Eggshell Paint Finish: Everything You Need to Know & Where To Use it

If you’re planning to paint your walls, you might be overwhelmed by the different types of finishes available, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Eggshell paint is one of the most popular finishes for interior walls, as well as my go-to paint finish as a designer.

In this post, we’ll take a closer look at eggshell paint, its benefits, and when it’s the best choice for your painting project. Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or a professional painter, this guide will help you understand everything you need to know about eggshell paint and how to use it effectively.

What is Eggshell Paint?

Eggshell paint is a type of paint finish that has a slight sheen and a smooth, velvety texture. The name “eggshell” refers to the finish’s texture, which resembles the surface of an eggshell. It is a popular choice for interior walls in both residential and commercial settings.

Eggshell paint is a step up in sheen level from matte paint, but it is not as shiny as satin or semi-gloss finishes. It offers a subtle sheen that reflects light softly, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The finish is often described as elegant and sophisticated, making it a popular choice for living rooms, dining rooms, and bedrooms.

Where do you use an eggshell paint finish?

An eggshell finish is a versatile paint finish that can be used in many different areas of the home. Here are some common places where an eggshell finish is a good choice:

1. Living Rooms and Bedrooms
2. Dining Rooms
3. Hallways
4. Bathrooms (make sure the walls are properly primed to protect against moisture)
5. Home Offices

Benefits of Eggshell Paint Finish

1. Subtle Sheen: Eggshell paint has a slight sheen that reflects light softly, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere in any room. It is a popular choice for living rooms, dining rooms, and bedrooms as it offers a subtle and elegant finish.
2. Versatility: Eggshell paint can be used in a variety of settings and is suitable for most interior wall surfaces. It is a popular choice for both residential and commercial spaces.
3. Smooth Texture: Eggshell paint has a smooth, velvety texture that gives walls a luxurious and sophisticated appearance. This finish hides surface imperfections better than flat or matte finishes.
4. Easy to Clean: Eggshell paint is relatively easy to clean and maintain compared to flat or matte finishes. It resists stains and scuffs better, making it a good choice for high-traffic areas.
5. Resistant to Fading: Eggshell paint is less prone to fading and yellowing over time than flat or matte finishes. It can retain its color and sheen for a longer time, giving walls a fresh and vibrant appearance.

Disadvantages of An Eggshell Paint Finish

1. Eggshell finishes are not as durable as higher-gloss finishes such as semi-gloss or gloss. It may not hold up as well in areas with a lot of moisture or humidity.
2. Can Highlight Surface Imperfections: Eggshell paint has a subtle sheen that can highlight surface imperfections such as bumps, dents, or cracks. If you have a wall with a lot of imperfections, you may want to use a smoother finish like satin or semi-gloss to hide those imperfections.
3. Harder to Touch-Up: Eggshell paint can be difficult to touch up, especially if the original paint is faded or has aged. This is because the new paint may not match the existing finish, resulting in a patchy or uneven appearance.
4. May Require More Coats: Eggshell paint may require more coats than higher-gloss finishes to achieve a uniform and consistent appearance. This is because it has a lower sheen level and may not cover as well as other finishes.

Is it better to use eggshell or flat wall paint?

The answer to whether it is better to use eggshell or flat wall paint depends on the specific needs of your project. Here are some factors to consider when choosing between eggshell and flat paint:

1. Sheen Level: Flat paint has no sheen and appears completely matte, while eggshell paint has a slight sheen that reflects light softly. If you want a more subtle sheen and a warmer appearance, eggshell paint may be a better choice.
2. Durability: Eggshell paint is more durable than flat paint and can resist stains and scuffs better, making it a better choice for high-traffic areas like hallways or living rooms.
3. Hiding Imperfections: Flat paint can hide surface imperfections better than eggshell paint because it does not reflect light. If you have walls with a lot of imperfections, flat paint may be a better choice.
4. Touch-Ups: Eggshell paint can be more difficult to touch up than flat paint because of its slight sheen. If you anticipate needing to touch up your walls frequently, flat paint may be a better choice.