Eggshell Paint: Everything You Need to Know about Eggshell Painting or Eggshell Sheen

Everything You Need To Know About Eggshell Paint

Many people give more attention to painting color than painting sheen. But what does paint sheen mean? Paint Sheen means how much light is reflected from the paint’s surface. If a painted surface is very smooth and glass-like, its reflection is “shiny” or “glossy.”

Moreover, low sheen paint’ surface profile gets rough after it dries. As paint colors affect the look and the mood of a room, so too does sheen. Paint sheen and color register are closely related.

If you’re thinking about painting your walls again, you may have heard the term “eggshell paint.” Because of its distinct qualities and attractive appearance, this kind of paint finish has become more popular.

With 26+ years of experience, WC Painting Services has experts in its team who paint your house with interior and exterior professional painting services. We know everything about paint and its sheen.

Here is a detailed article on Eggshell paint so you could know everything about Eggshell Painting or Eggshell Sheen. Continue reading to know about it.

Table Of Contents

• Everything You Need to Know about Eggshell Paint
• What is Eggshell Paint?
• Where can I use Eggshell Paint?
• When should I use Eggshell paint?
• When not to use eggshell paint?
• Benefits of Using Eggshell Paint
• What is the difference between Eggshell paint, stain, and other finishes?
• The best way to apply Eggshell Paint
• Tools and Materials You’ll Need
• Step-by-Step Application
• Tips for a Smooth Finish
• Final Thoughts

What Is Eggshell Paint?

Eggshell is a paint sheen/shine, or gloss that looks flat but slightly glossed. Eggshell paint is between matte and satin paint sheens. Eggshell sheen might be called universal. It 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.

A versatile and well-liked option for interior wall finishes is eggshell paint. Its name comes from how much it resembles an actual eggshell in terms of texture and look. This eggshell paint finish offers a gentle, subtle sheen that gives your walls a touch of refinement while striking a balance between matte and satin.

On the sheen scale, eggshell paint lies between flat and semi-gloss qualities. It has a soft shine that subtly, but not harshly, reflects light. As a result, it is the perfect choice for areas where you want to create a cosy and welcoming atmosphere while maintaining some degree of washability.

Read the mentioned article: Types of House Paint: Everything You Need to Know About House Paints

Where Can I Use Eggshell Paint?

Except for the ceiling, you can use eggshell sheen paint for every surface. Don’t use eggshell paint sheen on surfaces that generally should have a flat sheen, like the ceiling. If you’d like your ceiling to have reflective qualities, you can use it. It is best for bedrooms, hallways, offices, living rooms, and finished basements.

You can also use this paint in medium-traffic spaces such as kitchens and bathrooms or children’s rooms, though satin is a more durable choice.

When Should I Use Eggshell Paint?

It gives better results for high-impact surfaces such as door frames and window trim. Use glossier paint such as semi-gloss or even high gloss for these surfaces. Still, if you don’t like the high-gloss look on casing and trim, this paint would be an alternative.

You can use this paint for:

1. When you have a low budget as it is not too costly.
2. Where traffic is medium.
3. In rooms that won’t be repainted for years.
4. When you want to paint your house by yourself.
5. To cover imperfections on surfaces.

When Not To Use Eggshell Paint?

Eggshell paint may seem to check all the boxes for the perfect paint finish, but it has limitations. You may want to choose a paint finish that’s more fitting for the project if you want to paint any of the following areas.

1. Exterior surfaces
2. High-impact areas
3. Extensive drywall imperfections

Benefits Of Using Eggshell Paint

Eggshell paint is used to give your room a soft glow. It is easier to maintain than matte or flat paint because eggshell paint has a slight gloss.

Here are some advantages you would get with this eggshell paint:

1. Elegant Appearance: Eggshell paint offers a refined look that works well in various design styles.
2. Light Reflection: It reflects more light compared to flat finishes, making rooms appear brighter.
3. Hide Imperfections: The subtle sheen helps conceal minor wall imperfections.
4. Washability: Eggshell finishes are relatively easy to clean, making them suitable for living spaces and hallways.
5. Durability: While not as rugged as semi-gloss, eggshell paint can withstand some wear and tear.

Here are some more benefits with detail of using eggshell paint:

1. It helps to hide any surface bumps and blemishes.
2. This paint is ideal for older properties where walls may have hairline cracks,  little pitting, or an uneven finish.
3. Eggshell paint isn’t so reflective that it shines a spotlight on surface flaws.
4. You can paint this without that horrible overlapping effect that you can get with glossier paint.
5. It is easy to apply and cleans well.
6. It is Slightly less durable than Satin
7. Lower cost than satin
8. Eggshell is just flat enough that lapping is not noticeable.
9. It conceals Surface Flaws

What Is The Difference Between Eggshell Paint, Stain, And Other Finishes?

Eggshell painting floor has less sheen than satin painted flooring but more than matte or flat-finish paints. It is a mid-sheen finish that sits between matte and glossy paint. It is slightly more hardwearing than matte paints.

It would be best if you use it for woodwork such as skirting boards, doors, metarials, radiators, and furniture.

Eggshell provides greater durability and washability when compared to flat. In contrast to the semi-gloss or satin treatments’ higher gloss, it also has a gentler shine.

The Best Way To Apply Eggshell Paint

Every type of paint has a different way of applying for the best results. Eggshell paint is a silk sheen, durable, washable, water-based, and scuff-resistant paint usually used on interior woodwork. You can apply it with the help of an Eggshell brush, Eggshell roller, or Eggshell spray.

For best results, you can paint it on untreated, bare wood. Prepare the wood surfaces with primer, such as Multi-Purpose Primer, and lightly sanded primer before application. It would be best to follow this with two full coats of eggshell. Sanding in between dried coats will provide an extra smooth finish.

PS: I would recommend you to hire professional to make it easy for you by saving your time. But is you want to do it by yourself, use a face mask and take care of dry sanding.

Tools And Materials You’ll Need

Gather the following items before you start painting:

• Eggshell paint of your chosen color
• Paint rollers and brushes
• Painter’s tape
• Drop cloths
• Paint trays
• Sandpaper (for smoothing surfaces)
• Primer (if necessary)

Step-By-Step Application

1. Prepare the Room: Clear the space, lay down drop cloths, and protect furniture.
2. Tape and Trim: Apply painter’s tape to edges and trim to achieve clean lines.
3. Cut In: Use a brush to carefully paint along edges and corners.
4. Roll the Walls: Use a roller for the larger surfaces. Apply paint evenly and in overlapping “W” or “M” motions.
5. Second Coat: Allow the first coat to dry before applying a second coat for a consistent finish.

Tips For A Smooth Finish

• Stir Thoroughly: Mix the paint well to ensure an even sheen.
• Use Quality Tools: Invest in good brushes and rollers for a professional outcome.
• Maintain a Wet Edge: Avoid letting the paint dry between sections to prevent uneven lines.
• Even Pressure: Apply consistent pressure while rolling to avoid lap marks.

Final Thoughts

Eggshell paint is available in a vast array of colors, from neutrals to bold tones. Neutral shades like beige, soft gray, and pastels remain timeless choices. Eggshell paint falls within the mid-range of paint prices, making it an accessible choice for many homeowners.

Eggshell paint complements various design aesthetics, including modern, traditional, and transitional styles. It adds depth and dimension to a room without overpowering other design elements.

You can use eggshell paint to paint living spaces, home offices, basements, dining areas, hallways, bedrooms, and busy spaces such as kitchens and bathrooms. I recommend you avoid painting ceilings with it, as the ceiling should ideally have a flat rather than a shiny sheen.

WC Painting Services provides professional painting services. Enjoy a stress-free painting by hiring us. We offer reliable house painting services, Interior and Exterior painting services within the most reliable budget.

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