That means that Satin, semi-gloss, and High Gloss will be the easiest to wipe away blemishes without harming the surfaces. That being said, not many homeowners want their interior walls to shine at that level. Usually, Satin, Semi-Gloss, and High Gloss are left to cabinets, trim, and doors.
Satin paint has some sheen to it, and is an excellent choice for hardworking rooms, like kitchens and bathrooms. It stands up exceptionally well to scrubbing and regular cleaning.
Eggshell and Satin
“Satin is slightly shinier, and both are easier to clean than flat or matte paint,” Handel says. You'll find that some paint lines offer both eggshell and satin.
Satin is easier to wipe clean while eggshell typically needs a little more effect to clean. Ideally use a cloth and warm soapy water to wipe clean both. But eggshell's slightly rougher surface means it will typically take longer to get it clean.
Semi-gloss is more durable and easier to clean.
Because the surface is slicker, it's more resistant to moisture and easier to go over with a damp cloth or special sprays designed for minor household disasters. (Either semi-gloss or satin finish, though, beats out their eggshell and flat/matte finishes for durability.)
Eggshell paints are more washable and scrubbable than a flat or matte option. They have a slightly lower sheen than satin, but offer a similar level of durability. Eggshell paints are ideal for living rooms, bedrooms and family rooms with more traffic and fingerprints since they can be wiped clean more easily.
The most washable paint finish is typically semi-gloss or gloss. These finishes have a smooth and shiny surface that makes it easier to clean and remove stains. They offer excellent durability and are resistant to moisture and scrubbing, ensuring long-lasting beauty.
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.
However, eggshell will hide imperfections better than satin. What is eggshell finish best for? Eggshell is a great option for interior walls, as it hides imperfections well. It is recommended for low-traffic areas and areas that don't require frequent wipe-downs, as its durability isn't as high as glossier options.
Emulsion Paints -The Popular Choice
(Emulsion paints are the best quality paints for interior walls and are great for high-traffic areas like hallways and kitchens.) Now this one is a sure-shot winner! Firstly, it is water-based paint, so there are no uncouth odours.
Use Colors That Camouflage Dirt
While brown and gray are some of the more popular color choices for this purpose, and they certainly perform very well, they aren't your only color options. You could go with a warmer color tone, such as a burnt orange color, a spicy red, or you could even go with purple.
If the paint doesn't come off, then it's oil-based paint. If you want to repaint the surface, you need to prime the surface with a bonder before applying a new coat of paint. If the paint does come off after rubbing the surface, then it's water-based paint.
Use a Bucket
Pros prefer 5-gallon buckets with a roller grid to roller pans. They hold more paint than pans and, says Doherty, “It's tougher to tip over a bucket.” A bucket also lets you box, or mix, two or three cans of paint to avoid color discrepancies.
Walls – Flat or eggshell. The eggshell sheen is generally our go-to for families since it is easier to wipe clean, but doesn't look shiny.
Professional painters use mild detergent and warm water when washing walls prior to painting for the best results.
With all this said, however, eggshell paint finishes aren't as durable as others. While they do hold up well on walls and can handle the occasional cleanings, they are extremely susceptible to scuffs and marks from the occasional bump or scrape.
Eggshell- and satin-finish paint types tend to be easier to clean than flat finishes but require a gentler touch than semi- or high-gloss paint. Use a mild cleaning solution and a soft, warm cloth. Test a small area first. If the spot doesn't come out, it may be best to cover it with some of the original paint.
For paint that will provide decent durability without the reflectivity of high-gloss finishes, choose a satin finish. Cost: Eggshell paint is more cost-effective than satin paint. Homeowners looking to save at the paint store or repaint large areas are better off going with an eggshell finish.
“They help hide surface imperfections in a wall because light doesn't reflect off the high points — which is great if you have an older house with bumpy walls, like I do. And premium flat finishes like Duration Home® Interior Acrylic Latex Paint or Emerald® Interior Acrylic Latex Paint are very washable.
Eggshell finishes are more durable and easier to clean than flat finishes, but the subtle texture can show inconsistencies like roller marks.
Because eggshell is less lustrous than satin, it is also slightly less durable. That being said, it will still hold up better than flat or matte finishes would. Eggshell paint is a great option for walls in medium- to low-traffic areas, and can be easily cleaned.
Washable and wipeable emulsion paints come in a range of finishes, that includes matt, eggshell, silk & soft sheen, which all vary in their level of sheen. The higher the sheen, the more reflective a paint finish is and the more durable it is.
Latex or Water-Based
Water-based paint, also called latex-based paint, is designed to be washed with soap and water. The main pigment is suspended in a water solution so it can be thinned using only water. It is not safe to pour the paint or dirty water down a storm drain.