Could any of you knowledgeable people tell me the Spanish name for "eggshell" paint. We always used it in UK for interior doors and want to re-paint the wardrobe doors and I am not a fan of high gloss finishes. Is there an equivalent in Spain?

We also need to re-paint the lounge which has the sprayed on "rough textured" finish that is now showing cracks due to the building settling (I hope). What would you good people suggest is the most appropriate paint - preferrably washable?

Many thanks

You wont find washing those "rough textured" walls will be that easy :-) By the sounds of it, its a cement screed applied and finished off with a rough brush. Thats normal anyway. All i would say is dont skimp on paint. I used to pay €15 a pot when I first came here but now I dont worry about paying €50 up to €70. It makes a difference

Cant help you with the eggshell I'm afraid

The two normal finishes are "brillo" for gloss or "mate" for matt - I don't know if there are any grades in between.

One thinks there is "Satinado" or something similar

Oh yeah, I forgot that one.

Yes, that's right. I used it for my wooden window frames as I'm not a fan of high gloss paint. It has lasted well, I last painted them over 4 years ago and I might give them another coat this year although they don't really need it.

I agree with Mitzyboy. I've had cheap nasty paint. It doesn't bond well and isn't flexible so will show cracks and peel off in a couple of years.

Thanks for all the comments, so the upshot is to go for the most expensive paint to get a decent finish and cover. Probably why it looks a bit tatty now and the fine cracks are showing.....doubt very much the constructor used decent stuff!!

At times like this I miss B&Q ha!!

€70 a tin, I'd want it applied also for that!

That's quite standard for a 15l pot.

The dearer the paint the better the quality. Yesterday I had the choice of 15 litres of white for 21 Euros or 15 litres for 48 Euros. I know the more expensive one will give me a better finish and will need just one coat over white, will last twice as long as the cheaper one, meaning I do half the work. Simples!

Not around here it's not...

I get a good quality (one coat is perfect), 15ltr pot for about 38euro (brand name Korfu), been the same price for the last two years.

If using the Satinado (satin) paint make sure the walls are nice and flat.

We made the mistake of using Satinado in one of our bedrooms, as it's a rural house there isn't a flat wall in the house and every little lump and bump shows with that sort of finish!

My advice is don't use anything other than matt paint on walls. Very few walls are flat enough to to take a satin finish even if you think they look flat enough. Try shining a torch along the wall, this will highlight the contours.

Spanish plasterers don`t iron out the finish, they just slap it on, spread it sort of flat then sponge it.