Eggshell finishes are more durable and easier to clean than flat finishes, but the subtle texture can show inconsistencies like roller marks.
The recommended finish for your rental property is eggshell, followed by satin, as they are easier to clean. They are attractive and easy to clean. Although hi-gloss is the easiest to clean, it may not be appealing due to its sheen.
We recommend matte paints for bedrooms and as living room paint finishes where the walls are exposed to less moisture, choosing a glossier eggshell finish for kitchens and as a paint finish for bathrooms, which are more prone to moisture, as well as children's rooms, which might need more regular cleaning.
Eggshell paint sheen is popular for many good reasons. It is an attractive, one-size-fits-all paint sheen that draws out the best in a paint's color. At the same time, eggshell is cleanable and somewhat resistant to wear and tear.
However, if satin or eggshell is used, those spots generally cannot be touched up, so the entire wall has to be repainted. This is not cost-effective for the general contractor, the painters, or the homeowner. Therefore, builders use low-grade flat paint we painters refer to as builder-grade flat.
When you purchase interior paint for your rental property, you can choose from many finish options. The best choices for rental properties are typically satin and semi-gloss paint. These durable paint finishes roll onto walls beautifully and also make wiping off crayon, scuff marks, dirt, and even grease easy.
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.
Eggshell Finish
The Cons: It is very hard to touch up. Because it has the slight sheen to it, it's almost impossible to only add a new layer in small areas without it being visible. Usually a “touch-up” of eggshell means re-doing a full wall. Best For: Walls in any room where you want a little more sheen.
Eggshell, as its name suggests, is a no-shine finish with very little luster to it. While this paint isn't as durable as the higher gloss products, it covers wall imperfections very well and works on walls that don't get a lot of bumps or scuffs.
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.
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. "I only use a gloss or semi-gloss paint on base, case, trim, and cabinetry."
High-impact areas
It's true that eggshell finishes are durable enough to handle being used in medium-traffic rooms in the home. But when it comes to high-traffic and high-impact areas, they may not hold up to the beating.
Satin and low-lustre paints have a slightly higher sheen than eggshell finishes. Paints in this category are warmer and provide a greater appearance of depth than flat paints. They also resist stains better than flat paints.
The most popular opinion is using the best white paint colours because the walls would reflect light, making the small space feel much more open and airy. Also, you could even try darker and bolder colours, like blue or green.
Invest in Durability
Living Areas – Satin or Semi-Gloss finish that can withstand the heavily trafficked areas and furniture scuffs. Bedrooms – Flat, Matte, or Satin finishes work great as this is a low-traffic area. Baths – Use Gloss or Semi-Gloss for areas where moisture is present.
This is a low-sheen paint with a non-reflective finish that touches up well and conceals surface flaws or imperfections. For walls that have patches or are cracking, picking a flat, or matte, finish might be the best choice. It's ideal for low traffic areas such as bedrooms interior walls and ceilings.
We recommend two coats of this eggshell interior paint in order to achieve full depth of colour. Each coat of Interior Eggshell will be surface dry within one hour, and ready for a second coat after four hours of drying time.
Eggshell-finish paint is a bear to touch-up. So, too, are dark paint colors. But if you must, moisten the wall first with a wrung-out terry-cloth towel. Stir the paint in the can.
Patchiness usually happens if you don't use enough paint, or apply it unevenly. Using a touch more paint, and painting in small sections one at a time, usually does the trick. Also, rolling in a grid fashion will get you an even finish too. But, sometimes, changes in the gloss level leave things patchy.
'Eggshell paint can be applied by brush, roller or spray. For best results, paint on to untreated, bare wood. Wood surfaces should be prepared with primer, such as our Multi-Purpose Primer and lightly sanded prior to application. We recommend following this with two full coats of eggshell.
Yes, all types of paint go bad eventually. A previously opened can of paint lasts 5 years on average if properly sealed and stored.
In the living room and dining room, opt for an eggshell or satin finish. It hides flaws and imperfections — especially on uneven walls — and makes the room look more high-end, which you definitely want when you're showing your house.
Satin. Perhaps the best all-around player when it comes to durability. The look: Right in the middle of the sheen spectrum, a satin finish is more light-reflecting than eggshell without appearing as shiny as semigloss. The Lowdown: Hides imperfections like bumpy walls reasonably well, and it's easy to clean.
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.