Everything you need to know about perfecting the finishing touch.
You’ve finally narrowed down your (seemingly endless) options and decided on the perfect paint color. While your decision-making muscles may feel exhausted at this point, there is still more to consider before you get to painting. The finish you choose for your paint has the potential to make or break a space—every texture has distinct differences that affect both the appearance and performance of the paint. It’s important to consider the specific look you’re going for, the type of room you’re painting, the architecture of the space, and more. “It has a lot to do with how much light the space receives,” says Hannah Yeo, color marketing and development manager at Benjamin Moore. “Higher sheens will reflect the most light, while low sheens will absorb light. Different levels of sheen can affect how colors appear and add dimension to rooms.” A high-sheen finish can revive a dull room, while a low-sheen finish can mask any bumps or imperfections. “A general rule of thumb is the higher the sheen, the tougher the finish,” says Patrick O’Donnell, Farrow & Ball’s international brand ambassador. Epoxy Paint
Satin and eggshell are two popular finishes that work well in a variety of spaces, both with a low-to-medium luster. “Both have a durable quality that makes them popular, and it ultimately comes down to the look you’re trying to achieve,” Yeo says. And according to O’Donnell, the inherent luster levels of both finishes are quite low. “So if a discreet finish is required, they are your ‘go-to’ for elegant restraint on your trim,” he says.
Though satin and eggshell paint are often grouped together, they have some distinct differences that are important to understand before making a final decision. To help you distinguish between satin and eggshell paint and decide which to choose, here’s a comprehensive guide to perfecting your finishing touches.
A satin finish has a beautiful luster that is often described as appearing velvety. It is slightly less lustrous than semigloss and can appear to be both flat and glossy, depending on the lighting in the room. Satin has a slightly higher sheen than eggshell, meaning that it is more reflective and durable.
While satin finishes do have a degree of luster, they are more commonly described as a glow than a shine. Satin is a great choice if you’re looking to create an understated depth in a space or to enliven the paint color you choose.
Satin paint is very durable, making it great for high-traffic areas. It can easily be cleaned, though it can lose its sheen if scrubbed too roughly. It is advised that you clean it with a wipe and avoid abrasive scrubs.
Because of its durability, many people choose a satin finish for bathrooms, kitchens, and kids’ rooms. Satin is also a popular choice for trim, especially if you want to emphasize the architecture of a space. If you’re using a satin finish, make sure your walls are smooth and blemish-free, as the luster of it will emphasize any imperfections.
Eggshell paint finishes are low luster, with a very subtle sheen that can be compared to the surface of an eggshell. While eggshell does not have too much luster, it will reflect and bounce light throughout a room, creating depth in a space without appearing overly shiny.
Eggshell paint provides a soft sheen that can be emphasized with brighter lighting or toned down with dimmer lighting. It is the lowest luster option before flat or matte finishes.
Because eggshell is less lustrous than satin, it is also slightly less durable. That being said, it will still hold up better than flat or matte finishes would. Eggshell paint is a great option for walls in medium- to low-traffic areas, and can be easily cleaned.
Eggshell is commonly used in living rooms and dining rooms, as it is durable and does not pick up dirt easily. If your walls have bumps or imperfections, an extra coat of eggshell can disguise them more easily than satin or high-gloss finishes.
Lucia Tonelli is an Assistant Editor at Town & Country, where she writes about the royal family, culture, real estate, design, and more.
Charles Curkin is ELLE Decor's Articles Editor, covering everything related to luxury watches, design, and travel, and has previously written for The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and The Paris Review.
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