types of paints may help you utilise leftover paint, it is important to consider the potential drawbacks in terms of appearance and durability.
Instead of mixing matt emulsion and vinyl silk, it is recommended to purchase a durable matt paint that can be used in higher traffic areas. These paints are designed to withstand more wear and tear while providing the desired matt finish. Alternatively, you can consider painting with the vinyl silk paint you have and then applying a durable matt topcoat to achieve the desired finish without compromising durability.
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The more sheen a paint has, the more durable it is, and vice versa
While it is possible to mix matt and vinyl silk paint, it is not recommended as it may compromise the coating and result in a less silky finish. Instead, consider buying a durable matt paint and applying it over the existing paint, or opt for a vinyl silk paint in the desired colour.
When it comes to paint sheen, a general rule of thumb is that the higher the sheen, the higher the shine, and the more durable the paint. Flat or matte paints have no shine, while high-gloss paints are known for their ultra-shine finish. In between these two extremes are eggshell, satin, and semi-gloss, which offer varying levels of sheen and durability.
Eggshell paint, named for its resemblance to a chicken's egg, has a flat, no-shine finish with a subtle lustre. It is perfect for covering wall imperfections and is commonly used in low- to mid-traffic areas like dining rooms, hallways, and family rooms. Eggshell is more washable than flat sheen and resists stains and scuffs, but it is less durable than higher-sheen options.
Satin paint, on the other hand, offers a soft sheen and an elegant, pearl-like finish. It is widely considered the most versatile and durable paint for interior walls. Satin paint is easy to clean and is a popular choice for living rooms.
Semi-gloss paint has a sleek and luminous finish, providing mildew, moisture, and wear resistance. It is a common choice for kitchens and bathrooms as it is durable, easy to clean, and protects surfaces without being too reflective. However, it is important to note that semi-gloss paint will show most blemishes on walls and ceilings.
High-gloss paint, at the top of the sheen spectrum, has an ultra-shiny, glass-like finish. It is the most durable and easy-to-clean option, making it ideal for areas that experience a lot of wear and tear, such as cabinets, trim, and doors. While high-gloss paint is too shiny for interior walls, it is an excellent choice for kitchens and other high-traffic areas.
When choosing a paint sheen, consider the level of traffic, the amount of dirt and moisture, and the desired decorative look. Additionally, keep in mind that darker and richer paint colours have more colourant, which boosts their sheen. Therefore, if you want to avoid a super shiny effect, opt for a lower sheen paint. Similarly, if you're painting a large, sun-washed, or imperfect wall, a lower sheen paint will help hide imperfections.
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Crown Trade Vinyl Matt is a popular choice for its coverage, finish, and value
While it is possible to mix matt and vinyl silk paints, it is not recommended as it may compromise the coating and the finish may not be as good. Mixing the two paints will water down the vinyl content, resulting in a less silky finish and a lighter colour. Additionally, the mixing process can be tricky and time-consuming, and you may need to apply multiple coats to achieve the desired coverage.
If you already have a large quantity of matt paint and wish to add a slight sheen for certain areas, mixing in a small amount of vinyl silk paint may be an option. However, it is important to note that this will alter the colour and finish, and may not achieve the desired intensity. Instead, consider using a durable matt paint on top of your existing paint to enhance its toughness without compromising the colour or finish.
Crown Trade Vinyl Matt offers superior coverage, a non-reflective finish, and excellent value for money. It is a reliable choice for professionals and DIY enthusiasts alike, providing a seamless blend when paired with Crown Trade's Satin or Crown Trade Eggshell. For specific requirements, Crown Trade also offers specialised matt finishes such as Stain Resistant Scrubbable Matt and Mould Inhibitor Matt as part of their Clean Extreme range.
Overall, Crown Trade Vinyl Matt is a preferred option for those seeking a combination of coverage, finish, and value. Its quick-drying, easy-to-apply, and non-reflective characteristics make it a versatile paint for interior walls and ceilings, while its opacity and colour retention ensure vivid and enduring hues. With the option to customise colours and choose from specialised finishes, Crown Trade Vinyl Matt delivers a high-quality painting experience.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can mix matt and vinyl silk paint together, especially if they are water-based. However, mixing them will dilute the vinyl content, so the final product will be less silky and more matt.
Someone might mix matt and vinyl silk paint to make use of leftover paint. Another reason is to achieve a certain sheen. However, mixing the two will not result in a sheen exactly in the middle of matt and silk.
Aside from diluting the vinyl content, another disadvantage of mixing matt and vinyl silk paint is that it may compromise the coating. It may also be challenging to mix the paints to get the right colour.
Instead of mixing matt and vinyl silk paint, you can paint silk over matt emulsion. You can also buy a durable matt paint that can be used in high-traffic areas.











































