What to Know About Eggshell Finish Before You Begin Painting
The eggshell finish is a popular choice for many painting projects, as it provides more durability than flat paint and has a subtle sheen. Before you begin your next painting project, however, there are several things to know about eggshell finish to ensure that you get the best results possible. Here are six key points about eggshell finish to help you decide whether or not this type of paint is right for youår project.
1. Eggshell Finish Is Not as Durable as Satin or Semi-Gloss
The eggshell finish is more easily damaged and worn than higher gloss finishes like satin or semi-gloss. This means that the paint job may not last as long before it needs to be touched up or replaced.
2. Eggshell Finish Is a Good Choice for Walls
The eggshell finish is a great choice for walls, as it provides enough sheen to make the paint job look finished without being too glossy. It’s also less likely to attract dirt and dust than higher gloss finishes, making it ideal for high-traffic areas such as hallways and living rooms.
3. Eggshell Finish Is Easy to Clean
The eggshell finish is easy to wipe down, making it a great choice for high-traffic areas like kitchens and bathrooms. The eggshell finish has a slight sheen, which makes it easier to wipe down and less likely to attract dirt and dust. The slightly glossy surface can help prevent liquid from sticking to the walls, making cleaning up spills easier.
Additionally, because of its low sheen compared with higher gloss finishes like satin or semi-gloss, eggshell finish is also less likely to show smudges and fingerprints. This means you won’t have to clean as often in order keep your walls looking great.
4. Use Latex Paint When Applying Eggshell Finish
Acrylic latex paint is an important choice when applying an eggshell finish as it provides a longer-lasting, more durable finish that resists chipping, cracking, and fading over time. Acrylic latex paint is also water-based, which makes it easier to apply and less messy than oil-based paints. It’s also low in VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) and is more environmentally friendly than other types of paint.
5. Apply Multiple Coats When Using Eggshell Finish
For the best results when applying an eggshell finish, it’s important to apply multiple coats of paint so that the finish is even and looks professional. Allow each coat to dry completely before applying the next coat to get the best results.
6. Benefits and Drawbacks of Using Eggshell Finish:
The major benefit of using an eggshell finish is its subtle sheen that makes the paint job look finished without being too glossy, as well as its easy-to-clean surface.
However, the eggshell finish is not as durable as higher gloss finishes like satin or semi-gloss, so it may need to be touched up or replaced more often. Additionally, because of its low durability rating, it’s best suited for low-traffic areas such as walls and ceilings rather than high-traffic areas like stairways and hallways.
Overall, an eggshell finish is a great choice for many painting projects since it provides enough sheen to make the paint job look finished without being too glossy. It also has the added benefit of being easy to wipe down and clean, making it ideal for high-traffic areas like kitchens and bathrooms.
However, it’s important to remember that an eggshell finish is not as durable as higher gloss finishes and should be used in low-traffic areas. It’s also essential that multiple coats of acrylic latex paint are applied for the best results, and it’s essential to allow each coat to dry completely before applying the next one. With these six key points in mind, you should be well on your way to achieving a great eggshell finish for your project.