Eggshell VS Satin - Which is best?

What is eggshell paint?

Eggshell paint has a low sheen finish that falls somewhere between a matte and a satin finish. It gets its name from the slight sheen it gives off, which resembles the texture of an eggshell. Eggshell paint is known for its smooth, velvety finish that provides a soft, elegant look to your walls. It's also highly durable, making it ideal for high-traffic areas like hallways and living rooms.

One of the benefits of eggshell paint is that it is highly resistant to stains and dirt, which makes it easy to clean. This is especially important for families with children or pets who tend to leave fingerprints and smudges on walls. Eggshell paint is also great for hiding imperfections and blemishes on walls, thanks to its low sheen finish, making it a great option if you need to redecorate on a budget or in a time pinch.

Satin Paint

Satin paint has a slightly higher sheen than eggshell paint, giving it a soft, subtle shine. It's a popular choice for interior walls, woodwork, and metal surfaces because it's highly durable and easy to clean. Satin paint is great for creating a smooth, sleek finish on your walls that's perfect for modern and contemporary decor styles.

One of the benefits of satin paint that gives it a bit of edge over eggshell is that it's highly reflective, which makes it ideal for creating a sense of space and light in smaller rooms. It also provides a smooth, even finish that's perfect for creating a uniform look across your walls and woodwork. Satin paint is also highly resistant to stains and dirt, making it easy to clean and maintain.

Satin VS Eggshell - what is best?

Realistically, it’s up to you, your home and your personal preferences. To make it easier, we’ve put together a pros and cons list to help you decide!

Satin Paint:

Pros:

• Has a slightly higher sheen than eggshell paint, providing a subtle shine that creates a sleek and modern look.
• Resistant to stains and dirt, making it easy to clean and maintain.
• Reflective quality helps create a sense of space and light in smaller rooms.
• Highly durable and provides a smooth, even finish that's perfect for creating a uniform look.

Cons:

• May highlight surface imperfections more than eggshell paint due to its reflective quality.
• Not suitable for hiding blemishes and imperfections on walls, as the higher sheen can make them more noticeable.
• May require more coats than eggshell paint to achieve full coverage.

Eggshell Paint:

Pros:

• Has a low sheen that provides a soft, elegant finish that's ideal for traditional and classic decor styles.
• Highly resistant to stains and dirt, making it easy to clean and maintain.
• Can help to hide surface imperfections and blemishes on walls due to its low sheen finish.
• Highly durable and ideal for high-traffic areas like hallways and living rooms.

Cons:

• May not provide as much reflectivity as satin paint, which can make smaller rooms feel more cramped.
• Not as suitable for creating a modern or contemporary look due to its low sheen finish.
• May require more coats than satin paint to achieve full coverage.

Ultimately, the choice between satin paint and eggshell paint comes down to personal preference and the specific needs of your space. Both finishes have their own unique benefits and drawbacks, and it's important to consider these factors when making your decision.

So... If you're looking for a soft, elegant finish that's highly durable and easy to clean, eggshell paint is the one for you. If you're looking for a slightly higher sheen that provides a sleek, modern look, satin paint may be the better choice, however, ultimately eggshell and satin paint finishes offer unique benefits that can help you create the perfect look for your home.