'Eggshell paint has a higher sheen level than matte paint,' says James Greenwood, paint and wallpaper expert at Graham & Brown, 'making it better for baseboards and doors whereas matte has less sheen and is thus better for walls.
Ideally, eggshell paint is best suited for ceilings, bedrooms, dining rooms and living areas where there is not a lot of dirt build-up or traffic. In addition, its medium-level durability provides added protection that a flat finish does not. For areas such as walls, eggshell works best and is easier to clean.
Between flat vs eggshell paint, eggshell is better to use as it's easier to clean, also hides well imperfections, and is more durable than flat paint. Eggshell is also preferable to designers because it lasts longer than flat paint finish.
Typically, we recommend using matte on walls in lower-traffic areas like master bedrooms, dining rooms, or living rooms that won't get dirty or scuffed up as often. Moreover, flat and matte paints are easier to touch up and apply, which makes them ideal for novice painters or DIY projects.
Pros: Matte paint hides the imperfections and flaws of the painting surface, making it great for walls in your bedroom, dining room and living room. It is also great for ceilings and any sort of touch-up or remodeling work. Cons: It takes a lot of work to keep the imperfections hidden.
Poor quality of some trades, like drywall contractors, or framers, can make imperfections pop out if there is a sheen in the paint. Using flat paint keeps imperfections from being so noticeable.
Eggshell paint is a good choice for living rooms, hallways and bedrooms.
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.
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.
It seems that latex paints have won over even the most finicky painters. “Though we still use oil-based paints for restoration work, latex paints are fine for interior walls and new trim,” says Toto, “as long as you don't go cheap on the paint.”
Whether called flat or simply "wall paint," this paint finish has a completely matte surface with no shine. The surface can have a slightly chalky feel to it. This finish is usually used on interior walls and ceilings.
Eggshell Finish
"It is the easiest paint to wipe clean and is great for all areas of the home, including bathrooms and kitchens," she says. "I only use a gloss or semi-gloss paint on base, case, trim, and cabinetry."
Matte: Slightly more sheen than a flat finish, with very little reflection that creates a velvety look. Ideal for living rooms, dining rooms, and bedrooms. Eggshell: Offers a slight sheen with a smooth, elegant appearance; it is washable with good stain resistance, yet still forgiving of wall imperfections.
2) Eggshell Paint
A popular choice of finish today is eggshell. They offer slightly more sheen than a flat matt paint, but still offer a 'flatter' finish than other options, similar to the shell of an egg that the finish was named after!
Eggshell Finish
The Cons: It is very hard to touch up. Because it has the slight sheen to it, it's almost impossible to only add a new layer in small areas without it being visible. Usually a “touch-up” of eggshell means re-doing a full wall. Best For: Walls in any room where you want a little more sheen.
Eggshell finishes are more durable and easier to clean than flat finishes, but the subtle texture can show inconsistencies like roller marks.
Satin is more durable—an advantage in high-traffic spaces.
This is why satin paint is more resistant to dents, divots, scuffs, scratches, and stains, and more durable on the whole. Eggshell paint is more likely to become damaged by these impacts and abrasions because it has fewer binders and more pigment.
In the living room and dining room, opt for an eggshell or satin finish.
It's no secret that light colors make a room look larger, especially if the space is bathed in natural light. Eggshell or satin finishes will help reflect the light, creating the appearance of even more space.
Are Matte Paint Good For Walls? Matt finish paint is great for walls because it makes them look smooth and elegant. The material absorbs light instead of reflecting it so it can be used in high-traffic areas like kitchens and hallways. Matte or Matt paint is ideal for guest bedrooms, living rooms, and dining rooms.
Caring for matte paint isn't necessarily difficult, though it does require some extra effort . Special cleaners, sealants and polishes are required to maintain the texture and finish, meaning most matte cars are hand-wash only, and that drive-thru car washes are typically off limits.
'It's shine-free surface provides excellent depth of color and its ease of application and smooth feel after drying makes it a professional painter's favorite'. Another great thing about matte paint is that it works beautifully in any style of interior, from period properties to modern homes.
Matte is perfect for concealing any surface blemishes on walls and as it has a lot of pigment, it's quick and easy to apply. It's best used in less busy areas as well as ceilings, as it doesn't clean as easily as satin.