halbmatt

Halbmatt is a term used in the German-speaking coatings and design industries to describe a surface finish that lies between matte and satin. It is applied to paints, coatings, and some plastic surfaces, and is chosen to balance a low level of shine with durability and washability.

The defining characteristic of halb-matt finishes is their subtle sheen. They reflect light enough to reveal texture and depth, but not enough to cause strong reflections. Gloss is typically specified on a gloss meter, with halb-matt finishes occupying a low-to-mid range, often around 15 to 40 gloss units at 60 degrees, depending on standards and formulations. The appearance is soft and even, helping to conceal minor surface imperfections.

Applications include interior walls and ceilings, furniture coatings, and decorative metal or plastic parts. The finish reduces glare in bright rooms and under artificial lighting, while remaining easier to clean than a completely matte finish. Compared with satin or gloss, halb-matt offers a more natural look and better color depth, at the cost of somewhat lower scratch resistance.

Care and maintenance: conventional cleaning with mild detergent is usually possible, but aggressive scrubbing can dull the sheen over time. The exact performance depends on the product, primer, and topcoat system.

Related terms: in English, halb-matt corresponds roughly to semi-matte or eggshell/satin variants, depending on the gloss specification.