Appearance. When it comes to appearance, the primary difference between eggshell and semi-gloss paint is the sheen. While eggshell has only the smallest amount of luster, semi-gloss has a noticeable shine.
Where Should You Use Eggshell Paint? Ideally, eggshell paint is also best suited for areas such as ceilings, bedrooms, dining rooms and living areas where there is not a lot of dirt build up or traffic. In addition, its medium-level durability provides added protection a flat finish does not.
The glossier satin sheen translates to a slicker surface that's slightly quicker and easier to wipe clean of dust, dirt, mildew, and mold. Eggshell requires more elbow grease to get clean because it has more pigments, and the coarse pigment particles make for a rougher surface.
Eggshell is a paint sheen, or gloss, that looks and feels somewhat flat but with a slight gloss to it. Eggshell paint is between matte (or flat) and satin paint sheens. Eggshell paint reflects more light than matte to produce a low luster.
Flat, eggshell and satin paint are best for interior walls, whereas semi-gloss and gloss paint are best for trim and woodwork.
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.
Although both matte and eggshell paints are durable, eggshell finishes tend to be the more durable of the two.
Is Eggshell Paint Durable? This type of paint resists scratches and dirt to a very high degree, so it's preferred for use in living rooms and dining rooms. Overholstery also disguises imperfections better than gloss and satin finishes, if they occur in bumps and bumps on your walls.
The shiny reflective property of a paint's sheen comes from a reflective particles in the paint. The more layers that are put on, the more light gets reflected back to the viewer. It's odd that this has happened with a low sheen; I have seen this with satin and eggshell quite a bit myself.
A eggshell paints has a slight sheen and reflects a bit more light than a flat finish, but is not highly reflective. Paints like these are great for window casings, molded baseboards, doors, and other trim applications. The material is easy to clean, and it is rather durable as well.
Flat paint costs significantly less than eggshell, satin, or semi-gloss. If I were building a new home, I would want eggshell painted on my walls. Eggshell is wipeable, and is also stronger on the walls than a flat paint.
Eggshell finish
"It is the easiest paint to wipe clean and is great for all areas of the home, including bathrooms and kitchens," she says.
Eggshell paint is a great option for walls in medium- to low-traffic areas, and can be easily cleaned. WHEN TO USE EGGSHELL PAINT: Eggshell is commonly used in living rooms and dining rooms, as it is durable and does not pick up dirt easily.
When compared to flat paint finish, eggshell is much more durable and cleanable, and it can be used in higher-traffic areas where flat paint would chip or become damaged. While flat paint is typically cheaper than eggshell, it doesn't last as long since it will become chalky and fade faster than eggshell.
Kitchen walls also require a durable, washable paint. Unless you want a shiny, glossy finish on the walls, opt for either eggshell or satin paint. Use eggshell paint in the kitchen for walls farthest away from the stove. Eggshell is durable and washable without showing many imperfections.
Can You Paint Gloss On Top Of Eggshell? Sure. Almost anything can be painted over (except wallpaper). You just need to go right over the existing surface.
For durability, semi-gloss paint outperforms eggshell. The higher percentage of binders in semi-gloss make the surface tougher and more flexible, allowing it to stand up better to wear and tear and scrubbing. Plus, it's better at resisting stains, dings, and dents while also being moisture-resistant.
If the satin paint is fresh, you can paint over it with the eggshell paint straight away. However, if the paint job is older than a couple of weeks, you'll need to prep the walls first, including sanding and priming the walls. Check out the steps below to find out how to do this.
Skirting boards are crucial to finishing a room off, and it is important to paint and gloss the skirting boards to a high standard. It is crucially important to keep them looking fresh in high-traffic areas due to their location as they are susceptible to scuffs and marks.
When it comes to painting your skirting boards (and architraves for that matter), we'd recommend opting for a satin finish as you get the best of gloss and eggshell.
Most suitable when combined with light matte walls, gloss finish paint is great for traditional skirting board profiles as it creates a glamorous glass-like look. However, if you're repainting your old boards, a high gloss skirting paint will emphasise imperfections.
The more reflective or glossy the paint sheen, the more noticeable those imperfections will be. Conversely, flat or matte finishes absorb light, helping to hide bumps and bruises. So, paint with a flat finish is the most effective paint for hiding wall imperfections.
Eggshell is commonly used in living rooms and dining rooms — it is durable and does not pick up dirt easily. “Eggshell paint is best suited for areas such as ceilings, bedrooms, dining rooms, and living areas where there is not a lot of dirt buildup or traffic,” she points out.
Sometimes called satin finish, eggshell has slightly more luster than a flat finish, but you won't be left with shiny walls. It also resists stains better than flat and can be wiped with a wet rag. Eggshell finishes are often used in bathrooms, kitchens, kids' rooms, and other high-traffic areas.