What Is Eggshell Paint? How to Use It in Your Home

Bare white walls are nice for the first few weeks you move into a home, but painting is usually one of the first home improvement projects on the list. However, finding the right color and sheen for every room can be challenging.

Sheen and finish are terms that are often used interchangeably to describe the level of glossiness of a paint. A paint's sheen matters because it affects how the color looks during certain times of day. It measures how much light is absorbed and reflected. It's a choice between no shine (matte or flat) or glossy (high gloss) and nuanced gradations in between.

Eggshell is one of the most popular in-between finishes. It is low luster, easy to clean, and ideal for medium- to high-traffic areas, including living and dining rooms. Here is what you need to know about eggshell paint and how to use it.

What Is Eggshell Paint?

Sheens affect how colors appear. They range on a scale of no shine to high shine. Typical paint finishes span a spectrum of matte or flat (no shine), eggshell, satin, pearl, semi-gloss, and high-gloss (very shiny). Flat paint has no sheen and does not reflect light, while high gloss has a high shine and offers a mirror-like finish.

Eggshell sits between flat (or matte) and satin paints. It looks mainly flat but has a low luster that provides a subtle sheen. In short, dried paint will be similar to the surface of an eggshell. Eggshell paint provides a soft glow, and its slight sheen bounces light throughout the room to create depth. The shine can be emphasized or toned down with different types of natural or artificial lighting.

Benefits of Eggshell Paint

Eggshell paint is versatile. It is used mainly for interior surfaces, including walls, ceilings, woodwork, and radiators. It is easy to apply because it has a smooth finish, and brush strokes are less visible. Professionals and DIYers alike find it appealing.

Eggshell paint is easy to clean, and the slight gloss is just enough to make it reasonably stain-resistant. A damp rag is all you need to wipe away fingerprints or food stains. With a gentle pass, there's low risk of wiping off the finish or paint itself.

To the untrained eye, eggshell paint is often confused with satin paint, but satin provides a higher gloss. High-gloss sheens are very reflective, showing every imperfection, including brush strokes. Eggshell paint covers wall defects well, but it may need to be refreshed sooner than other finishes that are easier to clean.

The Best Way to Apply Eggshell Paint

For the best results, prep the surface before applying primer and colored paint. Sand and smooth any rough spots. Remove any nails or screws and patch any holes. If the wall has existing paint or untreated or bare wood, wipe it down to remove dust or debris before sanding and priming it. You can also sand between dried coats to add or minimize texture.

Where to Use Eggshell Paint

Eggshell paint is ideal for walls in medium-to-high-traffic areas, such as bedrooms, kitchens, living rooms, and dining rooms. While generally used on walls, eggshell paint can also be used on trim, molding, and skirting boards.

It can cover bumps and imperfections on surfaces. While it won't cover major flaws in the wall, it can blend imperfections to give a clean and intentional look.

Eggshell paint is also cost-effective. While more expensive than flat paint, eggshell tends to be more durable and longer-lasting. Eggshell is easy for inexperienced painters to work with and forgiving of small mistakes and sloppy brushstrokes.

Is Eggshell Paint Right for You?

Eggshell paint is popular among both professional and DIY painters. Eggshell paint offers a good balance of durability and cleanability, which makes it an excellent option for almost all interior spaces. However, high gloss paint tends to be better for high-traffic areas and frequently touched objects, like kitchen cabinets and front doors.

Avoid eggshell paint on walls with extensive imperfections. It won't hide bulges, poorly finished seams, and nail pops. These can become visible with natural or electrical light. Eggshell paint refracts light. It amplifies imperfections during daylight if lamps or chandeliers are ill-positioned. Consider this finish cautiously for walls in great rooms and foyers flooded with natural light or mirrors. A paint finish must enhance the space, making it warm and welcoming.