Which is Better: Eggshell or Satin Finish?
When you’re about to take on a new painting project, aside from choosing the colour, another important consideration is the finish, that is what it looks like once it’s dry. Two of the most popular types of paint finish are eggshell and satin. But which is better?
While one finish isn’t necessarily better than the other, before choosing between eggshell and satin, think about the end result that you want to achieve. Not only that, it’s a good idea to take into account where you’ll be applying the paint. Let’s say, for example, you’re painting a wall in your kitchen. Having a paint finish that’s less susceptible to scuffs and stains, and is easy to wipe clean means that the paint will stay looking nicer, for longer.
In this article, we’ll run through all the main differences so you can make the right choice.
The Key Difference Between Eggshell and Satin
If you’re a little unsure, the first thing you’ll need to know is what paint finish actually refers to. Simply put, it indicates how shiny or matte the paint will be once fully dry. Some paint finishes are better suited to certain rooms in your home than others. At the top end of shininess is gloss, a highly reflective paint finish that bounces light all around, making a room feel more spacious. At the opposite end of the scale, no surprise, is matt paint. A fantastic choice if you want to soften the look of a room while disguising imperfections.
So, where does that leave eggshell and satin?
The answer is, somewhere in the middle. Both eggshell and satin have a mid-level sheen, with satin being the more shiny of the two. Think about the two textures, an eggshell has a smooth, very subtle (almost dull) sheen whereas satin fabric is noticeably more lustrous and brighter. To make it easy to remember, eggshell and satin paints are named after the finishes they resemble. That said, paint finishes aren’t standardised meaning one brand of eggshell paint could look slightly different from another. So, putting shiniess to one side, let’s look at what else is different between the two.
Durability & Cleanability
When it comes to durability and ease of cleaning, satin beats eggshell hands down. It’s glossier finish means it’s super easy to wipe away splashes - think tomato sauce in the kitchen - without leaving behind any stains. While eggshell can be cleaned, it’s not as easy and is more likely to leave behind discolouration. So, for high traffic areas that are prone to getting a little messy, stick to satin.
Hiding Imperfections
If you’re painting somewhere that’s suffered a few dents, scuffs and patches and you want to keep initial prep work to a minimum, eggshell paint would be a much better option compared to satin. That’s because an eggshell finish diffuses more light instead of reflecting it. This makes any flaws on walls and ceilings much less visible as light isn’t bouncing directly off them and drawing attention.
Aesthetic and Style
Eggshell has a soft, velvety finish with low levels of sheen. The overall appearance, compared to satin, is more subtle and natural. It won’t shine under light but instead offers a calmer visual quality. Satin has more of a ‘glow’ and this contributes to a more modern look, with a richer finish. Under light, it's less flat adding to its vibrancy. So, choose eggshell for a classic look and satin for a contemporary vibe.
Eggshell vs Satin: Which is Best?
Given that eggshell and satin are quite similar in their finish, there’s no right or wrong answer when it comes to the one you choose. However, understanding a bit more about their benefits and drawbacks can help you decide on the suitably based on what you’re painting, and where.
Satin Paint Finish
Benefits:
1. Satin paint is durable and washable, making it a good choice for high traffic areas.
2. It has a soft, smooth sheen that reflects light making a room feel larger and brighter.
3. It's resistant to moisture and stains, so it holds up well in kitchens and bathrooms.
Drawbacks:
1. The sheen, albeit subtle, can highlight wall imperfections like dents and uneven textures.
2. It requires better surface preparation, such as applying a mist coat, to look smooth and even.
3. Touching up satin paint can be tricky, as the new layer may appear glossier than the original.
Eggshell Paint
Benefits:
1. Eggshell has a soft, low-sheen finish that gives walls a subtle, elegant look.
2. It hides surface imperfections better than satin, thanks to its lower reflectivity.
3. It's a bit more forgiving when applied, with fewer visible brush or roller marks.
Drawbacks:
1. It's less durable and less moisture-resistant than satin, so it's not ideal for kitchens or bathrooms.
2. While easier to clean than flat paint, it's not as scrubbable as satin.
3. It has a more matte appearance, which may not suit rooms that need a bit of shine.
The Best Use for Satin and Eggshell Paint
If you’re painting an area that’s usually quite busy, making it susceptible to the odd knock and bump, like a hallway, kitchen or bathroom, satin paint is the better choice. It’s increased durability means it’s less likely to get scuffed and scraped. Not only that, it’s more waterproof compared to eggshell paint, and that’s because it contains more resin allowing it to repel water much easier while preventing common issues like paint bubbling.
Eggshell paint, on the other hand, is best for low to moderate traffic areas where you want a smooth finish, without a glossy shine. It's a great choice for living rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms, and home offices. The softer finish hides imperfections well, making it a good option for older walls or spaces where a more classic, matte look is preferred.
