They offer decent durability and cleanability without the excess shine.
Get to know these time-tested paint sheens to decide which is best for your project.
This balanced look makes them an ideal choice for most paint projects.
The Spruce / Kevin Norris
So, what distinguishes eggshell vs. satin?
Its low luster is more reflective than flat, making spaces more dynamic.
Satin is often considered the glossiest sheen that should be used on interior walls.
The Spruce / Kevin Norris
However, it’s used less for bathrooms and kitchens since satin is glossier and more wipeable than eggshell.
If you prefer a little more shine, satin paint can work well in bedroom and living room walls.
This lower reflectivity also makes eggshell paint better for walls that receive direct sunlight.
The Spruce / Kevin Norris
However, eggshell is generally too dull fortrim, millwork,cabinetry, doors, and other moldings.
However, if you prefer a low luster, it is more durable than flat paint.
Tip
Satin paint’s balance of durability and reflectivity makes it the most versatile paint sheen.
Texture
Satin has a slightly tackier texture than eggshell.A higher sheen paint has a tackier surface.
Eggshell’s duller sheen makes the surface feel smooth with little to no tackiness.
Its lower sheen makes it easier to avoid visiblepaint mistakeslike lap marks and orange peel.
This is from additional resins in the satin paint, which give the paint its higher durability and reflectivity.
Eggshell paint prices are usually determined by the manufacturer and the paint’s quality.
However, the lower sheen generally makes eggshell paint less expensive than satin.
Satin’s higher sheen comes at a slightly higher price.
Satin paint offers more durability with its higher gloss than eggshell paint.
Satin finishes withstand frequent cleanings in bathrooms, kitchens, or other high-traffic areas.
However, an eggshell finish hides imperfections better than satin.
An eggshell finish is a great option for interior walls, as it hides imperfections well.
