The recommended finish for your rental property is eggshell, followed by satin, as they are easier to clean. They are attractive and easy to clean. Although hi-gloss is the easiest to clean, it may not be appealing due to its
Eggshell and satin sheens are perfect for living space and bedroom walls. For areas that have a lot of moisture and that need more frequent wall cleaning, like bathrooms and kitchens, satin or semi-gloss paint sheens are best as they are the most durable paint sheens.
Opt for neutral tones like beige, gray, or off-white to appeal to a broad range of tenants. These colors provide a versatile backdrop that complements various furniture styles and personal tastes, serving as a blank canvas for potential tenants.
Satin sheen is more glossy and shiny. It's better for high-traffic areas with pets and kids. It's easier to clean and maintain. Eggshell is less glossy and doesn't have as much protection. It looks better overall but harder to clean.
Eggshell is a great compromise because it doesn't highlight imperfections like high-gloss paint, but is easier to maintain than matte paint. Cleans well: Eggshell paint has just enough gloss to prevent stains from soaking in. Eggshell paint doesn't wipe down as easily as semi-gloss or satin paint.
The recommended finish for your rental property is eggshell, followed by satin, as they are easier to clean. They are attractive and easy to clean. Although hi-gloss is the easiest to clean, it may not be appealing due to its sheen.
Opt For Washable Paints
Darker wall colours can hide dirt, but these barely noticeable stains will have to be cleaned eventually. Washable paint is a good investment for any landlord. Tenants can keep on top of minor spills and stains as they happen, without them causing any damage to the paint colour itself.
Walls in great rooms and foyers, particularly in newer homes with lots of natural light, should never be painted with a sheen such as satin or eggshell, in my opinion, because of this unavoidable light refraction problem.
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.
Is satin paint too shiny for walls? In most cases, satin paint isn't too shiny for walls. In fact, satin is likely the glossiest sheen that will work on walls. However, if you're looking to hide imperfections on your walls, opting for a flatter finish will be better.
Light colours make it easy for landlords to paint over surfaces afterwards, too, meaning it's a win-win. Shades such as Fine Cream and Jasmine White will make the place feel bright and airy.
Today's leading interior designers and real estate professionals agree that neutral colors are most desirable. White walls exude spaciousness, while warm beiges, grays, and khakis—even muted yellows and greens—also attract tenants in a positive way.
As a general rule, it's advisable to paint your rental property every 3 to 5 years. However, high-traffic areas or rooms subject to more wear, like kitchens and bathrooms, may require more frequent touch-ups.
This includes routine painting jobs aimed at keeping the property looking fresh and appealing without altering its overall value or prolonging its lifespan. Such painting tasks are often deductible in the year they are undertaken, offering immediate tax relief to landlords.
Most tenants won't like finishes that are too shiny or dull. That is why eggshell or satin finishes are the best choices because they offer a balance of beauty and easiness of cleaning. Even though semi-gloss and hi-gloss are easier to clean, they are also too vibrant for most people's tastes.
Eggshell Paint
Eggshell finish, perennially popular with professional and DIY painters alike, has a low-sheen reminiscent of flat or matte, but it is infinitely more durable than its namesake.
Additionally, eggshell paint tends to hold up well over time, providing a durable and attractive option for various interior spaces. Satin paint has some sheen to it, and is an excellent choice for hardworking rooms, like kitchens and bathrooms.
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.
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!
Eggshell paint offers a soft sheen that adds elegance and is more washable than flat paint, making it ideal for moderate-traffic areas. However, it shows imperfections more than matte finishes and lacks the durability of glossier options, so it may need more frequent touch-ups in high-traffic areas.
Satin and low-lustre paints have a slightly higher sheen than eggshell finishes. Paints in this category are warmer and provide a greater appearance of depth than flat paints. They also resist stains better than flat paints.
Where to Use Eggshell Paint. Eggshell paint is ideal for walls in medium-to-high-traffic areas, such as bedrooms, kitchens, living rooms, and dining rooms. While generally used on walls, eggshell paint can also be used on trim, molding, and skirting boards.
Choosing neutral colors, often tan, light brown or grey tones may be a good idea. These colors will not show stains as easily and often work well with a tenant's furniture and personal items.
No, to the contrary, most landlords choose not to let their tenants paint due to the risk of them doing a poor job or choosing colors that devalue the property. However, the landlord's decision depends greatly on the nature of the lease.