No, they are not the same. In the Sherwin-Williams product line, Matte is flatter and has less shine than Eggshell.
Duration Matte is not flat. It will have a sheen- just a bit less than a typical eggshell. More sheen than the Emerald Matte finish does. Both finishes will be washable provided you've let the paint cure long enough and follow the washing instructions.
Sherwin-Williams matte finish is a low-reflectivity, non-shiny paint that hides wall imperfections exceptionally well. Sitting just above a true "flat" paint in sheen, it offers a soft, velvety look while providing enough washability for everyday use in living rooms and bedrooms.
Flat paint is best for low-traffic rooms and ceilings because it absorbs light and hides surface imperfections perfectly. Use eggshell for high-traffic areas and spaces that need frequent cleaning, as its slight sheen provides durability and makes wiping away scuffs much easier.
Disadvantages of Matte Paint: Less Durable: Matte paint is more susceptible to damage and wear compared to glossier finishes. It is prone to scuffing, staining, and marks from cleaning, making it less suitable for high-traffic areas or areas prone to moisture and humidity, such as kitchens and bathrooms.
Avoid Abrasives: Do not use abrasive cleaning products, as they can damage the matte surface. Regular Maintenance: Regularly clean and maintain your matte paint to keep it in optimal condition. Microfibre Towels: Always use microfibre drying towels to avoid scratches.
Generally, a matte finish is considered more artistic and professional for display items like portraits, gallery walls, and wedding albums. A glossy finish looks more like a classic, high-energy photo print.
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.
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.
Builders love flat paint because it hides imperfections. It camouflages bad drywall seams, patchy mud work, and uneven texture, making everything look “finished” fast.
Matte and Flat Finish
Typically, a matte finish cannot offer the same washability as glossier sheens, but Sherwin-Williams Emerald and Duration Home Interior paints come in a specially-engineered matte finish that easily washes clean, similar to gloss and semi-gloss paint.
A benefit of matte paint is its ability to hide imperfections. By absorbing the light, taking away the shine, it makes dents, cracks and uneven surfaces harder to see making it a common choice for older walls or surfaces. Matte paint works great on homes with old plaster or drywall.
If your matte paint looks shiny, it is usually caused by paint burnishing (rubbing or polishing the surface over time), incorrect application (over-spreading or over-working the paint with a roller), or using a paint that has naturally aged and oxidized.
Sherwin-Williams matte finish is a low-sheen paint that offers the velvety, light-absorbing look of a traditional "flat" paint but with superior washability and durability. It is highly effective at hiding wall imperfections and is ideal for living rooms, adult bedrooms, and low-traffic areas.
No, matte and eggshell are not the same; eggshell is slightly shinier than matte. The key difference between the two lies in their light reflectivity (sheen) and durability.
Red is universally considered the hardest paint color to cover. Vibrant red pigments are highly transparent and inherently prone to bleeding through subsequent layers. Other notoriously difficult colors to cover include black, dark blue, dark green, and bright yellow.
Eggshell is the better than matte choices here, as they offer just enough durability to stand up to regular wiping without looking as shiny as semi-gloss. It keeps the walls looking polished while being practical enough for the demands of the space.
Eg-Shel- Great to use for walls, eg-shel finish has a slight hint of shine and holds up better to cleaning. Low-Lusture- A smooth, subtle sheen that's durable and easy to clean. Medium-Lustre- This higher-gloss finish is perfect for doors and trim.
Semi-gloss finish: This is the best finish for your trims such as baseboards, mouldings and even cabinets and doors. It's also a good choice for highly trafficked area that gets lots of wear and tear such as a mudroom.
Eggshell paint is characterized by its lower sheen and velvety texture, which adds a subtle luster to walls without being too shiny. This eggshell finish is perfect for those who want to achieve a smooth, elegant look without the high reflectivity of glossy paints.
Builders use flat (or matte) paint primarily because its lack of shine hides drywall imperfections, scuffs, and texture flaws. It is also highly forgiving for quick touch-ups without leaving visible overlap or roller marks. This makes it a highly cost-effective and efficient way to deliver a uniform finish.
The 5 main paint sheens are Flat/Matte, Eggshell, Satin, Semi-Gloss, and Gloss.
What sets matte apart is how it handles light. Rather than reflecting it, matte absorbs it, which eliminates glare and creates a softer, more natural look. That is why text-heavy pieces and books almost always use matte. Reading under bright or overhead lighting is far more comfortable on a matte surface.
Older heritage homes look fabulous with a semi-gloss trim, but can easily handle a satin finish. Newer or modern homes tend to suit a satin finish.
Matte. This flat finish is great for hiding surface imperfections, while its angular shine helps make walls smooth and washable.