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.
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.
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.
Pros and cons of eggshell paint
It may have less of a shine than the satin or gloss; however, the subtle gleam proves to be quite versatile in spaces around the home that are more frequently inhabited, per Elle Decor. Furthermore, its shine still allows for easy maintenance and cleaning.
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.
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.
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.
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.
You do not need to apply a sealer with eggshell or satinwood paint.
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 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."
Eggshell finishes are more durable and easier to clean than flat finishes, but the subtle texture can show inconsistencies like roller marks.
'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.
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.
FLAT, EGGSHELL, OR SATIN PAINT
To apply flat, eggshell, or satin paints and stains, a knit roller cover is recommended. Knit roller covers can pick up and release higher amounts of paint than woven fabrics because the fibers have a looped backing with a single pass-through process resulting in a more “open” fabric.
Matte, flat, eggshell, or stain finishes are slightly more delicate and need a very mild cleaning solution. Use a small amount of dye-free hand soap or dishwashing detergent dissolved in warm water.
Eggshell is always an interior designer's preferred paint finish, which is why our founder, Nicole, an interior designer, chose this as our ultimate finish for walls. The name eggshell stems from the fact the finish appears mostly flat with just a touch of luster... similar to a chicken egg!
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.
Two coats of paint ALWAYS looks better and more professional than just one. The best paints sold by top paint vendors recommend a two coat system.
Yes, all types of paint go bad eventually. A previously opened can of paint lasts 5 years on average if properly sealed and stored.
Eggshell paint reflects more light than matte to produce a low luster. This low luster pulls out more of the paint's color than a flat sheen and it gives the room a soft glow. Because eggshell paint has a slight gloss, it is easier to maintain than matte or flat paint.
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.
In many such situations, the builder, seller, or low-cost painter used a low-grade flat paint for three reasons: the first is that it is inexpensive; the second is that it is easy to touch up; the third is that it hides imperfections in the drywall walls.
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.