Which one is right for you and, more specifically, the space it is being used in? In fact, there are numerous types of paint finishes available, the most common being eggshell and satin. While subjective, they attempt to describe the “feel” of the paint as much as its look. Eggshell paint is more popular than satin paint because it can be repaired and touched up easily, and no new coating is necessary when it is damaged. If you’re all about capturing that perfect, elegant shine, and the highest durability, … Eggshell and satinwood are both classed as 'low sheen' little difference in the two but satinwood has a slightly higher sheen level than eggshell. Eggshell paint is more likely to become damaged by these impacts and abrasions because it has fewer binders and more pigment. Beware: A primer will help stop your satinwood paint from peeling, helping you to achieve and maintain a sleek finish. Flat paint is highly effective in cases where you may need to disguise or hide tiny wall blemishes or bumps. This is unlike satin paint which requires a new coating once damaged. It has a gloss of about 25% to 35% and can give your room a classy sheen. However, before you start pouring over paint swatches and heading to your local Home Depot or Sherwin Williams to purchase gallons upon gallons, there is one major decision you need to make in addition to color: Finish. Eg-shel (low-gloss, eggshell, low sheen, satin… Eggshell. Paints in this category are warmer and provide a greater appearance of depth than flat paints. This makes satin, while a middle-of-the-road price option on the overall sheen spectrum, pricier than eggshell. Matt. Paint usually costs $1 to $2 dollars more per gallon for each step up you go in sheen. Whether your brush slipped or you let one section of the wall dry too long before painting an adjacent one with a roller, you can usually spot mistakes on a satin-finished surface because more light bounces off, accentuating stray roller lap marks and errant brush strokes. Eggshell and satin are popular for interiors because they’re neither too matte nor too glossy—just shiny enough to make a paint project pop. Eggshell requires more elbow grease to get clean because it has more pigments, and the coarse pigment particles make for a rougher surface. Flat. Flat paint consists of only 0-5% gloss. In addition to picking a color, base (water or oil), and formula (interior or exterior), you’ll also choose a paint finish—a gloss or sheen that’s a measure of the paint’s reflectivity when dry. If you want seamless satin results on a dinged surface, be sure to sand them away before painting. RELATED: 12 Easy Fixes for a Botched Paint Job. Many people say it even adds a slight glow to walls they call “velvety.” One of the most popular paint choices, satin, is often preferred over flat paint because it gives walls a feeling of greater depth. Ahead, we break down the differences between the two finishes—eggshell vs. satin—and share which works best where so you can find the perfect finish for your next project. Like semi-gloss, satin paints are also best used in high-traffic areas of the home in addition to homes with lots of children and/or pets whereas eggshell and flat paints are best used in low-traffic areas of the home. Advantages to eggshell or satin paint: Fans of eggshell and satin paints like the luxurious “sheen” With eggshell or gloss paints, you can wipe the wall with a damp cloth. They range from high-gloss, semi-gloss, satin, eggshell, to flat. Both can be used on a range of surfaces, but they have different properties that make them better suited for certain applications. Satin paint has one major downfall — especially if you aren’t relying on a professional painter. Paint usually costs $1 to $2 dollars more per gallon for each step up you go in sheen. We will use a 10x12-foot bedroom as an example that takes 2 gallons of flat or satin paint. Therefore, Fragali suggests using it in areas where it isn’t going to be on the receiving end of dirty hands or feet. In general, higher sheen paints are formulated with less pigment and more binders—resins that make paint more flexible, tough, and hard-wearing. And while it is less shimmery, it also has a slightly higher polish than eggshell. First, it is important to understand the difference between satin and eggshell finishes. pros:Because it reflects little light, a flat finish is good for concealing imperfections and has a … Some paint manufacturers may label their paints differently and identify certain paints as pearl, matte, silk or low lustre. This kind also absorbs stains and splashes easily.Using flat paint on large areas like ceilings is recommended, as ceilings usually have the mos… If you still can’t decide between a satin and eggshell finish, you can always call your local paint store or ask your painter for their opinion. However, there is generally one that is a better option for you and the specific space in your home you are painting. “Choosing the right finish is completely aligned with what you would like to accomplish in a particular space,” Luciana Fragali, owner of Miami-based high-end interior and architectural design firm Design Solutions, explains to 21Oak. Oil based paints were and still are easier to paint because they flow better, water based finish paints are a little more involved to use. While eggshell paint is easier to clean than flat paint, it is harder to clean than satin. ► Eggshell paint, as its name implies, is designed to offer a greater degree of protection to the wall by forming a protective coating upon it. The sub-categories in parentheses provide a clearer mental picture of the paint’s characteristics. Planning on painting a room or sprucing up a piece of furniture? Another paint sheen you might come across when choosing the right paint sheen for your room is eggshell. Generally satin will have more sheen than eggshell. The glossier satin sheen translates to a slicker surface that’s slightly quicker and easier to wipe clean of dust, dirt, mildew, and mold. The lower durability and higher difficulty of cleaning the eggshell sheen aren’t considered drawbacks in these low-traffic, gently used spaces. Satin finish is a paint finish that leans more toward the glossy spectrum, explains Fragali. Some people tend to gravitate toward eggshell, as they prefer a flatter finish, while others appreciate a glossier look. It will add depth to small interior spaces like hallways, or small rooms. Structure-wise, it is impressively durable and can withstand a fair amount of scratches, albeit not as well as a matte finish. The same paint color will appear slightly richer in a satin sheen than it does in a flat sheen. Manasa Reddigari, Bob Vila, 21 Clever Tricks to Make Your Home Look Bigger and Brighter, The Best Trim Colors for the Home, Inside and Out, 12 Exterior Paint Colors to Help Sell Your House, The 8 Painting Mistakes Almost Everyone Makes. It sits somewhere between matt and a silk finish and gives a beautiful classic look to woodwork – and can also be used on walls … Satin paint finishes are slightly more reflective than eggshell, giving walls a silky finish that has a slight glow. But some lines come in either eggshell or satin - not both. Another thing to consider is the size of the space. It is a popular choice in kitchens and bathrooms, where you need to wipe down the walls. Hence, clearly, satin paint isn’t suited for every room. It has a luster of about 10% to 25% and generally gives your room a heritage style effect. You’ll want to keep this in mind the next time you go shopping for paint. In contrast, the low reflectivity of eggshell minimizes application goofs and touch-up marks. The most common interior paint finishes (paint sheen) are flat, eggshell, satin, semi-gloss, and high-gloss. Satin paint, on the other hand, has a velvety or silky finish. This makes satin a better pick in dirt-prone and moisture-rich spaces like children’s bedrooms, playrooms, and bathrooms, where walls can over time collect muddy handprints, food or paint smudges, mildew, or mold. How do you kill dandelions and not grass. Overall, if your walls have bumps or imperfections, an extra coat of eggshell can disguise them more easily than satin or high-gloss finishes. You can more often than not skip the undercoat by using satin gloss too. The last deciding factor should always be which of the finishes you like the most. Before making a choice, you need to consider your personal preference, the type of space you are working with, your desired outcome, and even who will be applying the paint. Copyright © 2021 Acton Media Inc. All rights reserved. Matte has a low luster reflective finish that is durable, easy to clean, touches up well, and also hides … The more pronounced shine of satin sharpens the contours of walls to add depth to small spaces like a hallway or study, making them look a bit bigger. Eggshell and satin paint both serve their purposes in the home setting, and neither is better than the other. This added shine can be used to your advantage. Different finishes also wear differently, so picking the right paint finishes or sheen will make it easier to keep your walls looking good for years to come. Flat (flat, matte): No to very low reflection when dry. Satin/eggshell finishes can be wiped down or even hosed with water. By Manasa Reddigari and Bob Vila. All rights reserved. The paint finish is something that you need to consider. Although satin can fend off scratches, dents, and scuffs better than eggshell, if your painting surface already has these marks, eggshell will conceal them better, That’s because the lower reflectivity dulls the appearance of damages, making the surface look even and flawless. Eggshell vs Matte: It Is Time to Choose the Best Finish for Your Walls. “Satin is slightly less shimmery than semi-gloss, and depending on the lighting in the room, it can appear to be both flat and glossy,” she explains. Satin reflects slightly more light than eggshell and has a soft shimmer similar to that of velvet. Eggshell paint has become popular with both homeowners and decorators. It is also one of the easiest finishes to clean, which makes it a popular choice for homeowners with pets and children. Satin vs. Eggshell. Unlike flat paint, eggshell bounces light around the room while resisting the inevitable stains and scuffs of everyday life. When it comes down to choosing your paint finish, the decision should be made on a case-by-case basis. Satin vs. sheen: What paint works best in the bathroom? First and foremost, eggshell is the most popular for many reasons, but one major factor is the price point. Browse Satin Paints Eggshell has less of a sheen than silk or satin and it does look like the surface of an eggshell (the clue's in the name). Eggshell Vs. Matt paint is smooth and unlike sheen, doesn’t reflect as much light and therefore isn’t shiny. Explore All Glidden Products My personal preference may fall to flat pain t because I like the look, but most people are quite happy with eggshell paint, which has a soft glow to it where the light hits. You agree that BobVila.com may process your data in the manner described by our Privacy Policy. Disclosure: BobVila.com participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for publishers to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Satin and low-lustre paints have a slightly higher sheen than eggshell finishes. It will probably be fine. A paint sheen will not only indicate how shiny the paint finish is but also affect the durability of the paint … However, people still do use it in bathrooms, kitchens, kids’ rooms, and other high-traffic areas, especially as an alternative to flat paint. Let us look at a basic paint job to see which costs more, satin or flat paint. … Fragali points out that satin is often a better choice in small spaces, as the slight gloss can offer depth that a flat finish cannot. Eggshell and satin paints are paints with gloss with eggshell paint having 26% gloss while satin paint has 35% gloss. This is why satin paint is more resistant to dents, divots, scuffs, scratches, and stains, and more durable on the whole. RELATED: 21 Clever Tricks to Make Your Home Look Bigger and Brighter. Here are the key points when considering eggshell vs. satin: – Eggshell is not as reflective as satin. The satin paint has the ability to create an illusion that the space is larger than it is. Satin has a number of other qualities you should take into consideration. Often confused with other finishes, the difference between eggshell and satin paint is that satin delivers a higher gloss, while offering better stain resistance and durability than lower sheens, including eggshell. Though satin and eggshell paint are often grouped together, they have some distinct differences that are important to understand before making a final decision. However, there is generally one that is a better option for you and the specific space in your home you are painting. Eggshell is commonly used in living rooms and dining rooms —  it is durable and does not pick up dirt easily. Satin is a poor choice on blemished surfaces because it reflects more light, making the slightest imperfections look more glaring. The final choice and the one with the least sheen is flat. Expert advice from Bob Vila, the most trusted name in home improvement, home remodeling, home repair, and DIY. Satin paint, on the other hand, is a more ideal option for high-traffic areas and is easy to clean with just a damp cloth. Because of its very nature, flat paint does not reflect light and it will camouflage any discrepancies in the wall that might otherwise show up with paint that is reflective, like satin or eggshell. Choosing a paint finish for interior walls depends on the desired amount of shine and durability. … High-Gloss Paint. Paints are available in flat, eggshell, satin, semi-gloss, and high-gloss, in order of lowest to highest reflectivity. It's also easy to clean. Any paint touch-ups you make after the original application will be just as hard to hide. It is a great alternative to flat paint, as it resists stains better and can be wiped with a wet cloth. Paint finish isn’t a one-size-fits-all situation. Mixing traditional and contemporary styles: What to know, Back to black: How to find paint that looks great with dark furniture, Decor ideas for small apartments that anyone can try, This is the best LED garage lighting for all your at-home projects, How to clean your air conditioner coils inside your house, How to build your own home security system, How to choose rustic wood flooring for every room, How to fix bubbling paint and prevent it from happening again, How to make insecticide out of essential oils, The best types of house paint and primer for your new-look home. Eggshell paint has a finish that is similar to that of a real eggshell. Satin paint is more reflective than eggshell. For example, Fragali points out that it is more reflective and more durable than eggshell. Use it for the walls, ceiling, and even the trim, because many satin finishes are tougher than they once were. In contrast, eggshell reflects almost no light so has a negligible luster comparable to the faint glow of an eggshell. “Eggshell paint is best suited for areas such as ceilings, bedrooms, dining rooms, and living areas where there is not a lot of dirt buildup or traffic,” she points out. The durability of satin makes it a better pick for high-traffic surfaces that get banged up on a daily basis—think walls in entryways, children’s bedrooms, or family rooms, and everyday furniture like kitchen chairs and end tables. Semi-gloss is even tougher and a cinch to clean. Eggshell earns its name due to its texture and finish, similar to that of your average eggshell. Flat paint usually costs less, from $10-$45 per gallon or $20-$90 for the bedroom. Halfway there: satin, low-lustre and eggshell All of these finishes have a sheen that is between semigloss and flat paints. – Satin paint tends to be more durable than an eggshell paint. Eggshell looks more one-dimensional, so it won’t do much to open up a cramped space. Paints with a sheen are normally preferred and recommended for trim and hand rails. FLAT. “Satin paint will show any flaws in its application (i.e., brush strokes), so if you are a first-time DIY painter, you might consider hiring a professional for this or selecting another finish like eggshell,” she points out. Whether matte or eggshell, its effect will be special and therefore, it is to consider when decorating your home. While eggshell paint is easier to clean than flat paint, it … Choosing the right paint finish for your interior project depends … For example, a gallon of Behr Premium Plus, one of the best interior paints, will run you $27.98 for the eggshell sheen (The Home Depot) and $30.98 for the satin sheen (The Home Depot). Satin Eggshell Click image for more info Eggshell Is Cheaper. The home + design lover's guide to 21st century innovation, with roots planted in the comfort of tradition. Copyright ©2021 Designtechnica Corporation. But still within the scope of anyone who can paint to use. Repainting your home can be the ultimate game-changer and one of the easiest and most inexpensive ways to transform your space. One manufacturers satin might be another manufacturers eggshell - there's some subjectivity and overlap. Satin paint is ideal for areas that crave definition. Because of the hint of shine, satin paints have a somewhat more luxurious appearance than flat paints. They argue, "Satin is more durable and shinier than eggshell and is ideal for a bathroom. Best for: more matte than gloss or satinwood, subtler eggshell paint is another top choice for interiors. Eggshell and satin paint both serve their purposes in the home setting, and neither is better than the other. At Kendys Painting Inc we always talk about the power that color has to change the appearance of a room. A: Flat, eggshell and satin paint are best for interior walls, whereas semi-gloss and gloss paint are best for trim and woodwork. “Eggshell has slightly more luster than a flat finish, but you won’t be left with shiny walls,” explains Fragali. Select a satin finish for a slightly more reflective look. Some people confuse satin and eggshell but there are noticeable differences. Satin and eggshell are two popular finishes that work well in a variety of spaces, both with a low-to-medium luster. Satin paint isn’t ultra-shiny, rather it has more subdued, reflective characteristics. This makes eggshell a better-looking and less costly option for surfaces that demand an impeccably polished look, including guest bedrooms, formal dining rooms, and living rooms. Finishes that work well in a variety of spaces, both with a sheen are normally preferred and for... You and the one with the least sheen is flat, in order of lowest to reflectivity... 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