When eggshell paint is mentioned, most people think that it is a type of colour. But it is not one of the many paint hues available but rather a type of paint sheen.
Now, what’s a paint sheen? It is how glossy or reflective the paint is. Glossier paints have more lustre which means they reflect more light.
The different paint sheens or finishes are high gloss, semi-gloss, satin, eggshell, matte and flat. For other paint manufacturers, matte and flat are the same.
So, what exactly is eggshell paint? It looks soft and velvety just like an eggshell, hence the name. This finish falls between matte and satin sheens. This is why it has the feel of a flat finish but with a slight lustre or gloss. Compared to a matte finish, eggshell produces a low lustre, giving the room a soft glow.
Advantages of Eggshell Paint
Using eggshell paint has several benefits which is why it is preferred by many people. The top reason behind its popularity is that it does a good job of hiding the flaws that the surface may have. This is also why many DIY-ers prefer this sheen as the paint job can still look good even if the application is imperfect. To be more precise, the finish makes it possible for lapping or lap marks not to be noticeable.
Another advantage of eggshell paint is that it is easier to clean and maintain as compared to a flat finish. You can use a damp cloth or sponge to clean the surface without worrying about damaging it.
Despite its name, eggshell paint is not fragile. It is less durable than satin, but it is more hard-wearing than matte or flat finishes. In fact, it can last many years for as long as it is applied properly.
Disadvantages of Eggshell Paint
One of the cons of using eggshell paint is that doing a partial touch up is not possible. This is mainly because, in case a part of the wall gets damaged, a partial touch up will be very obvious. Hence, the best option in these situations is to repaint the entire wall.
Furthermore, eggshell paint can be prone to dents and scratches, so it works better in low to medium foot traffic areas.
Best House Areas or Parts to Use Eggshell Paint
Well, eggshell is considered a very versatile paint sheen. As such, some experts say that it can be used to paint the living room, dining room, bedroom and all other interior spaces in the house. However, some professional painters disagree with this recommendation citing durability issues.
As mentioned earlier, this paint finish scuffs easily which is why other pros believe that they shouldn’t be used in high traffic spaces like bathrooms, kitchens and children’s bedrooms.
So, if you are the type who wants pristine-looking walls, it is not the best choice to use this paint sheen in areas where foot traffic is high. Also, avoid applying eggshell paint on high-impact surfaces like your door frames or window trims.
Can you use it on your exterior walls? Yes! In fact, this paint sheen is a popular choice for painting the exterior of a house. Its low lustre gives walls an upscale look that can appeal to most people. It also does a great job at hiding imperfections which is great as exterior surfaces, especially the old ones, have a lot of flaws.
More importantly, eggshell is washable, making it perfect for exterior walls as they are exposed to dust, dirt and other stuff that make them look dingy. You can hose it with water or wipe it down without worrying about destroying the paint.
Is eggshell paint the right choice for your home? Our professional painters can help you choose the best paint finish for your project and achieve a beautiful and durable outcome. Call us at 86 608 1817 / 085 139 0233 or leave a message on our website today to schedule an appointment!
