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.
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. If your walls have bumps or imperfections, an extra coat of eggshell can disguise them more easily than satin or high-gloss finishes.
Builders don't use satin or eggshell because it is often impossible to touch up and it also reveals imperfections in the drywall work which is often rushed to finish the job on budget.
It offers what you may expect - it's shinier than flat (but not as glossy as satin), and it's easier to clean than flat (but not as easy to clean as satin). Eggshell paint is a good choice for living rooms, hallways and bedrooms.
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.
Use eggshell paint in the kitchen for walls farthest away from the stove. Eggshell is durable and washable without showing many imperfections. In fact, the sheen level is much like that of an actual eggshell. Satin paint is also a nice option, especially for walls nearest the stove and food preparation areas.
In addition to flat, eggshell paint is the next most popular ceiling paint finish. Despite their low sheen, eggshell paints absorb most light and hide imperfections in the ceiling. The cleaning process of higher sheen paints is easier than that of flat paints, however.
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.
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.
Flat Finishes
The flat sheen is good at hiding surface imperfections, such as dents, nail holes, patches and other surface flaws in new construction. It is also a good choice for ceiling painting. Flat finishes often require fewer coats than semi-gloss and gloss paints.
You can't really go wrong with eggshell finish on your walls. 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.
For living rooms that also serve as high traffic family rooms, the best paint finish to use is often eggshell or satin. Eggshell can be easily cleaned so any spills and drips can be wiped with a wet rag. While satin finish is more durable than eggshell, it is ideal for active rooms like playrooms.
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.
Eggshell paint is easy to paint over but only if you follow the right steps. To paint over eggshell paint, you'll need to clean, sand, and in some cases prime the eggshell paint before the new paint is applied. This is to allow the new paint to stick well to the existing eggshell 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.
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.
Paint finishes come in gloss, semi-gloss, satin, eggshell and matte, any of which can be used on your cabinets. Gloss and semi-gloss - Both create a shiny appearance, making them great for trim. They wipe up quickly and easily, which can make them attractive for some busy kitchens.
Eggshell and Satin Sheen
Eggshell and satin sheens are recommended for a bathroom doesn't get too much use — like a powder room or guest bathroom.
Matte Paint Is Perfect For The Bedroom.
Matte paint is also great at hiding any imperfections or textures on the surface, making it an easy low-prep and low-maintenance option. This finish absorbs light, which can sometimes make a color look slightly lighter.
You can apply eggshell paint over flat paint. This is because eggshell paint and flat paints are water-based paints. So both paints are very compatible. You can even mix eggshell paint and flat paints since both paints have no sheen or gloss.
Although both matte and eggshell paints are durable, eggshell finishes tend to be the more durable of the two.
When it comes to the best paint for ceilings, flat or satin is the way to go, although it can depend on the type of ceiling surface. Ceiling paint should be durable enough to not peel or crack and cover any old stains. Flat latex paint is usually the preferred paint for textured ceilings.
Since kitchens are such a busy part of a home and often need extra cleaning, a satin or semi-gloss finish is the best options. Satin and eggshell finishes are commonly believed to be the same, but in fact, satin is a bit shinier. Satin finishes are easy to clean and good at standing up to mildew, stains and dirt.
For the kitchen ceiling, latex or any water-based paint is recommended. The latex and water-based paint will dry faster on your ceiling and splash less than the thicker oil-based paints.