The colour you choose for your walls, floors, or decorative surfaces is only half the story. The finish, whether it’s a soft, chalky matt or a mirror-like high gloss, is arguably the most critical factor in dictating a space's mood, perceived size, and overall aesthetic quality. At Viero UK, we offer a diverse palette of finishes, from the deep texture of Venetian plaster to the smooth application of microcement, each available with varying degrees of sheen. Understanding the impact of shine is essential for achieving your perfect interior vision.
The Elegance of Soft Matt Finishes
Soft matt, or flat finishes, are characterised by their minimal light reflection. Products like our lime wash and some of our textured plasters or lower-sheen microcement options fall into this category.
Why Choose Soft Matt?
Because matt finishes absorb light rather than reflecting it, they are exceptional at concealing minor wall or ceiling blemishes, irregularities, and small imperfections. This is a huge benefit in older properties where walls may not be perfectly smooth.
Matt surfaces also offer a sense of gravity and sophistication. They allow the true colour to be seen without distraction from glare. Our lime wash, for example, achieves a beautiful, organic depth and tonal variation that is inherently calming and historic.
The lack of shine aligns perfectly with contemporary and minimalist design trends. It provides a clean, understated backdrop that allows furniture, artwork, and architectural details to take centre stage. A matt finish on a ceiling helps to absorb light, making the ceiling appear higher. In large rooms, it contributes to a cosy, enveloping atmosphere.
Things to Consider for Matt Finishes
While beautiful, extremely matt finishes can sometimes be less durable or more susceptible to scuff marks in high-traffic areas, although Viero’s high-quality formulations offer superior resilience compared to standard matt paint.
The Drama and Light of High Gloss Finishes
High gloss finishes reflect the maximum amount of light, creating a bright, often dramatic, and highly reflective surface. Our polished Venetian plaster (Marmorino or stucco) and highly-sealed microcement are prime examples of this effect.
Why Choose High Gloss?
The mirror-like quality of a high gloss finish bounces light deep into a room, making small or dark spaces feel significantly larger and brighter. This makes it an excellent choice for hallways, landings, or smaller bathrooms.
High gloss surfaces are highly durable, wipeable, and resistant to moisture and staining. This makes them perfect for high-humidity areas like kitchens and bathrooms, or high-traffic zones where cleanliness is paramount. Our high-gloss microcement is virtually impervious to water when sealed.
A glossy wall or floor adds immediate drama and glamour. It draws the eye and is often used to highlight a specific feature wall or create a luxurious, contemporary feel that works well in a bold, art deco, or industrial-chic setting. When applied to moulding, trim, or doors, gloss adds crisp definition and a sophisticated contrast against a flatter wall finish.
Things to Consider for Gloss Finishes
Glossy surfaces are unforgiving. Because they reflect light so intensely, every single imperfection, from minor wall flaws to application mistakes, is highlighted. They require meticulous surface preparation and skilled application to look their best.
Considering Specifying This Finish?
At Viero UK, we know that texture and sheen are just as important as colour when it comes to creating standout interiors. Our handcrafted samples allow you to experience the true depth, reflectivity, and texture of our finishes - from velvety soft matt to high-impact gloss.
Request your sample today via our contact page, or call us on 0870 609 2827 for personalised guidance on specifying the right finish for your project.
Looking for Professional Installation?
If you’d like our Venetian plaster, microcement, or textured paints expertly applied, our national team of artisans is here to help. We combine craftsmanship with technical expertise to ensure every surface is finished to the highest standard.
Are you a professional artisan looking to purchase materials?Visit our online shop to explore the full Viero UK product range and place your order today.
