Take a couple steps into the paint aisle at your local home improvement store, and the sheer number of options and varieties can be overwhelming. There are interior and exterior paints, Low-VOC and zero-VOC options, all manner of sheens and special properties, several size options, and numerous brands. And then, after all those options, you still haven’t picked your color! We can’t help you with narrowing down your choice entirely in one post, but we can help you sort out your paint sheen.
So, what’s the deal with paint sheens? The sheen is the amount of light that the paint reflects, giving it a glossy or a dull look. In order of reflectiveness, from least to greatest, we normally see Flat, Eggshell, Satin, Semi-gloss, and Gloss finishes. Today, let’s just look at eggshell and satin, and see how they differ from each other.
Eggshell Paint: Not a Showy Sheen
Many homeowners love eggshell paint for the smooth, velvety finish it provides. While it is not very reflective, that lack of shine allows the paint color to be displayed in all its richness, without a showy glint. On the other hand, it is more reflective than flat paint. Many people describe it as having a mild luster, rather than a shine.
An advantage of using a low-sheen paint like eggshell is that it does not draw attention to flaws on the surface, while the more reflective paints immediately draw the eye to imperfections.
Eggshell paints are excellent for walls in low-traffic areas where you want beautiful, true colors. Good examples are guest rooms, master bedrooms, home offices, foyers, living rooms, and dining rooms.
The downside of eggshell paint is that it does not have a very durable surface, compared to its showier siblings. It is more likely to be damaged by scuffs and bumps, and it does not have a very washable surface, so fingerprints and stains are hard to remove without causing damage. That’s why eggshell paint isn’t recommended for bathrooms, kitchens, or kids’ bedrooms.
Satin Paint: A Subtle Shine
For the walls in most rooms, satin is the most popular interior paint sheen. It has more of a glow or shine than eggshell, which makes it slightly more showy, thought not as bright as semi-gloss.
Because satin paint has more sheen, it is more durable than eggshell, making it a better choice for halls, mudrooms, kitchens, bathrooms, and bedrooms for children. It resists scuffing and staining better, and it holds up better to a light washing with a damp sponge.
Interior Painting for New Jersey and the Philadelphia Metro Area
Cherry Hill Painting has been serving New Jersey and the Philly area since 1968. We offer interior painting, exterior house painting, wallpaper removal, cabinet refinishing, and more! If you are looking for a local house painting company, or if you have further questions about paint sheen, we would be happy to help!