A satin (or “eggshell”) finish is much more forgiving of holes and patches than a paint with more sheen. Low-sheen paints such as satin or flat are good on walls that have a lot of holes or holes that have been filled in.
Flat, eggshell and satin paint are best for interior walls, whereas semi-gloss and gloss paint are best for trim and woodwork. An eggshell finish has a subtler shine to it, so it's a great choice if you're not ready for satin.
Low sheen finish
It can also hide surface imperfections better than gloss paints. Low sheen paints are suitable for almost all interior surfaces and great for areas where frequent cleaning is necessary such as kitchens, laundry rooms and bathrooms.
It depends on the surface you are painting. For interior walls in high-traffic spaces like a mudroom, satin or eggshell finishes work best. Flat or matte finishes work best for most ceilings and semi-gloss is recommended for interior trim and doors.
Satin: Satin finishes are the most common interior paint finish. They have a velvety sheen and are easier to clean than flat and eggshell paints, which makes them a great choice for high-traffic areas like kitchens, playrooms, family rooms, bathrooms, and laundry rooms.
While satin is undoubtedly a more durable option, eggshell is a good all-around sheen for any room. If you like the eggshell look in your kitchen or bathroom, don't be afraid to use it. Just be aware that it may not have the longevity of satin.
Satin. Satin finish paint has a smooth, velvety look with a bit more gloss than eggshell. It is most often used for windows, doors, trim, or ceilings, but it can also be used as wall paint. This is particularly suitable for kids' rooms, kitchens, bathrooms, and other areas that get a lot of traffic.
Reflective finishes make imperfections in a wall surface much more obvious than low-sheen paints. A satin (or “eggshell”) finish is much more forgiving of holes and patches than a paint with more sheen. Low-sheen paints such as satin or flat are good on walls that have a lot of holes or holes that have been filled in.
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. What's more, it works no matter your aesthetic or room type.
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.
The benefit of a low-sheen finish is its ability to hide imperfections, unlike gloss paints that will highlight any surface damage due to their reflective properties.
The main difference between eggshell and low sheen paint is the level of gloss or sheen. Eggshell paint has a low sheen finish, while low sheen paint has a slightly higher level of gloss. Eggshell paint is ideal for interior walls, while low sheen paint is a versatile option for both interior and exterior walls.
The benefit of high-gloss paint is that it reflects light really well, so it may be best to consider for windowless or low-light spaces, such as bathrooms, powder rooms, or even home offices.
Emulsion Paint
It is the best paint for home walls as it dries quickly and remains flexible even when exposed to high temperatures. Emulsion paint is highly durable, long-lasting, and washable. It is resistant to fungus, mildew, and other contaminants that can cause discolouration.
High Gloss
The most durable and easy to clean of all paint sheens, high-gloss paint is hard, ultra-shiny, and light-reflecting. Think appliance-paint tough. High gloss is a good choice for areas that sticky fingers touch — cabinets, trim, and doors.
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.
Because of its durability, many people choose a satin finish for bathrooms, kitchens, and kids' rooms. Satin is also a popular choice for trim, especially if you want to emphasize the architecture of a space.
More Forgiving to Brushstrokes Than Gloss
Satin paint is less likely to show brush strokes on walls than other finishes. Satin also doesn't show roller marks if the wall is painted at once. And since it's less shiny, it's better at hiding imperfections than gloss and semi-gloss paint.
Best for: Family rooms, living rooms, bedrooms, and hallways. Satin, which is a little more hard-wearing than eggshell, works well in those rooms and also in kitchens, dining areas, children's bedrooms, and bathrooms. Many satin finishes are tough enough to use on trim as well.
Gloss is about shine. It describes how much light is reflected from the surface of the paint. If a painted surface is very smooth and glass-like, the reflection is perceived to be “shiny” or “glossy.” Conversely, a flat or low sheen paint has a rough surface profile after it dries.
Low Sheen Satin and Semi-Gloss Paint:
If you use flat or matte paint, it is very difficult to clean. Most homeowners use flat and matte paint for the bedroom than a kitchen or bathroom. On the other hand, eggshell and satin finishes offer more glossiness and are easily washable.
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!
With a little more sheen than flat paint, eggshell finish is a great choice for bedrooms due to its softness and low reflectivity. Eggshell paint has grown in popularity due to its versatility in a variety of rooms.
If your space has huge windows and lots of natural light, a flat paint finish can work well. If you want something more shiny and reflective, choose satin or semi-gloss. If you don't want your walls totally lustrous, you can paint trim or crown molding with a semi-gloss sheen.