Matte vs. Eggshell: Which Paint Finish To Choose

Emma from ECOS Paints 02/22/2023
Rolling blue eggshell paint on wall

There is a lot more to choosing paint than simply picking a color. The same color paint may look very different in a different finish. When it comes to selecting an interior finish, homeowners often find themselves making the choice of matte vs. eggshell. Which paint finish to choose will ultimately determine how your room comes out.

The Differences

Although matte and eggshell stand shoulder to shoulder on the spectrum of paint finishes, there are several subtle differences between the two. Recognizing these differences will help you choose between matte and eggshell paint finishes.

Sheen

In the paint world, sheen refers to how reflective the paint will be when it’s dry. In other words, how “shiny” it is. The names of matte and eggshell paint are suggestive of their sheens. Eggshell paint is slightly more reflective than matte paint. Eggshell sheen can potentially give a room a greater visual depth than the flatter matte finish.

Durability

Even indoors, there is a lot that can come against a paint job. Excessive moisture, dirt, and all the things that may bump into a wall can potentially cause paint to chip or peel. Although both matte and eggshell paints are durable, eggshell finishes tend to be the more durable and washable of the two.

Imperfections

A paint’s job is to make the walls, ceiling, or floor look beautiful. That means hiding its imperfections, and some paint finishes do this better than others. Eggshell paint’s sheen tends to show more cracks, divots and other imperfections in the wall. Matte paint, with its flat finish, tends to hide these blemishes due to its low light reflectance.

Rooms That Look Best With…


Eggshell

Because of their higher sheen and durability, eggshell paints are typically easier to clean. This makes them perfect for high-traffic areas that are prone to moisture, grease, and dirt. Kitchen and bathroom walls are popular contenders for hard-wearing eggshell paint. It is also a popular choice for painting trim and crown molding because it makes it stand out while still standing up to scuffing from passing feet.



Matte

Bedrooms, living rooms, and dining rooms are exposed to less moisture, making the high durability of eggshell paint less necessary. Along with this, we often spend more extended periods in these rooms, giving us plenty of time to look at the walls. This makes the imperfection-hiding prowess of matte paint well suited to these spaces.

Here at ECOS Paints, we want you to have the full variety of paint options at your disposal for your next home project, whether you’re choosing our best-selling interior eggshell paint or a matte finish. Both options offer exceptional coverage and dry to a hard, durable film designed to keep your space looking fresh for years to come.

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