{"id":14233,"date":"2022-02-23T08:00:58","date_gmt":"2022-02-23T08:00:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/resin-expert.com\/?p=14233"},"modified":"2023-04-06T13:25:23","modified_gmt":"2023-04-06T13:25:23","slug":"eggshell-vs-satin-paint","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/resin-expert.com\/en\/guide\/eggshell-vs-satin-paint","title":{"rendered":"Eggshell vs. Satin Paint – What’s the Difference?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Choosing a finish can be one of the most challenging parts of decorating any space, especially when you consider the extensive list of things you have to pick out. Some of the most popular paint finishes at the moment are satin and eggshell finishes. Considering how versatile and visually effective these finishes are, it’s pretty easy to understand. They\u2019re often grouped together though and considering how they can impact the overall aesthetic of space it\u2019s important to understand the distinction between the two, so let\u2019s have a look at what these two finishes are respectively and what their individual strengths and weaknesses are.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

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What Do the Terms Eggshell and Satin Mean?<\/h2>\n

Eggshell and satin finishes are pretty similar at first glance, so let\u2019s have a look at what these finishes are and what effect they have on a space when they have been applied. If you\u2019re thinking about using these finishes for your next project, it\u2019s important for you to understand their strengths and weaknesses to avoid making the wrong choice.<\/p>\n

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Satin Finishes<\/h3>\n

In the eggshell vs. satin paint debate, satin could be considered the \u201cflashy\u201d option. Why? Well, just like the fabric it is named after, satin offers a smooth, sheen finish that opens up a space and reflects natural light which typically makes spaces look lighter and feel bigger compared to when using more muted tones.<\/p>\n

\"Satin<\/p>\n

Satin paint doesn\u2019t just work in high light conditions, though. When in low light settings, satin finishes present a flat, smooth finish that commands a sense of serenity and class throughout an entire space. Compared to high gloss finishes, satin presents more of a glow than a shine, which means it doesn\u2019t become overpowering should it come into contact with lots of natural light.<\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\"Light<\/p>\n

When discussing eggshell vs satin paint, one of the key selling points of satin paint is that it generally has a sheen finish, which typically translates to paint (or any surface coating for that matter) being more durable. Why? Smoother surfaces mean less surface friction, which means that the chance of the finish being sheared and the probability of dirt and grime sticking to it is greatly reduced.<\/p>\n

Where would you use satin paint though? Well, considering that it’s highly durable, makes spaces feel bigger, and interacts well with natural light, most interior decorators recommend using it in moderately sized, high traffic areas. These could be places like kitchens, hallways, bathrooms, and entrance hallways.<\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\"Use<\/p>\n

One of the arguments for satin in the satin vs eggshell debate is which is easier to clean. Unfortunately, for all you eggshell fans, satin is significantly easier to clean due to its texture. Sheen surfaces are inherently easier to clean because they retain less dirt and grime, which is another reason why satin finishes are recommended for use in areas with high foot traffic.<\/p>\n

\"Satin<\/p>\n

A noticeable drawback of satin finishes is their tendency to highly imperfections on a surface. What does this mean? Well, if you haven\u2019t picked a side in the satin vs eggshell debate, you might want to side with eggshell if your surfaces aren\u2019t perfectly smooth. Satin finishes are so flat that they easily highlight even the slightest imperfection on a surface, which means you will have to do quite a bit of filling and smoothing out before you use satin finishes.<\/p>\n

\"Satin<\/p>\n

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Eggshell Finishes<\/h3>\n

The difference between eggshell and satin can be characterized best by the materials they\u2019re named after. Just like satin has the overall texture and consistency of the fabric, eggshell finishes have the same texture and consistency as eggshell. This doesn\u2019t necessarily mean that they have the same color of eggshell, although they can and that\u2019s pretty cool in its own way.<\/p>\n

\"Texture<\/p>\n

The most significant difference between eggshell and satin is the difference in the way that they reflect light. While satin does have a slight reflective quality, eggshell tends to present a dull glow that makes spaces feel a lot warmer and cozier by comparison. This means that the finish isn\u2019t too shiny while still handling light incredibly well.<\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\"Light<\/p>\n

Choosing an eggshell or satin finish for walls can be a bit challenging, why? Well, they both look great, but because of the difference in durability, it can be tough to use them in the same spaces. Eggshell has noticeably less luster compared to satin finishes, and they have a higher surface friction which collectively means that eggshell finishes are typically less durable compared to satin ones. Of the two, eggshell works far better as a ceiling paint<\/a>, mainly because it is protected from everyday wear and tear, and also, because it provides a soft, even finish.<\/p>\n

\"Eggshell<\/p>\n

Where should you use eggshell finishes then? Considering that they still do a beautiful job of reflecting natural light they do amazingly in open spaces, but because they aren\u2019t as durable as satin finishes professionals don\u2019t recommend using them in high traffic areas. Where specifically then? Well, they work beautifully in living rooms, offices, bedrooms, and even children\u2019s rooms thanks to their soothing, homely feel.<\/p>\n

\"Use<\/p>\n

Your choice in lighting will also bear significantly when choosing between an eggshell or satin finish for walls. While you could change the lighting in a space, on the off chance that you can\u2019t (or don\u2019t want to) eggshell finishes typically work best with warm light, which means harsh fluorescents won’t really do their finish justice.<\/p>\n

While satin paint finishes are pretty easy to keep clean, eggshells finishes can be difficult to maintain and clean. The unique texture of eggshell paint makes it less hard-wearing compared to high sheen or satin paint finishes. This means that although they are beautiful, they are far less versatile than satin finishes, and you should always keep some touch-up paint handy.<\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\"Touch-Up<\/p>\n

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What Are the Key Differences Between Satin and Eggshell?<\/h3>\n

All of the aforementioned could be a lot to take in, which isn\u2019t the best space it is in when you\u2019re trying to choose a finish. Thankfully, we understand this so let\u2019s have a look at some of the key characteristics of both satin and eggshell finishes to save you some time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Satin Finishes<\/strong><\/td>\nEggshell Finishes<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
High Luster<\/td>\nLow Luster<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Easy to clean<\/td>\nChallenging to clean and maintain<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Smooth finish<\/td>\nTextured finish<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Shines when exposed to light<\/td>\nWarm reflective glow when exposed to light<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Makes spaces feel bigger<\/td>\nMakes spaces feel bigger<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Best used in kitchens, hallways, bathrooms, and entrance hallways<\/td>\nBest used in living rooms, offices, bedrooms<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Highly durable<\/td>\nModerately durable<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

\"Types<\/p>\n

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Which Is the Best Finish?<\/h2>\n

As we mentioned previously, there are advantages and disadvantages to both of these finishes. Which one is objectively better though? Well, you could argue that a satin paint finish is far more versatile and since it can be used in more settings than eggshell paints, it’s objectively a lot better. On the other hand, finishes aren\u2019t always about objectivity, in fact, if they were there wouldn\u2019t be much of a point in reading this.<\/p>\n

\"Use<\/p>\n

Keep in mind that although a satin paint finish is a great choice, it does not provide the texture or feel that an eggshell finish can. An eggshell finish provides a unique warm glow that really brings a space together in a way the satin finishes simply does not. In smaller spaces, satin finishes may even make a room feel impersonal by making the space feel more divided, or open, which is a stark contrast to the inherent purpose of these spaces.<\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

On the other end of the spectrum, satin finishes have a way of hugging and emphasizing the contours of the walls and other objects they\u2019re applied to. Because its texture is so smooth and uniform, spaces feel \u201copen\u201d and more receptive, which is why hallways are often painted with this finish.<\/p>\n

\"Hardwearing<\/p>\n

Using eggshell in these settings wouldn\u2019t be disastrous, but just like using satin finishes in smaller spaces would be counterproductive, using eggshell finishes in larger spaces can be off-putting. Because of their texture, eggshell walls conceal imperfections like little dents and grooves pretty well, but satin finishes tend to highlight these because they \u201chug\u201d the surfaces they\u2019re applied to.<\/p>\n

\"When<\/p>\n

Which one is the better finish then? Objectively, you\u2019d be silly not to choose a satin finish for your walls, but it would be equally silly not to recognize the warmth and unique texture of eggshell walls. This being said, which one is best depends entirely on the application of your finish, the lighting of the space in question, and the size of the space you\u2019ll be painting.<\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

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