Does eggshell paint touch up well?

Author: Petra Lueilwitz  |  Last update: Sunday, January 11, 2026

Eggshell paint is difficult to touch up for a couple of reasons. First, the colour of the paint on the wall tends to fade over time as the paint cures and is exposed to environmental factors. This leads to a noticeable difference between the existing paint on the wall and the fresh paint from the can.

Can you do touch up on eggshell paint?

:thumbsup: Some eggshell paints can not be touched up because of the sheen. I have found that PM 400 or BM superspec are the only paint that you can touch up.

Does eggshell paint show imperfections?

Because of their higher lustrous properties, eggshell paints show more imperfections than matte paints that can hide blemishes with just two coats. The eggshell option is also the more durable one of the two.

What paint sheen is best for touch ups?

So, flat paint is the best for touch-ups; higher gloss paint is best for scrubbing and cleaning. That's another flip-side: when you scrub, you dull the gloss. I do this at home with satin paint on all my walls: I touch up an area, then use a Mr.

Does eggshell paint blend well?

It blends extremely well, ensuring your paint won't be uneven. If you want to save some money while still giving your walls a slight sheen and a durable base, this is the paint type to choose. One of the best times to use eggshell wall paint is when you want durability.

Master Interior Painting. The Art of Touch-ups.

What are the disadvantages of eggshell paint?

Cons:
  • May not provide as much reflectivity as satin paint, which can make smaller rooms feel more cramped.
  • Not as suitable for creating a modern or contemporary look due to its low sheen finish.
  • May require more coats than satin paint to achieve full coverage.

How do you smooth eggshell paint?

So repaint with flat, recoat with flat clear, or knock down the egg gloss level with abrasive materials are the only options that i know.

What paint sheen is best to hide imperfections?

Matte: A low-luster finish that's less durable, but easy to clean, touches up well, and hides minor surface imperfections.

How do I get a smooth finish with touch up paint?

It is easy to smooth out touch-up paint with lacquer thinner. Simply wipe and dry the area, dab a small amount of the solvent onto a cotton swab, and massage the paint glob away slowly.

Is satin or eggshell easier to touch up?

Many homeowners prefer an eggshell finish over satin because it does a better job of hiding imperfections. Living rooms and bedrooms are perfect for an eggshell finish, but it's not a good choice for hallways and other high-traffic areas. This delicate finish is easily marred, but touch-ups are easy.

When should you not use eggshell paint?

Avoid using eggshell paint in high-contact, high-traffic areas such as door and window trim, baseboards, cabinetry, and doors. It's best to use semi-gloss paint in these areas.

Why does eggshell paint look patchy?

Patchy paint can result if paint has been applied unevenly. Patchy paint can be down to a variation in surface absorption. Walls might appear patchy if they have variation in texture. Using paint that is not fully mixed can cause a patchy appearance.

Why does my eggshell paint look streaky?

Inconsistent Coverage Can Cause Paint Streaks

You should aim to use the same amount of paint every time you bring the paintbrush or roller brush back to the paint tray for more. By keeping the amount of paint you use consistent, you'll be keeping the amount of paint that goes up on the wall consistent, too.

Does eggshell paint cover imperfections?

Eggshell paint offers a moderate luster velvety finish that effectively hides imperfections, making it ideal for low-traffic areas like living rooms and bedrooms.

How to hide paint touch ups?

Without primer, the touched-up spot will stand out, and it'll look a right mess. The trick is to blend the new paint with the original surface. Priming will also prep your surface for paint and seal any stains - especially those that wouldn't come off.

Can I paint over eggshell without sanding?

First - soft sheen onto soft sheen shouldn't be any problem. Regarding the old oil based paint, yes you can skip the sanding if you use Bullseye 123 (use the plus version which is much better) and it will cover ok. But it won't be as durable as it will be if you give the surface a light sanding first.

Should I use rubbing compound after touch up paint?

The real trick to making your touch up repairs invisible comes 2-3 days after the colour and clear coats have been applied. Get a bottle of low-grit rubbing compound and carefully work a small dab over the repair area with a microfibre cloth to smooth out the paint bump.

Why does my touch up paint look bad?

The main problem is that wicking will not occur at the same rate on a touch-up job versus the wicking rate of the original top coat. It is virtually impossible to reproduce the exact wicking rate, and this is why a touch-up job will often appear as a slightly different color than the original paint.

What paint finish is easiest to touch up?

Flat or matte finishes tend to touch up better: The flatter the finish, the easier to touch up; the glossier the finish, the more challenging. The better quality your paint is, the easier your touch-up is going to be.

What hides imperfections better eggshell or satin?

Eggshell is commonly used in living rooms and dining rooms, as it does not pick up dirt easily. Pro tip: If your walls have bumps or imperfections, an extra coat of eggshell can disguise them more easily than satin or high-gloss finishes.

Do designers use flat or eggshell paint?

Eggshell is always an interior designer's preferred paint finish, which is why we chose this as our ultimate finish for walls. The name eggshell stems from the fact the finish appears mostly flat with just a touch of luster... similar to a chicken egg!

What is the best paint to cover up imperfections?

Flat paint, with its velvety, matte appearance, is the best choice for hiding any wall imperfections due to its lack of shine and reflective properties.

Can I touch up eggshell paint?

Yes, eggshell paint can be touched up, but it requires careful preparation and execution to achieve a seamless result. Before applying new paint, moisten and sand the surface to promote better adhesion.

What is eggshell paint best for?

One of the most popular types of wall paint, eggshell finish provides a low sheen and a soft, smooth finish just like a true eggshell. Perfect for low- to mid-traffic areas like hallways, living rooms, entryways and family rooms. Eggshell paint is more washable than flat sheens, and it resists stains and scuffs.

Should I use a roller or brush for eggshell paint?

Short or medium pile microfibre mini rollers are the best when applying water-based, woodwork paints, such as Quick Dry Eggshell, Quick Dry Satinwood or Quick Dry Gloss. Avoid using foam mini rollers when applying Quick Dry products, as these can cause paint bubbles to form when rolled onto the surface.

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