Hey y’all, it’s Jennifer here. So, I’ve got a little confession to make. I once had this wild idea to paint my living room walls with eggshell paint.

I mean, I thought it would look sleek and fancy, like some fancy hotel room or something. But let me tell you, it was a hot mess.

First off, I didn’t even know what eggshell was. I just heard it was a “shiny” paint, and I was like “sign me up!” But what I didn’t realize was that “shiny” in paint terms is a whole different ballgame. I mean, my walls looked like they were coated in gloss or something.

It was so shiny, that it was reflecting everything in the room. My lamps were creating these weird shadows on the walls, and my furniture was looking distorted.

It was like living in a funhouse, and not in a good way. I even had to close the curtains during the day because the sun was creating these crazy light patterns on the walls.

And let’s not even talk about the fingerprints. Oh boy, it was like every time someone touched the walls they left a little mark.

It was like trying to keep a brand new car clean, impossible. But the worst part was, when I tried to fix it by adding more coats of paint, it just made it worse. The shine was so intense it was almost blinding.

So, let this be a cautionary tale for y’all. Eggshell paint may seem like a good idea, but it can be way too shiny for walls. But don’t just take my word for it, keep reading to find out more.

What Is Eggshell Paint?

Eggshell paint is a type of paint finish that has a slight gloss to it. It’s not as shiny as a gloss paint, but it’s also not as flat as a matte paint.

It’s somewhere in between, hence the name “eggshell.” It’s often used on walls, woodwork, and furniture.

One of the benefits of eggshell paint is that it’s easy to clean. It’s also great for hiding imperfections on walls, and it’s more durable than a flat paint. But, as I learned the hard way, it can also be too shiny for some spaces.

What’s the difference between satin and eggshell?

Satin and eggshell are both paint finishes that have a slight gloss to them, but there is a slight difference between the two.

Satin is slightly glossier than eggshell, which means it’s a bit shinier. However, eggshell is still considered a “shiny” paint finish.

Satin is also a more durable paint finish than eggshell, and it’s also more resistant to stains. But, again, it’s also slightly glossier.

So, if you’re looking for a paint finish that is shiny but not too shiny, eggshell might be the way to go. But, if you’re looking for something that is more durable and stain-resistant, satin might be the better option.

What To Use Instead of Eggshell?

If you’re looking for a paint finish that is not too shiny, there are a few options you can consider. A matte finish is a good option for a non-reflective look, but it can be harder to clean and may not hide imperfections as well as an eggshell finish.

A satin finish, as mentioned before, is slightly glossier than eggshell but not as shiny as a gloss finish. A semi-gloss finish is another option, it’s less shiny than a gloss finish but more than eggshell or satin.

Another option is to use a flat paint finish. Flat paint is non-reflective and can be great for hiding imperfections, but it’s not as durable as other paint finishes and can be harder to clean.

It’s not recommended for high-traffic areas or spaces that require frequent cleaning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you add a topcoat to make eggshell less shiny?

It’s possible to add a topcoat to make eggshell less shiny, but it’s not guaranteed to work. A topcoat may slightly reduce the shine, but it may also create a cloudy or dull appearance.

It’s best to experiment with samples before committing to a topcoat on a large surface.

Can you use eggshell paint on kitchen cabinets?

Eggshell paint can be used on kitchen cabinets, but it’s not the best option. The slight gloss of the eggshell finish may show smudges, stains, and fingerprints easily.

A semi-gloss or satin finish may be a better option for kitchen cabinets as they are more durable and easier to clean.

Can you use eggshell paint on a ceiling?

Eggshell paint can be used on a ceiling, but it’s not recommended. The slight gloss of the eggshell finish may create unwanted reflections and make it difficult to hide imperfections.

A flat paint finish is a better option for ceilings as it’s non-reflective and can hide imperfections better.

My Conclusion

So, there you have it folks, eggshell paint may seem fancy and sleek, but it can be a real pain in the rear. It’s shiny, it’s hard to clean, and it can make your living space look like a funhouse.

But, don’t let my hot mess of a living room discourage you, there are plenty of other paint finishes to choose from.

Just make sure you consider the level of shine and durability before making your final decision. And remember, always test a sample before committing to a whole room or surface.