What is an eggshell finish?

Question

I’ve heard somewhere of something called an eggshell finish. Could you explain what this is exactly? When would it be a good finish to use?

Semran · Accepted Answer

Sometimes called satin finish, eggshell has slightly more luster than a flat finish, but you won't be left with shiny walls. It also resists stains better than flat and can be wiped with a wet rag. Eggshell finishes are often used in bathrooms, kitchens, kids' rooms, and other high-traffic areas

Stephen · Answer

Eggshell paint finishes are low-luster, with a very subtle sheen that can be compared to the surface of an eggshell. While eggshell does not have too much luster, it will reflect and bounce light throughout a room, creating depth in a space without appearing overly shiny.

Chris · Answer

It is paint used for woodwork.  So instead of using white gloss or white satin paint you can buy an eggshell finish which is an off white paint for woodwork. Hope this helps.

Tharindu · Answer

It’s the medium sheen. Not too glossy nor too flat. Perfect for doors and skirtings

Dale · Answer

Eggshell gives a hard textured finish exactly like an egg. It is useful for areas which might get caught or need wiping down .

Keith · Answer

eggshell is the same finish as satinwood but for outside

Petr · Answer

Used in high traffic areas like kitchen and bathroom because its more resistant than ordinary paint. Also doesn't shine and you can wipe a stain with a wet cloth

Phillip · Answer

It's a semi gloss finish and self undercoating, so it's a one coat finish and hard wearing

Sam · Answer

Hello.

Eggshell is a descriptive term relating to one of the four key finishes that woodwork paint is generally supplied in, the other three being "Gloss", "Satin" or "Satinwood" and "Flat". 

Essentially, it relates to the level of sheen or lustre once fully dried (normally after seven days) and Eggshell is generally quoted as being of 2% lustre. Satin and Gloss have a much higher lustre, and Flat has no lustre at all.

The key advantage of Eggshell is that it is generally more durable and cleanable than a Flat or Gloss finish (Gloss can lose lustre if cleaned too often and Flat can be taken off altogether), but that is dependant on two things: the preparation undertaken before applying it and the quality of the product itself. A cheap Eggshell paint will have little durability, and even less if you haven't prepared properly first.  

From an aesthetic perspective, Eggshell and Satin have become very popular in recent years, following years of dominance by Gloss finishes. Both finishes are more subtle and offer a more classic feel, especially if you go for tones such as pastels or greys.

We use Dulux products almost exclusively, and find that they last a long time and garner many positive comments.

I hope that helps.

Regards
Sam Swanton

Khaled · Answer

satin finish, eggshell has slightly more luster than a flat finish, but you won't be left with shiny walls. It also resists stains better than flat and can be wiped with a wet rag. Eggshell finishes are often used in bathrooms, kitchens, kids' rooms, and other high-traffic areas

Paul · Answer

Eggshell finish is the least shiny of the three paints you would use for woodwork the next would be satinwood which is midsheen finish followed by gloss which is high sheen finish with eggshell you need to apply one coat of undercoat and two coats of eggshell if your going over already painted wood, with satinwood finish you can apply two coats straight away as satinwood is self undercoating with gloss it's one coat of each depending on how much filling you need to do if you fill anything you need to undercoat again or the filler will flash through your top coat.
Regards Paul.

What is an eggshell finish?

Follow Us

Cookies

Manage Cookies

Essential cookies

Analytics & Tracking

Advertising