What is better, flat or eggshell paint?

Author: Alfredo Lynch  |  Last update: Sunday, November 9, 2025

Eggshell paint has a low, soft sheen that is more washable. The higher the sheen, the more difficult the paint is to touch up. Flat paint has no sheen and hides imperfections better. Flat paint is less durable and harder to keep clean.

What are the disadvantages of eggshell paint?

Cons:
  • May not provide as much reflectivity as satin paint, which can make smaller rooms feel more cramped.
  • Not as suitable for creating a modern or contemporary look due to its low sheen finish.
  • May require more coats than satin paint to achieve full coverage.

Why do builders use flat paint?

The reason builders insist on using flat wall paint is it's a way for them to cut corners, significantly. They don't have to do a higher level of drywall finishing, and flat wall paint can be touched up without having to repaint a wall corner to corner during building.

What are the disadvantages of flat paint?

If your wall has imperfections like uneven texture, patches or joints, flat paint will absorb light and make them less noticeable. However, flat finishes are not very durable and need to be carefully cleaned. Scrubbing flat paint could wear down the finish and cause sheen to appear in patchy spots.

What type of paint is best for interior walls?

Interior house paints are either latex- or oil/alkyd-based. Today, most oil-based paints are made with synthetic resins (alkyds), which makes them the best type of paint for interior walls when compared to paints based comprised on natural oils.

PAINT SHEEN GUIDE | What Paint Finish Should You Use? | How to Choose Paint

Do designers use flat or eggshell paint?

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!

When should you not use eggshell paint?

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.

Is flat or eggshell better for walls?

Painters and designers often recommend eggshell paint for low-traffic areas such as living rooms, since it can be more difficult to touch up than paints with lower sheen levels (such as flat paint). Best for: Rooms with low natural light. Kitchens.

What are the disadvantages of flat?

Cons of Living in a Flat

One of the main disadvantages of living in a flat is that you have less space and freedom. You may have to compromise on having fewer rooms, storage space, outdoor space or natural light.

When should you use flat paint?

You should be using flat paint on walls and areas that have a lot of bumps, scratches, or holes. Since it can conceal these blemishes easily, it'll be the one paint finish you'll want to be using. It's best for low-traffic rooms that have a ton of light like offices and more formal rooms, like dining rooms.

Should ceilings be flat or eggshell?

Most ceiling paints have a flat (or matte) finish. A flat finish doesn't reflect lights and will hide most irregularities and defects in the ceiling. On the other hand, reflective sheens draw the eye upward and can detract from the rest of the room. Another benefit of a flat finish is that it doesn't scuff easily.

What rooms are flat paint good for?

Despite these considerations, flat paint can be an excellent choice for low-traffic areas, ceilings, or places where achieving a smooth, elegant look outweighs the need for durability. An eggshell finish has a subtler shine to it, so it's a great choice if you're not ready for satin.

Is flat or eggshell better for the bathroom?

Paint that prevents mold in the bathroom is water-resistant and contains fungicides. Eggshell and satin gloss paints resist water, while semi-gloss and high-gloss paints do an even better job of shedding moisture.

What is eggshell paint best for?

One of the most popular types of wall paint, eggshell finish provides a low sheen and a soft, smooth finish just like a true eggshell. Perfect for low- to mid-traffic areas like hallways, living rooms, entryways and family rooms. Eggshell paint is more washable than flat sheens, and it resists stains and scuffs.

Is flat paint washable?

The solution was always to add a slight sheen, such as a matte or eggshell finish. However, these sheens always bring out imperfections that flat paint might not. Today, high-end flat paints such as SW Emerald, Duration, and PPG Manor Hall flat have excellent washability.

Why is eggshell paint so popular?

Eggshell paint offers a soft sheen that adds elegance and is more washable than flat paint, making it ideal for moderate-traffic areas.

What are the advantages of flat?

The advantages of flats

The first advantage of a flat is that it tends to be less expensive and safer than a house. With lower maintenance costs, flats can not be built from scratch but have the advantage of getting decorated with better finishes.

What are the effects of flats?

Prolonged use of thin-soled flats can contribute to joint problems, muscle strain, and overuse injuries in the legs and hips. What You Can Do: Opt for flats with thicker, cushioned soles to help absorb shock when walking.

Why is a flat better than a house?

Affordability: Flats are often more affordable than independent houses, especially in prime locations. Security: Apartments provide better security with 24/7 surveillance, gated communities, and security personnel. Low Maintenance: Maintenance is shared among the apartment owners, making it less of a hassle.

Why do people use flat paint on walls?

Flat and Matte finish paints are ideal for covering walls that have flaws or blemishes. Even larger imperfections, such as extensive scuffs and nail pops can get covered and camouflaged since Flat Paints are effective at absorbing light, in essence, “hiding” the bumps and lines that exist on every wall.

Does flat or eggshell paint look darker?

Flat has a chalky appearance in finish, absorbs light, and can make a color look slightly lighter. Semi-gloss/gloss will make a color look darker. The sheen will reflect the light, causing the color to be darker. Matte or eggshell usually the most true to color when considering finish.

What paint finish do designers use?

High Gloss Paint

It is easy to clean, stain-resistant and will add a stunning look to doors, trim, and even a high-traffic kitchen. Many interior designers (and adventurous homeowners) like to experiment with high gloss paint in unexpected areas, such as the ceiling or an accent wall.

What looks better, flat or eggshell paint?

Eggshell sheen can potentially give a room a greater visual depth than the flatter matte finish. Matte sheens do not reflect light as much as an eggshell or even glossier finish. In fact, they can actually absorb light!

Is eggshell paint waterproof?

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.

How many coats does eggshell paint need?

If you're wondering, does eggshell paint need a primer, it's worth knowing that it's actually self-undercoating, so you can get a great finish from just two coats. It's why so many choose eggshell paint for skirting boards as it is quick and easy to apply.

Previous article
What does thwn mean?
Next article
Does vinegar get rid of sewer smell?