Eggshell Paint

What is eggshell paint? 

Eggshell paint takes its name from a resemblance to the surface of an eggshell. It exists in the space between a matt and mid-sheen paint, in that it's harder than a matt but duller than a satin or silk. Eggshell is fantastic for covering imperfections and works well on furniture and bedrooms.

Why use eggshell paint?

Apart from now being the trendiest paint to have in homes, eggshell paint provides more protection than matt emulsion, helping it withstand everyday wear and tear. It is also durable, low odour, fast drying and doesn't yellow easily.

What areas does eggshell paint look best in?

Eggshell has become one of the most popular paint types to have in the home and workplace. You'll typically find it used in:

• Bedrooms
• Living rooms
• Offices
• Customer-facing areas
• Conservatories
• Kitchens

Anywhere you're looking to have a lower sheen, eggshell is a safe bet. That's why it can also come in handy on bedroom furniture and kitchen cabinets in need of a touch-up. 

Should I be using eggshell or satin paint?

It will depend on how much sheen you want your paint to have. Eggshell is known for having a muted tone that isn't as flat as matt paint, but not as shiny as satin. If you want a little sheen on the surface and something which takes well to bright lights, try a reliable satin paint. If you have your heart set on flat, stick with matt. 

How much eggshell paint should I use?

You'll find that each product page gives you a standard square metre coverage for the paint. To give you some idea of how much that is, a best-seller like Dulux Diamond Eggshell gives you up to 16m² per litre. In comparison, something like Johnstones Eggshell Brilliant White can give you up to 20m² per litre.

How many coats of eggshell paint do I need?

Remember that eggshell refers to the paint's look on the wall and nothing to do with it being brittle or fragile. To get a good finish from an eggshell paint, it is recommended that you apply two coats on the wall. Anyone looking for a quick turnaround time between coats and drying should look at Crown Trade Fastflow Quick Dry Eggshell Tinted Colours (also available in White).

Also, if you're going to be using eggshell on a surface that currently has gloss paint, get a sturdy undercoat to help prevent bleeding.

Making every paint job easier with The Paint Shed

Need help finding the right shade? Need to know which primer works best with your eggshell paint? Feel free to get in touch with The Paint Shed team today, and we'll be happy to help. Our phone number is at the top of the page, and you can send us a message via Facebook too. And don't forget to give us a like while you're there. It is the best way to keep up to date on all our latest offers.