Overview

Architects' Matt is a high-performance, ultra-low sheen matt emulsion (3-5% sheen) designed to deliver a beautifully flat, contemporary finish while withstanding the demands of the modern home. Completely washable with excellent scuff and stain resistance, it's perfect for high-traffic areas and spaces where durability is essential.

This hard-wearing, self-priming, reinforced water-based paint adheres superbly to walls, ceilings, woodwork, radiators, and even tiles, providing a seamless, immersive matt finish. Its outstanding water resistance and adhesion make it suitable for both interior and exterior applications, including kitchens, hallways, bathrooms, and living spaces.

• Ultra-low sheen (3-5%) for a flat, contemporary finish
• Washable, scuff & stain resistant - ideal for high-traffic areas
• Self-priming, low-odour, reinforced water-based formula
• Excellent adhesion, even over aged alkyd finishes

Tinted Colour Information

Preparation

Ensure all surfaces are sound, clean, dry and free from dirt, grease and other contamination.

New Wood

• For softwoods, seal knots with knotting compound to prevent staining.
• Ensure timber moisture content is below 15% before painting.
• Do not paint damp wood, as this may cause blistering, flaking, cracking, or premature coating failure.
• Green oak must be weathered for at least 6 months before painting.

Metals

• Clean metal surfaces thoroughly, removing rust by hand or mechanically.
• Bare or corroded iron/steel should receive 2 coats of Paint & Paper Library Architects’ A.S.P. before top coating.

Existing Painted Surfaces

• Remove loose or flaking paint.
• Degrease with detergent (e.g., sugar soap) and rinse with clean water.
• Sand with medium-grade sandpaper to provide a key and smooth surface, feathering edges where paint was removed.
• Repair defects and apply primer or Paint & Paper Library Architects’ A.S.P. as required.
• High-sheen surfaces (vinyl silks) should be thoroughly sanded and primed with Paint & Paper Library Architects’ A.S.P.
• Old matt surfaces exposed to high humidity may need a primer coat thinned with 20% clean water to ensure sealing.

Plastics

• Clean and thoroughly abrade all surfaces to provide a key.
• For best results, prime with Paint & Paper Library Architects’ A.S.P.

New Plaster Walls

• Allow at least 4 weeks for plaster skim to fully dry.
• Apply a primer coat by thinning paint 5-25% with clean water, depending on substrate porosity.
• Cut in using the same dilution to seal the substrate.
• Finish with two full coats.
• For fully plastered walls, allow 6 months drying before painting.
• Not suitable for lime or other natural plasters.

Existing Plaster Walls

• Lightly wash walls to remove dust or laitance.
• Apply a primer coat thinned 0-25% with clean water, depending on porosity.
• Finish with at least one full coat.
• For major colour changes, undercoat with Paint & Paper Library Architects’ A.S.P. is recommended.
• Not recommended for previously painted lime or natural plasters.

Application

Stir paint thoroughly before use and do not apply if ambient temperature is below 8°C. We recommend you performa small test on the surface you are decorating to ensure compatability. For external use, avoid painting if rain or frost is expected during application or drying.

Application with a Brush

• Use a high-quality synthetic brush sized for the project.
• Condition new brushes by washing in clean water and drying with a lint free cloth.
• Avoid immersing the brush too deeply or overloading to prevent drips.
• Apply in even strokes, maintaining a wet edge, and keep final brush strokes in the same direction.
• For intricate areas or high temperature/airflow, add 10-15% water-based paint conditioner to extend open time.
• For large flat areas, rollers are recommended.
• Lightly sand between coats to remove dust and surface imperfections for a professional finish.

Application with a Roller

• Use a short nap wool-blend roller for smooth surfaces; increase nap for textured surfaces.
• Maintain a wet edge and consistent strokes to avoid lap marks.
• In hot or drafty conditions, add 10–15% water-based paint conditioner if necessary.

Application with a Sprayer

• Conventional spray: Thin with up to 40% water; tip size 1.60–2.00 mm; air pressure 0.28–0.41 MPa (40–60 psi).
• Airless spray: Thin with up to 20% water; tip size 0.28–0.54 mm; pressure at tip 12.6–19.6 MPa (1800–2800 psi).

Aftercare & Storage

Storage

Store unused paint in a cool, dry, frost-free area away from direct sunlight. Ensure tin lids are securely closed after use. When unopened and stored correctly, the paint remains stable for at least two years.

Cleaning

For light surface soiling, use a dilute, lukewarm solution of domestic washing-up liquid and a clean sponge or lint free cloth. Ensure the cloth or sponge is wet but not dripping, and clean the affected area gently. Repeat as needed.

Do not clean hot radiators; allow them to reach room temperature to avoid uneven polishing. Keep interiors well-ventilated during activities like cooking to prevent grease buildup. When removing dust from DIY or renovation, vacuum with a soft brush attachment to prevent marking.

Special Care

Avoid placing heavy objects on freshly painted surfaces for at least one week. Surfaces with frequent use, such as bookshelves, may benefit from a light application of beeswax polish to prevent long-term marring.

Repair

Lightly sand the area to be repainted. Apply a suitable primer to any exposed substrate. Repaint “break to break” with one or two coats as required. Spot repairs may result in inferior aesthetic appearance, so full repainting of the area is recommended for the best finish.