Eggshell vs. Satin Paint: Which Is Right for Your Project?
Make sure you finish (get it?) that project beautifully by picking the right kind of paint
Highlights
Eggshell and satin paints offer two slightly different levels of sheen or reflectivity.
Eggshell paint is more matte than satin, with a hint of sheen.
Satin paint is slightly glossier than eggshell and a bit easier to clean.
Eggshell paint is more effective at masking flaws.
Eggshell paint generally costs $1 or $2 less than satin paint from the same brand.
Out of all the many available paint sheens, two of the most commonly selected finishes are eggshell and satin. They’re neither the most matte nor glossy, which may account for their popularity. But how do you choose between the two? Let’s examine some of the pros and cons of each finish.
Eggshell vs. Satin
Eggshell and satin are quite similar. They’re both in the lower to middle end of the reflectivity spectrum, neither too shiny nor the most matte. That’s probably why, for so many homeowners, the paint finish choice comes down to these two options.
Eggshell paint is between matte and satin on the glossiness scale, making it slightly glossy but less so than satin. Satin paint is between eggshell and semi-gloss, giving it the sheen of satin fabric, hence the name.
However, depending on the features that are most important to you, one might be better suited to your project than the other.
Appearance
To a large extent, whether eggshell is more attractive than satin, or vice versa, is a matter of personal preference and a subjective question. However, there’s one area we can analyze with confidence and relative objectivity: How forgiving the paint finish is to flaws in the application or in the surface on which it’s being applied. There, eggshell does have a slight edge, hiding a multitude of (small) sins.
Most Attractive: Eggshell
Price
For every level you climb on the paint finish reflectivity scale, you can expect to pay $1 to $2 more per gallon. So for satin paint, which is one step up from eggshell, you’ll probably pay up to $2 more per gallon than you’d pay for eggshell.
According to the National Association of Home Builders, the average size of a newly constructed living room ranges from 250 to 400 square feet, depending on the size of the home. Given a median living room size of 325 square feet, a coverage rate of about 400 square feet per gallon, and a two-coat application, you’re not spending a great deal more for satin than for eggshell—up to $4 more.
Most Cost-Effective: Eggshell
Ease of Application
You probably won’t notice much difference between how easily eggshell paint glides on compared to satin paint. As noted above, eggshell is slightly more forgiving of painting errors, so if you’re not a very experienced interior painter, eggshell might be a better choice.
However, if you’re at all nervous about a DIY paint job, regardless of which type of paint you choose, you can always hire a local painting professional to take care of your project from start to finish.
Easiest to Apply: Eggshell
Maintenance and Cleaning
The glossier finish of satin paint makes it easier to clean than eggshell. Thanks to that slicker surface, you’ll find it somewhat easier to wipe off surface dirt, mildew, mold, and food or drink.
What’s more, eggshell paint has a bit more pigment than satin paint, which can mean you’ll have to work harder to wipe off hand and fingerprint smudges and other kinds of dirt. If the room you’re painting will see a lot of use and potentially attract a lot of dirt, especially a kitchen or a child’s playroom or bedroom, you might choose a satin paint finish.
Easiest to Keep Clean: Satin
Durability
High-traffic areas can also impact the useful life of your paint job. Here, too, satin finishes have a slight edge over eggshell finishes. That’s primarily because of its lower concentration of pigment particles and its higher concentration of binders. It’s the better choice in those playrooms and other rooms that get a lot of rough use.
Most Long-Lasting: Satin
The Pros of Eggshell Paint
If your walls have imperfections or flaws like dents, scrapes, or scuff marks, you might find eggshell hides these flaws more effectively. The same is true if you’re worried about application errors, as the diminished reflectivity of eggshell helps conceal a less-than-perfect paint job.
Of course, there’s one step below eggshell on the reflectivity scale, and that’s flat paint. However, you might prefer a little bit of sheen to help add a decorative feel. Eggshell offers a good mix of the forgiving nature of a matte finish with just a touch of sheen to make it a bit more special.
Cons of Eggshell Paint
Eggshell finish paints can be more difficult to clean, although not impossible with the right tools and supplies. It also doesn’t stand up to the steamy environment of a well-used bathroom as well as glossy finishes, which offer more protection against moisture.
Satin Paint Pros
Some people appreciate a bit of a sheen to their interior paints. If that’s you, you’ll probably prefer satin over eggshell. Satin paints aren’t as glossy as other types of paint, but they’re also a bit less flat and matte. Because they’re easier to clean than eggshell paints, they’re slightly more durable and last longer.
Cons of Satin Pain
By the same token, satin paints aren’t quite as forgiving as eggshell paints. That extra touch of reflectivity means that painting flaws and imperfections underneath the paint are more obvious and visible.
Annie Sisk contributed to this piece.
Frequently Asked Questions
Since walls might have some imperfections like patched holes or uneven surfaces, the flatter sheen of eggshell will work better for making walls appear smooth. Eggshell finish can hide some small dents or unevenness, while satin will tend to show more of those blemishes. Satin paint is a little shinier and is good for molding or millwork as it will highlight contours.
For larger areas, like painting walls, a roller is the best option for applying eggshell paint. Rollers are made to hold more paint and spread it evenly and efficiently over your wall. A roller will be faster and give you a more even coat than a brush for painting walls and ceilings. For smaller areas, like trim, a brush will work so long as you remember to paint with the grain of the wood.
For trim, cabinets, and other woodwork, satin paint offers a slightly glossy finish that’s easy to clean and will highlight contours more so than eggshell. For higher-touch areas like cabinet doors and railings, satin paint will be more durable than its slightly less glossy counterpart, eggshell paint, because it’s less porous and doesn’t absorb dirt as easily.