Eggshell paint walls
What Is It and When to Use It?
By
Lee Wallender
Lee Wallender
Lee has over two decades of hands-on experience remodeling, fixing, and improving homes, and has been providing home improvement advice for over 13 years.
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Updated on 05/31/22
Reviewed by
Deane Biermeier
Reviewed by Deane Biermeier
Deane Biermeier is an expert contractor with nearly 30 years of experience in all types of home repair, maintenance, and remodeling. He is a certified lead carpenter and also holds a certification from the EPA. Deane is a member of The Spruce's Home Improvement Review Board.
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When choosing interior paint, color seems to get all of the attention and paint sheen less so. While it's true that paint colors affect the look and the mood of a room, so too does sheen. In fact, paint sheen and color register are closely related.
Eggshell paint sheen is popular for many good reasons. It is an attractive, one-size-fits-all paint sheen that draws out the best in a paint's color. At the same time, eggshell is cleanable and somewhat resistant to wear and tear.
What Eggshell Paint Is
Eggshell is a paint sheen, or gloss, that looks and feels somewhat flat but with a slight gloss to it. Eggshell paint is between matte (or flat) and satin paint sheens.
Eggshell paint reflects more light than matte to produce a low luster. This low luster pulls out more of the paint’s color than a flat sheen and it gives the room a soft glow. Because eggshell paint has a slight gloss, it is easier to maintain than matte or flat paint.
Sheen
Sheen, or gloss, is the quality and amount of reflected light off of a surface. Higher sheens are shinier. When there is a greater proportion of resins in the paint, the paint has more sheen or gloss.
When and Why to Use Eggshell Paint
If any paint sheen can be called universal, it would be eggshell. Along with its closest sibling, satin, eggshell is the one to pick if you have to use it for the walls on nearly every interior surface. In fact, except for the ceiling, no surface is wrong for eggshell sheen paint.
Eggshell paint sheen works especially well for walls in bedrooms, living rooms, hallways, offices, and finished basements. It can even be used in higher traffic spaces such as kitchens and bathrooms or children’s rooms, though satin is a more durable choice.
Flat paint is the most popular ceiling surface as it doesn't have reflective qualities. Even so, if you'd like your ceiling to have reflective qualities, eggshell paint would be the best sheen for this.
For high-impact surfaces such as door frames and window trim, you'll get better results by using glossier paint such as semi-gloss or even high gloss. Still, if you'd like to avoid the high-gloss look on casing and trim, eggshell sheen paint would be an alternative.
How to Choose the Right Interior Paint Finish
Benefits of Using Eggshell Paint
Eggshell paint isn't so reflective that it shines a spotlight on surface flaws. Eggshell paint applies easily and cleans well.
Conceals Surface Flaws
Greater reflectivity in a paint sheen highlights flaws on the surface. High gloss paint shows every imperfection. The more matte the paint sheen, the better it is at hiding bumps, grooves, and pitting. The only paint that is better at hiding surface flaws than eggshell is true matte paint.
Easy Application
Lapping is a problem that occurs when applying paint. Adjacent rows begin to show because they overlap each other. The glossier the paint, the worse the problem.
Eggshell is just flat enough that lapping would be less noticeable. To prevent lapping, keep a wet edge by rolling paint from the wet to dry areas. This will produce a smooth, uniform appearance.
Greater Cleanability
One downside of matte paint is that it can only be cleaned lightly with a damp sponge.
Eggshell paint has just enough gloss to it to prevent stains from soaking in. Also, burnishing is a problem with matte paint. Burnishing happens when the paint is rubbed too much and takes on a lighter color. Eggshell’s light gloss prevents or disguises burnishing.
How Eggshell Paint Differs From Satin Finish
Although satin and eggshell paints are often used interchangeably, there are some key differences that make a difference in the look and feel painting with them achieves.
Greater Matte Sheen Than Satin
Eggshell has a slightly duller sheen than satin. It is a difference that is hard to discern with the bare eye, until the two are placed next to each other. Then it becomes apparent that satin sheen has just a bit more gloss than eggshell. But how much exactly?
The painting term PVC, which stands for pigment volume concentration (not the plastic PVC), describes the ratio of color pigments in a paint to its binders.
Lower PVC numbers mean that a paint is glossier.
Eggshell and satin sit side by side with their PVC numbers, satin running about 30- to 40-percent and eggshell at about 35- to 45-percent.
So, satin sheen paint is 15- to about 30-percent glossier than eggshell paint.
Lower Cost Than Satin
Many factors affect the cost of paint and sheen is one of them. Glossier paints are more expensive than flatter paints. You can feel the difference simply by lifting the cans. There are more of the solid binders in the glossier paints than in the flatter paints.
Eggshell paint is a little less expensive than satin paint. This slight difference in cost makes itself apparent when you buy multiple gallons of paint to coat many rooms or an entire house.
Slightly Less Durable Than Satin
As you move from flat paints to glossy paints, you also move the needle from less durable to more durable. More of the resinous binders in paint form a tighter seal and shell than paints with less binders.
Satin vs.
Eggshell Paint - How to Choose Paint FinishYou’ve finally narrowed down your (seemingly endless) options and decided on the perfect paint color. While your decision-making muscles may feel exhausted at this point, there is still more to consider before you get to painting. The finish you choose for your paint has the potential to make or break a space—every finish has distinct differences that affect both the appearance and performance of the paint. It’s important to consider the specific look you are going for, the type of room you are painting, the architecture of the space, the room’s lighting, and more. A high-sheen finish can revive a dull room, while a low-sheen finish can mask any bumps or imperfections. Satin and eggshell are two popular finishes that work well in a variety of spaces, both with a low-to-medium luster. Though satin and eggshell paint are often grouped together, they have some distinct differences that are important to understand before making a final decision.
To help you distinguish the differences between satin and eggshell, and decide which to choose, here's a comprehensive guide to perfecting your finishing touches.
SATIN PAINT FINISH
Kitchen cabinets painted with a satin finish add depth to the space and will hold up over time.
Alex LukeySatin finishes have a beautiful luster that is often described as appearing velvety. Satin is slightly less lustrous than semi-gloss, and can appear to be both flat and glossy, depending on the lighting in the room. Satin has a slightly higher sheen than eggshell, meaning that it is more reflective and more durable.
APPEARANCE: While satin finishes do have a degree of luster, they are more commonly described as a glow than a shine. Satin is a great choice if you're looking to create an understated depth in a space, or enliven the paint color you choose.
DURABILITY AND PERFORMANCE: Satin paint is very durable, making it great for high-traffic areas.
Satin paint can easily be cleaned, though it can lose its sheen if scrubbed too roughly. It is advised that you clean it with a wipe and avoid abrasive scrubs.
WHEN TO USE SATIN PAINT: Because of its durability, many people choose a satin finish for bathrooms, kitchens, and kids rooms. Satin is also a popular choice for trim, especially if you want to emphasize the architecture of a space. If you're using a satin finish, make sure your walls are smooth and blemish-free, as the luster of it will emphasize any imperfections.
EGGSHELL PAINT FINISH
A black bedroom is painted with an eggshell finish, adding a slight luster that is emphasized in daylight.
Simon UptonEggshell paint finishes are low-luster, with a very subtle sheen that can be compared to the surface of an eggshell. While eggshell does not have too much luster, it will reflect and bounce light throughout a room, creating depth in a space without appearing overly shiny.
APPEARANCE: Eggshell paint provides a soft sheen that can be emphasized with brighter lighting or toned down with dimmer lighting. It is the lowest luster option before flat or matte finishes.
DURABILITY AND PERFORMANCE: Because eggshell is less lustrous than satin, it is also slightly less durable. That being said, it will still hold up better than flat or matte finishes would. Eggshell paint is a great option for walls in medium- to low-traffic areas, and can be easily cleaned.
WHEN TO USE EGGSHELL PAINT: Eggshell is commonly used in living rooms and dining rooms, as it is durable and does not pick up dirt easily. If your walls have bumps or imperfections, an extra coat of eggshell can disguise them more easily than satin or high-gloss finishes.
Lucia Tonelli
Assistant Editor
Lucia Tonelli is an Assistant Editor at Town & Country, where she writes about the royal family, culture, real estate, design, and more.
Eggshell Paint: Advantages and Disadvantages - WikiStroy
Eggshell effect paint: advantages and disadvantages The choice of paints on the modern market is so great that any homeowner can get confused. And it's not just about color, it's a separate topic that the RMNT website has written about many times. It is important to choose paint according to the level of gloss. Let's talk about the compositions that create surfaces with the effect of an eggshell. https://www.wikistroi.ru/story/decoration_paint/kraska-s-effiektom-iaichnoi-skorlupy-prieimushchiestva-i-niedostatki https://www.wikistroi.ru/story/decoration_paint/kraska-s-effiektom-iaichnoi-skorlupy-prieimushchiestva-i-niedostatki/@@download/image/6MeHIGdD.jpg nine0003
The choice of paints on the modern market is so great that any homeowner can get confused. And it's not just about color, it's a separate topic that the RMNT website has written about many times.
It is important to choose paint according to the level of gloss. Let's talk about the compositions that create surfaces with the effect of an eggshell.
Without exception, all paint and varnish compositions are divided according to the level of gloss with light reflection indicators from 0% to 100%. Actually, they can be divided into two large groups: nine0003
- Matte, they are flat, they are also satin - by analogy with fabric. They practically do not reflect light, this figure does not exceed 30%.
- Glossy, they are shiny, they are satin. Light reflectance starts at 50%. An effective finish is guaranteed.
Rmnt.ru portal compared the pros and cons of glossy and matte paints helping you make the right choice, taking into account the tasks, functionality and features of the room. If it’s hard to choose, stop at the paint with the eggshell effect! It is almost in the middle between satin and satin.
There is a sheen, but it is not too noticeable, small, the surface looks almost matte, but at the same time it has some of the advantages of a glossy paint. nine0003
According to designers, eggshell painting is gaining popularity. This is a good choice for the following reasons:
- The shade chosen is very accurate. Shine, again, small. The surface will absorb more light than it reflects. Therefore, the tone you see on vykrasakh or drops of paint on a brush and roller, will be the same as on the wall. If you choose dark, bright, dramatic colors, it is best to stick with eggshell paint. nine0011
- Can be wiped with a damp cloth or soft sponge. It is for this reason that eggshell paint is better than just matte, flat.
- Since the gloss is small, such a coating will reliably hide wall defects. By this criterion, eggshell paint definitely outperforms glossy paint.
- Easy to apply, fits perfectly on the walls, has a good hiding power .
- Versatile and fits most rooms. You should not use it, except in the bathroom and in the working area of the kitchen. To call "eggshell" really washable paint still not possible. nine0011
The disadvantages of the "eggshell" paint, which is often and quite deservedly called "pearl", are small. Washing in the same way as glossy will not work, wear out, lose its light sheen. Therefore, we repeat, for surfaces that are subjected to active use, it is better to choose special wear-resistant compounds. In addition, such surfaces are more difficult to touch up. Roller or brush marks may remain. That is, if you want to update only one section of the wall, for example, paint over a hole left by a nail or a place around a switch, the effect may turn out to be worse than you planned. nine0003
Important! Do not apply "eggshell" to a surface that has previously been painted with glossy paint. It will not lay down reliably even if you use a primer.
Similarly, do not paint with matte paint over semi-gloss or pearl.
There are no restrictions on the color of the "eggshell" - the choice of shades is as great as that of all matte and glossy paints. There are also compositions for the street, so you can get a "pearl" facade of the house with a slight sheen. A good choice that combines the advantages of matte and glossy paints. nine0003
Eggshell vs Satin Paint - Difference - Life
Video: Eggshell as a fertilizer. Do I need to add eggshells to the soil in the garden?Contents
- Scorecard
- Descriptions
- Eggshell vs. Satin Paint
Need a paint job but can't choose between eggshell and satin finish? When it comes to painting your home, choosing the best type of paint really is just as important as choosing the right color. In this article, we will help you understand the difference between eggshell and satin paint.
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Scorecard
| Eggshell Paint | Satin Paint |
| Has a velvety or silky finish | |
| Has a low sheen (10% to 25%) | Creates a subdued glow (25% to 35%) |
| Gives your room a historic touch | 5 elegant glitter |
| Can hide surface imperfections | Does not hide imperfections or uneven paint application |
| Not durable; can be used in low traffic areas such as bedrooms, living rooms and dining rooms; can be used to paint ceilings, woodwork and accents in the home; not suitable for kitchens, bathrooms or areas subject to dirt and moisture build-up | Extremely durable; can be used in high traffic areas such as bathrooms, kitchens, hallways, hallways, family rooms, children's rooms and laundry rooms; can be used on windows, shutters, door trims or exterior; withstands soot, dirt and moisture |
Descriptions
Eggshell Paint , as the name suggests, has a finish similar to real eggshell.
It is smooth, slightly reflective or glossy; its gloss is between 10% and 25%. It can give any surface or object a historical touch.
Once dry, eggshell paint is quite durable. It provides a protective layer on the surface and perfectly hides dents, cracks and other imperfections. Easy to clean and maintain. nine0003
Eggshell paint is best for areas where there is little foot traffic and dirt accumulation. It can be used to paint ceilings and walls in bedrooms, living rooms and dining rooms. Some manufacturers also have eggshell paints that can be used on exterior walls, windows, and front doors. It can also be used to stain woodwork and home accents.
In addition, eggshell paint is not recommended for use in kitchens, bathrooms and children's rooms. It easily shows scuffs and may not withstand moisture. nine0003
On the other hand, Satin Paint gives any surface a soft, silky or velvety look. It creates a subdued glow that adds depth to any surface.
Satin paint has a sheen of 25% to 35%, which adds an elegant sheen to any room.
Satin paint is extremely durable. It can resist dirt, soot and even moisture. After drying, it can even be washed (cleaning is not recommended). Due to its durability, satin paint can be used to paint walls in areas with heavy traffic or more subject to wear. It is great for wall decoration in bathrooms, kitchens, hallways, hallways, family rooms, children's rooms and laundries. It can also be used to paint windows, shutters, door frames or exteriors. nine0003
Like any other type of paint, satin paint has its drawbacks. Due to its luster, it cannot hide cracks, holes, dents and other imperfections. Achieving even coverage when touching up can also be difficult.
Eggshell vs Satin Paint
So what is the difference between eggshell and satin paint?
Eggshell paint has a finish similar to that of real eggshells. It has a sheen of 10% to 25% and usually gives your room a traditional style effect.
