Isabella Flores
When it comes to painting, one of the most important decisions is choosing the right type of paint. While there are many types of paint available, two of the most common options are eggshell and flat paint. Both have their own unique characteristics and are suited for different purposes. Flat paint, also known as matte paint, is known for its lack of sheen, resulting in a smooth and uniform finish. On the other hand, eggshell paint has a subtle sheen, giving it a soft glow that enhances the colour. In terms of durability, eggshell paint is more resistant to scuffs and stains, making it easier to clean and maintain. However, flat paint is often favoured by builders due to its low cost and ease of application, as it requires fewer coats and hides imperfections. Ultimately, the decision between eggshell and flat paint depends on the desired look, maintenance requirements, and budget constraints of the project.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sheen/Shine | Flat paint has no sheen and is shine-free. Eggshell paint has low sheen and is slightly more reflective than flat paint. |
| Hiding Imperfections | Flat paint is better at hiding flaws, dents, cracks and other imperfections. Eggshell paint can highlight imperfections in certain lighting. |
| Ease of Touch-ups | Flat paint is easy to touch up and requires fewer coats. Eggshell paint is more difficult to touch up as touched-up areas will reflect light differently. |
| Durability | Eggshell paint is more durable and washable than flat paint. |
| Cost | Eggshell paint is more expensive than flat paint. |
| Use Cases | Flat paint is best suited for low-traffic areas or ceilings. Eggshell paint is a good choice for walls in spaces where we spend the most time, such as bedrooms and living rooms. |
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What You'll Learn
Sheen and shininess
Sheen refers to the finish of the paint or how shiny it is when it's dry. Flat paint, also known as matte paint, reflects little to no light, resulting in no sheen at all. This lack of reflection allows more paint pigment to come through and is more forgiving of flaws, making it ideal for low-traffic areas or ceilings. Flat paint is also the easiest to touch up, as touched-up areas will not be as visible as they would be with eggshell paint.
Eggshell paint has a low sheen reminiscent of flat or matte paint but is more durable than matte. It is also easy to clean and is suitable for most areas of a home, including family rooms and hallways. Its slight light-reflecting properties are also helpful for creating a cozy ambiance and giving a room a greater visual depth.
Matte paint absorbs light, making colours appear more consistent. It is a great option for hiding minor imperfections in the wall or furniture that you're painting. It is also well-suited to living rooms, bedrooms, and offices, where there is less moisture and less need for the high durability of eggshell paint.
Satin paint delivers a higher gloss than eggshell and offers better stain resistance and durability. It is ideal for highlighting windows, shutters, trim, and interior doors. Semi-gloss paint is also available in most Benjamin Moore interior paints and lends dimension to millwork, trim, and doors.
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Durability and maintenance
When it comes to durability and maintenance, there are several factors to consider when choosing between eggshell and flat paint. Flat paint, also known as matte paint, tends to be less durable than eggshell paint as it scuffs more easily. Flat paint is more challenging to maintain as it doesn't hold up well to scrubbing, making it more suitable for low-traffic areas or ceilings. High-grade flat paint can provide a higher-quality finish that will last longer, whereas low-grade flat paint may only last a couple of years before requiring touch-ups.
Eggshell paint, on the other hand, is known for its durability and is considered more durable than flat paint. It is easier to clean and can withstand frequent washing, making it suitable for high-traffic areas such as hallways and family rooms. Eggshell paint can also be used in areas with higher humidity, such as bathrooms, as it offers mildew resistance. However, touch-ups can be more challenging with eggshell paint as the repaired areas may reflect light differently, making it necessary to repaint the entire wall.
The maintenance requirements of eggshell and flat paint should also be considered. Flat paint is generally easier to maintain and touch up as touched-up areas are less visible. Eggshell paint, while more durable, requires more care during application to ensure proper adhesion to the walls. It is also more susceptible to showing imperfections such as roller marks, brush marks, and drywall seams.
The choice between eggshell and flat paint depends on the specific requirements of the project. If durability and ease of maintenance are priorities, eggshell paint may be the preferred option. However, if touch-ups and low-maintenance are more important factors, flat paint could be the better choice, especially if high-grade paint is used. Ultimately, the decision should consider the desired look, maintenance level, and budget.
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Suitability for different rooms
When it comes to the suitability of paint finishes for different rooms, there are several factors to consider, such as the level of traffic, moisture levels, and the desired aesthetic. Flat paint, also known as matte paint, is often recommended for low-traffic areas due to its lower durability and higher tendency to scuff. It is excellent at hiding imperfections and creating a uniform surface, making it a good choice for ceilings to keep the focus on the furnishings and décor. Flat paint is also well-suited to bedrooms and dining rooms, as its ability to absorb light can create a luxurious and contemporary feel.
Eggshell paint, on the other hand, is highly versatile and can be used in most areas of a home. Its slight sheen adds depth and warmth to a room, creating a cosy ambiance. Eggshell is particularly well-suited to living rooms and bedrooms, where its high durability and ease of cleaning make it ideal for spaces that are frequently used. It is also a good choice for hallways, as it reflects light beautifully and is easy to maintain.
While flat paint may be more forgiving in terms of hiding imperfections, eggshell paint typically requires fewer coats and can last longer with proper maintenance. This makes eggshell a cost-effective option for the long term, despite its higher initial cost. For rooms with high moisture levels, such as bathrooms, a matte finish like Aura® Bath & Spa (532) is designed to provide exceptional durability and mildew resistance.
Ultimately, the decision between flat and eggshell paint depends on the specific needs and characteristics of each room. For rooms with more traction, such as playrooms, bathrooms, and kitchens, a more durable finish like satin may be preferred. However, for slanted walls and unique architectural features, eggshell paint can provide a seamless finish that enhances the depth and character of the space. Considering factors such as lighting, maintenance, and the desired vibe of the room will help guide your choice between flat and eggshell paint finishes.
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Cost
When it comes to cost, flat paint is generally the more affordable option. It is often used by builders and painters as it costs less, requires fewer coats, and can be touched up easily without showing marks. Flat paint also does a better job of hiding imperfections and creating a more flawless finish.
Eggshell paint, on the other hand, tends to be more expensive. This is due to slightly higher material costs and the increased time and skill required for proper application. The higher cost of eggshell paint is typically around 5% more than flat paint. For example, Sherwin-Williams paint may be about $1.50 more per gallon, while Benjamin Moore paint could be $2.00 more per gallon.
However, it's worth noting that eggshell paint can sometimes last longer than flat paint, especially if properly applied and maintained. Eggshell paint can last about 10 years, whereas a low-grade flat paint may only last a couple of years before touch-ups are needed. In the long run, choosing a high-grade flat paint that lasts longer can also save you money.
The decision between flat and eggshell paint depends on various factors, including durability, aesthetics, and the specific requirements of the space being painted. While flat paint may be more cost-effective upfront, eggshell paint could be a better investment over time if it is properly maintained and retouched.
Additionally, the cost of labour should be considered if hiring a professional painter. Due to the added care and skill needed for applying eggshell paint, labour costs tend to be higher for this finish.
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Application
When it comes to application, there are several factors to consider when choosing between eggshell and flat paint. Here are some key points to help guide your decision:
Flat paint, also known as matte paint, is the least reflective of all paint finishes. It creates a smooth, flawless, and uniform surface that hides imperfections and blemishes on walls. This makes it ideal for interior walls and ceilings, especially in rooms with surface blemishes. Flat paint is also commonly used by builders as it is inexpensive, easy to apply, and requires fewer coats. It is also suitable for art gallery walls, where a glossier finish is not desired. However, flat paint is less durable and scuffs more easily, requiring touch-ups over time.
Eggshell paint, on the other hand, has a slight gloss or sheen, resulting in a soft glow that enhances the colour of the paint. It is more washable and easier to maintain than flat paint, making it a good choice for walls in bedrooms, living rooms, hallways, offices, and finished basements. Eggshell paint is also suitable for high-impact surfaces such as door frames, skirting, trims, and window frames, as it is more durable and has good stain resistance. It can be used in higher-traffic areas and is a popular choice for exterior applications. However, eggshell paint may highlight imperfections and is generally more expensive than flat paint due to higher material costs.
It is important to note that mixing eggshell and flat paint is not recommended, as it will result in an uneven finish that may be difficult to reproduce if touch-ups are needed. Additionally, the choice between eggshell and flat paint depends on personal preference, the specific surface being painted, and the desired level of sheen or gloss.
To summarise, flat paint is ideal for achieving a smooth, flawless finish that hides imperfections, while eggshell paint offers a subtle sheen and improved durability, making it suitable for high-traffic areas and surfaces that require easier maintenance.
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Frequently asked questions
Flat paint, also known as matte paint, has a finish that does not reflect light, resulting in no sheen at all. Eggshell paint, on the other hand, has a slightly higher sheen, reminiscent of an actual eggshell.
Flat paint is excellent at hiding minor imperfections in walls or furniture due to its low light reflectance. It is also commonly used by builders as it requires fewer coats to apply and is easy to touch up.
Eggshell paint is more washable than flat paint and can be gently scrubbed with warm water to remove stains or scuffs. It is also easier to clean and more durable than flat paint, lasting about 10 years. Eggshell paint adds depth and warmth to a room, making it a popular choice for living rooms and bedrooms.
Flat paint is generally more affordable than eggshell paint. However, choosing a high-grade flat paint can result in a higher-quality finish that will last longer and save money in the long run.
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