Is eggshell ok for the bathroom?

Author: Laurianne Rowe  |  Last update: Saturday, February 28, 2026

Just like the satin finish, eggshell is best suited for bathrooms without a lot of moisture and humidity. Semi-gloss has a higher sheen quality than satin paint because it has more resins and binders. Because of this, a semi-gloss finish has a tighter molecular structure than flat or satin paint.

What happens if you use eggshell paint in the bathroom?

Can you use eggshell? Absolutely, but be mindful of the humidity and moisture levels. I personally hate a semigloss finish and often use a precat eggshell in my bathrooms, but ultra spec 500 is antimicrobial to inhibit mold and mildew growth.

Is eggshell or satin better for bathrooms?

Choose the right finish. Satin is more durable and shinier than eggshell and is ideal for a bathroom.

Is eggshell paint moisture resistant?

Is eggshell paint waterproof? Interior eggshell paints are moisture resistant which makes them ideal for use in bathrooms and kitchens where condensation levels are high. Exterior eggshell paints are moisture resistant , however are rarely waterproof as to be considered a waterproof paint, a paint must repel moisture.

What type of paint is best for a bathroom?

Eggshell finishes are more easily wiped, but they aren't good for moisture-prone areas. Satin finishes are slightly glossy and are suitable for a low-moisture bathroom, like a powder room. Semi-gloss finishes repel moisture well, and are easily wiped. High-gloss is excellent at repelling moisture, and is easily wiped.

Use The Same Paint As The PROS In Your Bathroom

What is the best paint for bathroom that won't peel?

Silk paints are vinyl emulsions that have a higher sheen level than eggshell or matt paints, with more of a shine than a soft sheen paint. Due to this, they have the moisture resistant properties that give them the durability they need to perform excellently in bathrooms.

Is eggshell paint washable?

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.

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.

What kind of paint is best for humidity in bathrooms?

Opt for Semi-Gloss or Gloss Finishes

Semi-gloss and gloss finishes are ideal for bathrooms because they offer excellent durability and moisture resistance.

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.

Can you use Sherwin Williams eggshell paint in a bathroom?

For example, what paint sheen for bathroom areas? A satin or semi-gloss sheen is ideal, as it can withstand moisture. Imperfections: If you're looking to cover or hide imperfections, flat or eggshell finishes are best.

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 sheen is recommended for bathroom walls?

Semi-gloss and satin finishes are the go-to options for bathrooms because they strike the perfect balance between beauty and practicality. These finishes are designed to resist moisture and are far easier to clean than flat or matte finishes.

Is bathroom paint satin or eggshell better?

Satin paint offers more durability with its higher gloss than eggshell paint. Satin finishes withstand frequent cleanings in bathrooms, kitchens, or other high-traffic areas. However, an eggshell finish hides imperfections better than satin.

What room is eggshell paint good for?

Homeowners often opt for eggshell paint in living rooms, dining room, and bedrooms, where a bit of sheen is desirable for visual interest and maintaining a clean look. Additionally, eggshell paint tends to hold up well over time, providing a durable and attractive option for various interior spaces.

Why not use flat paint in bathroom?

The unfortunate answer is that it probably won't work great. Bathrooms tend to be moist places, and flat or matte paint will begin to grow mold or mildew much faster than other paint sheens. Also, it doesn't resist stains very well, and it is somewhat hard to clean.

Is eggshell good for bathrooms?

A modern formulated paint like an acrylic eggshell or satin finish paint is fine for most bathrooms.

What is the best paint for a steamy bathroom?

Eggshell and satin gloss paints resist water, while semi-gloss and high-gloss paints do an even better job of shedding moisture. Mold-resistant bathroom paint contains fungicides that kill mold and mildew spores before they can develop.

What is the best paint to prevent mildew in bathrooms?

The 5 Best Mold Resistant Paints
  • Benjamin Moore's Aura Bath and Spa Paint (Best Overall)
  • Benjamin Moore's Waterborne Ceiling Paint.
  • Benjamin Moore's Kitchen & Bath Paint.
  • Benjamin Moore's Element Guard Exterior Paint.
  • Benjamin Moore's Scuff-X Interior Paint.

Should interior walls be eggshell or satin?

Eggshell Enamel has a soft, velvety appearance and is a good choice for moderate traffic areas such as living rooms. Satin Enamel has a soft pearl-like appearance, and is a great choice for painting moderate to high traffic areas or areas that have some exposure to moisture, such as kitchens or baths.

What surfaces can you use eggshell paint on?

A: It is suitable for doors, windows, skirting boards, furniture, cupboards, kitchen cabinets, wall panels and radiators.

Do you need primer under eggshell paint?

It's formulated with premium pigments to guarantee you get an excellent depth of colour. If you're wondering, does eggshell paint need a primer, it's worth knowing that it's actually self-undercoating, so you can get a great finish from just two coats.

What is the downside of eggshell paint?

The downsides of eggshell paint

Albeit less expensive than other types of paint, eggshell paint will most likely require a coat to spruce the room up much sooner than satin paint would, for instance. It is also rather challenging to freshen up the look of the walls just where it's needed.

Can you clean walls with eggshell paint?

Remember to be gentle if working with walls that have an eggshell or latex finish, to avoid lifting any of the paint from the surface. If your walls do have marks, put on your rubber gloves and fill the bucket with soapy water, made using washing up liquid.

Is eggshell ok for doors?

For front doors, glossy or semi-gloss paints are frequently used, but flat or eggshell finishes are also an option. When contemplating flat paint, remember that it is more difficult to clean and will show nicks and scrapes more clearly than glossy paint.

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