Eggshell vs. Satin Paint: What's the Difference? (2024)

Eggshell and satin are popular options for interior walls and many other surfaces, but what's the difference between these seemingly similar paint sheens? Eggshell and satin are commonly used because they are the most balanced paint sheens—they aren't too flat or glossy. They offer decent durability and cleanability without the excess shine. Get to know these time-tested paint sheens to decide which is best for your project.

Eggshell and Satin Paint: Major Differences

Eggshell and satin sit in the middle of the paint sheen scale, making them a perfect mix of not-too-shiny and not-too-dull. This balanced look makes them an ideal choice for most paint projects. So, what distinguishes eggshell vs. satin?

Eggshell Paint

Eggshell’s sheen is glossier than flat but duller than satin. It gets its name from its similarity to the surface of an eggshell.

Eggshell paint is easy to apply with minimal mistakes and its low reflectivity hides flaws, which helps smooth out drywall joints. Its low luster is more reflective than flat, making spaces more dynamic.

Eggshell is a good option for those who prefer flatter finishes but like to wipe down the walls. Satin is more durable but eggshell is a good all-around sheen for any room, even the kitchen or bathroom.

Satin Paint

Satin's sheen is glossier than eggshell yet duller than semi-gloss. Its balanced look makes it highly durable without being too reflective.

Satin is often considered the glossiest sheen that should be used on interior walls. That's because a higher sheen, such as semi-gloss or high-gloss, offers a highly durable finish showing every imperfection—even the ones you never knew were there.

Rooms for Best Use

Eggshell and satin paint work well for all interior rooms. Some paint sheens are better than others for specific rooms. Here's how to choose:

Eggshell Paint

Eggshell paint works great in bedrooms and living rooms. It's closer to matte than satin and is wipeable. However, it's used less for bathrooms and kitchens since satin is glossier and more wipeable than eggshell.

Satin Paint

Satin paint is a better option for bathrooms, kitchens, and children's rooms because it's more wipeable and has a little more gloss than eggshell paint. If you prefer a little more shine, satin paint can work well in bedroom and living room walls.

Appearance

Satin paint reflects more light than eggshell paint. Depending on your paint project, this could be a pro or con.

Eggshell Paint

Because eggshell has a lower light reflectivity than satin, it's preferred for walls with imperfections or undesired texture. This lower reflectivity also makes eggshell paint better for walls that receive direct sunlight. However, eggshell is generally too dull for trim, millwork, cabinetry, doors, and other moldings.

Satin Paint

Satin's higher light reflectivity over eggshell will call out more details and depth on moldings and millwork, but beware—it will also highlight the imperfections in your wall. If a few imperfections here and there aren't of great concern, satin does wonders for an interior, and its higher luster will let your chosen paint color fully show through.

Durability

Satin paint is more durable than eggshell paint. With satin's higher sheen comes a more durable surface.

Eggshell Paint

Eggshell paint isn't known for its durability, so it's an unpopular option for high-traffic areas like entryways and hallways or rooms that require frequent cleanings like kitchens and bathrooms. However, if you prefer a low luster, it is more durable than flat paint.

Satin Paint

Because of its durability and sheen, satin is perfect for walls in high-traffic areas or spaces that require frequent cleaning. To achieve its higher sheen, satin has more binders than eggshell paint, which enhances its durability, elasticity, and scuff resistance.

Texture

Satin has a slightly tackier texture than eggshell. A higher sheen paint has a tackier surface.

Eggshell Paint

Eggshell's duller sheen makes the surface feel smooth with little to no tackiness. Its lower sheen makes it easier to avoid visible paint mistakes like lap marks and orange peel.

Satin Paint

The higher sheen of satin leads to a very slight tackiness on the surface, which is noticeable to the touch. This is from additional resins in the satin paint, which give the paint its higher durability and reflectivity.

Cost

Satin paint averages a few more dollars per gallon than eggshell paint. Expect to pay more for a gallon of paint each time the paint sheen is increased.

Eggshell Paint

Eggshell paint prices are usually determined by the manufacturer and the paint's quality. However, the lower sheen generally makes eggshell paint less expensive than satin.

Satin Paint

Satin's higher sheen comes at a slightly higher price. However, satin's higher durability means it will likely outlast eggshell paint, so the extra money spent per can will be worth it.