Choosing the Right Finish: Gloss, Matt, or Ultra Matt?

Time to read 4 min

When it comes to designing your bathroom, the finish and thickness of your wall panels make all the difference. They influence how light moves through the space, set the overall mood, and change how your walls feel to the touch.


At Easy Panels, we offer two panel types to suit every project:


  • 8mm wall panels – lightweight, stylish, and perfect for general bathroom walls or decorative features.

  • 10mm shower panels – thicker, more durable, and fully waterproof, designed specifically for shower enclosures and wet zones.

Within our 10mm shower panel range, you’ll find two distinct collections:

  • The Classic Collection, featuring Gloss and Matt finishes for both bright, modern looks and softer, natural tones.

  • The Premium Collection, showcasing our Ultra Matt finish – a luxurious, tactile surface with enhanced scratch resistance and a velvety appearance.

Here’s how to choose the right finish for your bathroom.

The Essentials: What Every Easy Panel Offers

Each panel offers:


  • 100% waterproof protection, preventing damp and mould

  • Grout-free installation, for a seamless, hygienic surface

  • Tongue-and-groove interlocking system, ensuring a quick, secure fit

  • Durable PVC construction, built for long-term performance

Whether you choose a glossy shine, a calm matt tone, or the smooth luxury of ultra matt, every Easy Panel combines style, practicality, and lasting strength — the real difference lies in the finish and surface feel.

matt vs gloss

Finish 

Gloss

Matt

Ultra-Matt

Thickness

8mm or 10mm

8mm or 10mm

10mm

Finish 

Gloss

Matt

Ultra-Matt
Sheen High reflection / mirror-like surface Low reflection / soft diffusion No reflection / velvety absorption

Durability

Standard durable surface

Standard durable surface

Scratch-resistant technology

Aesthetic

Versatile, modern, and bright

Versatile, modern, and bright

Refined, luxurious, and elegant

Installation

Tongue-and-groove

Tongue-and-groove

Tongue-and-groove

Maintenance

Easy clean, grout-free

Easy clean, grout-free

Easy clean, extra protection

Best For

Easy clean, grout-free

Everyday or family bathrooms

Luxury, design-led interiors

How to Choose Your Finish

Your finish choice influences not only the look of your bathroom but also its atmosphere and function.


Here’s a quick guide:


You can even mix and match finishes for depth — for example, combining a Gloss Marble feature wall with an Ultra Matt Concrete contrast for a dynamic look.

Gloss Finish: Bright, Polished, and Energising

A gloss finish reflects light beautifully, making rooms appear larger and brighter. It’s ideal for smaller bathrooms or areas where you want to maximise natural light, such as around windows or mirrors.


Gloss panels bring a crisp, contemporary feel, often used in modern or minimalist interiors where brightness is key.


  • Best for: Light, airy spaces

  • Ideal locations: Family bathrooms, guest en-suites, and feature walls

SOME OF OUR BEST GLOSS SHOWER PANELS

Matt Finish: Soft, Subtle, and Balanced

Matt finishes absorb light rather than reflecting it, creating a calm, sophisticated atmosphere. They work beautifully in relaxing or spa-inspired bathrooms, where a more natural and grounded aesthetic is desired.


The texture is smooth yet understated, making matt panels easy to pair with both wood tones and metallic fittings.


  • Best for: Calm, modern interiors

  • Ideal locations: Master bathrooms, natural or neutral schemes

SOME OF OUR BEST MATT SHOWER PANELS

Ultra Matt Finish: Refined, Durable, and Scratch-Resistant

The Ultra Matt finish, exclusive to the Premium Collection, takes the matt effect even further. It features a velvety, soft-touch surface that completely diffuses light — no shine, no glare, just pure sophistication.


Beyond aesthetics, Ultra Matt panels are engineered with scratch-resistant technology, providing superior surface protection in busy homes or high-end spaces. This makes them both a luxury and practical choice for modern bathrooms.


  • Best for: Design-led, high-traffic bathrooms

  • Ideal locations: Luxury master bathrooms, wet rooms, and modern renovations

SOME OF OUR BEST ULTA MATT SHOWER PANELS

Finish and Aesthetic

All finishes are available across our popular collections, so you can find your favourite design in the surface that suits you best:


Durability

What truly sets the Premium range apart is its scratch-resistant finish.


Each Premium panel is engineered with a protective coating that guards against marks and everyday wear. This makes them ideal for high-use bathrooms or family spaces where longevity and easy maintenance are key.

While Classic Panels are also robust, their standard durable surface doesn’t include the extra layer of protection. Both ranges, however, offer the same waterproof integrity and long-lasting performance you expect from Easy Panels.

Style and Mood

Your bathroom’s mood often begins with your choice of finish.

If you want a bright, spacious, and timeless look, Classic or Premium panels in White, Marble, or Sparkle are excellent choices. Their light tones reflect brightness and create a fresh, open feeling — perfect for smaller bathrooms or modern homes.

If you prefer a warm, textured, or dramatic atmosphere, choose from Stone, Concrete, or Abstract designs in either Classic or Premium finishes. The ultra-matt Premium surface offers a softer, more muted aesthetic, while gloss and standard matt options from the Classic range bring a lively, light-enhancing finish.

No matter your preference, both ranges allow you to mix and match finishes to achieve balance and depth across your space.

Installation and Maintenance

All Easy Panels finishes are designed for quick installation and easy upkeep. The tongue-and-groove fitting system means no grout, no mess, and no long drying times.


Cleaning is simple too — just a soft cloth and mild detergent keep surfaces spotless. The Ultra Matt finish adds an extra layer of protection, resisting everyday marks and maintaining its premium texture for longer.

In Summary: The Finish Defines the Feel

At Easy Panels, every bathroom design starts with the perfect finish.


  • Gloss enhances light and energy, creating bright, refreshing spaces.
  • Matt offers calm and balance, bringing a soft, modern touch.
  • Ultra Matt delivers luxury, durability, and soft-touch sophistication for a truly refined look.

Our panels are available in 8mm and 10mm thicknesses — the 8mm range is perfect for stylish wall areas, while the 10mm collection provides full waterproof protection for showers and wet rooms.


Whichever finish you choose, every Easy Panel combines lasting quality, simple installation, and beautiful design — transforming not just your bathroom, but the way you feel when you step inside.