Eggshell and Satin Sheen Eggshell and satin
Flat, matte, and eggshell finishes are generally not recommended for most bathroom applications. These finishes tend to absorb moisture rather than repel it, making them more susceptible to mold and mildew growth. They are also more challenging to clean and are susceptible to water marks.
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.
Can you use eggshell? Absolutely, but be mindful of the humidity and moisture levels. I personally hate a semigloss finish and often use a precat eggshell in my bathrooms, but ultra spec 500 is antimicrobial to inhibit mold and mildew growth.
Oil-based paint is known for its extreme durability over time and water resistance. However, it is not recommended to paint on bathroom walls due to harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs) found in the paint. Typically, using oil-based paint requires good ventilation, which is difficult to get in a standard bathroom.
Due to the high levels of humidity and condensation that both kitchens and bathrooms are subjected to, they become prone to paint cracking, peeling and mildew. In order to avoid these problems, painting with a satin or semi-gloss paint is recommended.
Eggshell and Flat/Matte Finishes
Eggshell and matte finishes offer a soft, muted look, perfect for creating a serene and calming bathroom ambiance.
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.
“PermaWhite® is the perfect choice for high humidity areas like bathrooms as it's mould-resistant and contains a biocide to protect the paint film from fungal degradation,” says Darren.
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.
Polished Chrome: The Classic and Timeless Favorite
Polished chrome has been a staple in bathrooms for decades, thanks to its bright, reflective surface that adds a touch of elegance and cleanliness to any space. It's like the little black dress of bathroom fixtures: simple, timeless, and always appropriate.
In most cases, the best bathroom paint base is water-based latex paint.
Waterborne is an acrylic latex interior paint that contains antimicrobial additives designed to inhibit mold and mildew growth on the paint's surface.
Experts recommend choosing either satin or semi-gloss finish for your bathroom interior because of their durability and wash-ability. However, take note that satin looks best in bathrooms with low moisture and humidity while semi-gloss works well for spaces with high humidity and moisture.
While both eggshell and matte finishes are pretty durable, eggshell wins by a margin. This is why it's the better choice for skirtings, trims and frames. It's also washable with good stain resistance, too.
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.
Paints with a glossy sheen—like satin or semi-gloss—are best for humid rooms. Instead of absorbing moisture like matte or eggshell paint, they deflect it. Glossy paints can resist moisture because they have a more complex finish. Another benefit of using glossy paint is that it is easy to clean.
Satin and gloss paints are more durable and have the added advantage of being washable. Some wall paints are specially formulated for use in damp environments, like kitchens and bathrooms. These paints are washable and highly resistant to staining, humidity and mould.
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!
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.
∎ MATTE is more reflective than flat and is also great for minimizing surface imperfections, while providing a durable finish. ∎ EGGSHELL imparts a softly polished glow and provides an easy-to-clean surface. It's perfect for busy areas such as kitchens, dining rooms and family rooms.
Gloss tiles may bounce more light around your bathroom whereas matt tiles provide a non-reflective finish. This can be ideal if you're looking for less shine and a more natural finish.
Durable matt emulsions have been designed using an acrylic formulation, making them much more durable and moisture resistant than a standard matt paint. In the case of bathrooms, we would recommend using a durable matt emulsion such as Crown Trade Clean Extreme Scrubbable Matt or Dulux Trade Diamond Matt.
Typically, homeowners use gloss and semi-gloss paint finishes as they are easier to clean than other paint finishes. However, Benjamin Moore Aura® Bath & Spa, a beautiful matte finish, provides a luxurious alternative.