Satin. Satin finish paint has a smooth, velvety look with a bit more gloss than eggshell. It is most often used for windows, doors, trim, or ceilings, but it can also be used as wall paint. This is particularly suitable for kids' rooms, kitchens, bathrooms, and other areas that get a lot of traffic.
Because of its durability, many people choose a satin finish for bathrooms, kitchens, and kids' rooms. Satin is also a popular choice for trim, especially if you want to emphasize the architecture of a space.
Best for: Family rooms, living rooms, bedrooms, and hallways. Satin, which is a little more hard-wearing than eggshell, works well in those rooms and also in kitchens, dining areas, children's bedrooms, and bathrooms.
Pros of Satin:
Easier to clean and more durable than matte or flat paint. More moisture resistant than flatter paints with less gloss. Reflects more light so it can open up a small, darker room.
Pros: A satin finish reflects more light than matte and stands up well to washing. Use in high-traffic areas such as bathrooms, the kitchen and a kid's room as well as on trim and molding throughout the house. Cons: This finish does not hide imperfections in surface or application; any touch-ups will stand out.
Satin. Satin finish paint has a smooth, velvety look with a bit more gloss than eggshell. It is most often used for windows, doors, trim, or ceilings, but it can also be used as wall paint. This is particularly suitable for kids' rooms, kitchens, bathrooms, and other areas that get a lot of traffic.
'Satin paint is a tough, hardwearing paint designed for woodwork such as doors, window frames, architrave and furniture,' says Marianne Shillingford, creative director at Dulux. 'It is slightly more shiny than eggshell and is easy to keep clean.
Satin is commonly used in clothing, for items such as lingerie, nightgowns, blouses, and evening gowns, but is also used for boxer shorts, shirts and neckties. It is also used in the production of pointe shoes for use in ballet. Other uses include interior furnishing fabrics, upholstery, and bed sheets.
Satin is more durable—an advantage in high-traffic spaces.
This is why satin paint is more resistant to dents, divots, scuffs, scratches, and stains, and more durable on the whole. Eggshell paint is more likely to become damaged by these impacts and abrasions because it has fewer binders and more pigment.
Apply 2 coats with a brush, leave at least 6 hours between coats, longer when cold and damp. TIP: if the colour change is strong, more coats may be required.
It's no secret that light colors make a room look larger, especially if the space is bathed in natural light. Eggshell or satin finishes will help reflect the light, creating the appearance of even more space. What's more, it works no matter your aesthetic or room type.
The amount of time that paint can sit depends on several factors, such as the type of paint, storage conditions, and whether the paint can has been opened. Most paints will last between 10 and 15 years when unopened, but an open can should be used within one to two years.
If your space has huge windows and lots of natural light, a flat paint finish can work well. If you want something more shiny and reflective, choose satin or semi-gloss. If you don't want your walls totally lustrous, you can paint trim or crown molding with a semi-gloss sheen.
Most homeowners use flat and matte paint for the bedroom than a kitchen or bathroom. On the other hand, eggshell and satin finishes offer more glossiness and are easily washable. Satin paint is durable and cleanable enough for a child's room or kitchen. Semi-gloss paint is also very durable and more stain-resistant.
Molly Machmer-Wessels, designer at Woodland Design Company, says you should allow for two hours of dry time for satin and semi-gloss finishes. Glossy paint finishes require the longest wait time which is about three hours before being able to re-coat.
Often confused with other finishes, the difference between eggshell and satin paint is that satin delivers a higher gloss, while offering better stain resistance and durability than lower sheens, including eggshell. Satin paint is ideal for areas that crave definition.
While satin is undoubtedly a more durable option, eggshell is a good all-around sheen for any room. If you like the eggshell look in your kitchen or bathroom, don't be afraid to use it. Just be aware that it may not have the longevity of satin.
The Pros and Cons of Satin
Satin is a long-staple material that's both luxurious to the touch and durable, but it does have disadvantages, including reduced breathability and challenging wash and dry instructions.
Satin is famous for its shiny finish and soft feel, which makes it an excellent choice for almost any clothing item. Of course, the satin slip dress is perhaps the most famous piece of clothing made in this material, but if that isn't your cup of tea, there are plenty of other pieces to consider.
Satin is soft to the touch and allows your face to glide against the pillowcase. More abrasive fabrics, such as cotton, flannel and wool, can cause friction when moving. This friction causes creases, lines and wrinkles to develop around your eyes, forehead, and mouth while you sleep!
Satin paint is less likely to show brush strokes on walls than other finishes. Satin also doesn't show roller marks if the wall is painted at once. And since it's less shiny, it's better at hiding imperfections than gloss and semi-gloss paint.
Due to the slight sheen in Annie Sloan Satin Paint we recommend sanding gently to key the surface before repainting. You should always ensure surfaces are clean, dry, and free from any dust, debris or oil-based contaminants before using any paints.
When paint remains tacky to the touch and refuses to dry, the issue often lies with quality of the paint. But the problem may also be linked to your painting environment (in terms of humidity and temperature) or application issues like failing to prepare the surface properly or not letting the paint dry between coats.