Satin is more durable and shinier than eggshell and is ideal for a bathroom. It's also easy to clean. Use it for the walls, ceiling, and even the trim, because many satin finishes are tougher than they once were. Semi-gloss is even tougher and a cinch to clean.
The best type of paint for bathrooms is a satin, semi-gloss, or glossy finish with a mildew-resistant additive. Ideally, your chosen paint should last a while. However, if you're set on a flat or matte finish, there are options for you too. Don't forget to clean and prime walls before painting for the best results.
Eggshell Paint:
Not only is eggshell paint durable but it is good for bathroom walls and suits the walls that are bumpy, damaged, or warped. As the eggshell paint provides your bathroom surface with a smoother texture and low sheen, this will hide imperfections very easily.
Eggshell: Eggshell paint is slightly more scrubbable than flat, but still probably not ideal for most bathrooms (unless it is specially-formulated for this).
For paint that will provide decent durability without the reflectivity of high-gloss finishes, choose a satin finish. Cost: Eggshell paint is more cost-effective than satin paint. Homeowners looking to save at the paint store or repaint large areas are better off going with an eggshell finish.
Of the two, satin is more durable and is slightly less likely to scuff or mark than eggshell and it's easier to clean when it does get marked. This makes it a better choice, especially for woodwork such as painting skirting boards, than eggshell for high traffic areas like hallways and living rooms.
Often confused with other finishes, the difference between eggshell and satin paint is that satin delivers a higher gloss, while offering better stain resistance and durability than lower sheens, including eggshell.
The typical options for bathroom paint are eggshell, satin or semi-gloss wall paint because they stand up better to scrubbing. While these paints have a durable surface, even a washable sheen is no match for constant cleaning, which causes damage over time.
Satin Paint
Satin paints are one of the most recommended paint finishes for a bathroom because they are easy to clean and moisture-resistant.
From the perspective of a Color Designer/Consultant, I typically specify eggshell on walls for multiple reasons that benefit the people who are dwelling in the home. Eggshell paint cleans easier, covers better, wears better, and lasts longer than flat paint.
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.
1. Semi-Gloss Paint Finish. With its ability to repel moisture, withstand humidity, and resist mildew, semi-gloss is the best paint finish for bathroom walls. It offers some sheen, which reflects light and allows the room to shine without becoming overly reflective.
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.
Semi-gloss paints are the best choice for use in areas like bathrooms, laundries and any areas with high levels of moisture and low ventilation, which can promote mould growth. Semi-gloss paints are less porous than other sheen levels, making them more resistant to moisture and also easier to clean.
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.
Eggshell is always an interior designer's preferred paint finish, which is why our founder, Nicole, an interior designer, 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!
Generally, the shinier the paint sheen, the easier it is to clean and the better it resists moisture. Many people recommend using a semi-gloss in bathrooms since it virtually repels moisture. Eggshell and satin sheens are recommended for a bathroom doesn't get too much use — like a powder room or guest bathroom.
Rust-Oleum Zinsser PermaWhite
The Rust-Oleum Zinsser PermaWhite is an affordable and simple kit that provides your walls with advanced protection against mold and mildew build-up.
PermaSEAL Anti Condensation Paint contains a number of tiny hollow glass beads that reflect thermal energy away from the walls. By effectively repelling warm air back into the room, the paint prevents moisture from forming on the walls and causing damp issues and mould growth.
Satin has a higher sheen than eggshell so it's glossier and more shiny – although not as shiny as gloss paint. Eggshell on the other hand is more akin to a matte paint, which is a popular paint idea for redecorating interior walls. It all comes down to personal choice as to which is the best option for your project.
White and light colors are the paint colors most people choose because the bathroom is small, but dark colors work well in small bathrooms too, even if there is no natural light coming into the space. It really comes down to the look you are going for and how you want the space to feel.
You might think that this is different from ordinary interior house paint; that is, paint designed for bathrooms only. In reality, there really is no such thing as bathroom paint, but there are paints formulated for better performance in the moist environment of bathrooms.
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.
Pros: A satin finish reflects more light than matte and stands up well to washing. Use in high-traffic areas such as bathrooms, the kitchen and a kid's room as well as on trim and molding throughout the house. Cons: This finish does not hide imperfections in surface or application; any touch-ups will stand out.
Satin has a slightly higher sheen than eggshell, meaning that it is more reflective and durable.