Eggshell paint is a popular choice as it has a slight sheen that gives the walls a subtle shimmer. But what about ceilings? Is eggshell paint suitable for use on ceilings, or should you stick to flat paint?
After flat paint, eggshell is the next most popular choice for ceilings. It’s not quite as durable and easy to clean as a flat finish, but it does offer a slightly more luxurious look. Due to its slight sheen, eggshell is easy to clean. It can withstand scrubbing, so any marks or dirt can be easily wiped away.
In this article, you will learn:
- The benefits of using eggshell paint
- The drawbacks of using eggshell paint
- How eggshell compares to other paint finishes
6 Benefits of Using Eggshell Paint on Your Ceiling
Eggshell is one of the best paint finishes for ceilings in living rooms and bedrooms. Here is a list of the 6 reasons why.
Easier cleaning
One of the biggest benefits of using eggshell paint on your ceiling is that it is much easier to clean. Since eggshell has a sheen, it has a protective layer. Eggshell paint can simply be wiped with a damp cloth or sponge, making it much easier to keep your ceiling looking its best.
Better coverage
Another benefit of using eggshell paint on your ceiling is that it offers better coverage than other paints. This means that you don’t have to apply as many coats of paint to achieve full coverage, which can save you time and money in the long run.
Eggshell paint also has great hiding power, so if there are any imperfections in your ceiling, they will be less noticeable after painting.
Durability
Eggshell paint has a slight gloss to it, typically around 10-25%. This slight gloss gives it greater durability than flat or matte paints. The slight gloss and slight texture of the paint mean that it is more resistant to chipping and cracking over time.
Low sheen
While eggshell paints have a slight sheen compared to flat paints, it’s not as noticeable as satin or semi-gloss finishes. This makes them ideal for ceilings because they won’t create any unwanted glare from overhead lighting fixtures or windows in the room below the ceiling.
Easy application
Applying eggshell paint is a straightforward process as it does not require any special techniques or tools like those needed for textured finishes. Also, it dries quickly, allowing you to enjoy your newly painted room in a short amount of time.
Affordable price
Eggshell paints are usually less expensive than other types of paint, making them a great option for those who want a quality finish without breaking the bank.
3 Drawbacks of Using Eggshell Paint on Your Ceiling
Eggshell paint has a unique sheen that is popular for walls and trims. However, eggshell paint is not always the best choice when it comes to ceilings.
Light reflection
Although the gloss level in eggshell paint is low, it can still reflect light. It may be impractical for rooms with low ceilings or those that tend to get bright sunlight during certain times of the day.
Not for heavy scrubbing
Eggshell paint is great for light cleaning, but if you need to remove stubborn stains or grease from your ceiling, it may not be the best choice.
The protective layer can be easily wiped away with vigorous scrubbing and could leave your ceiling looking worse than before. Hence, it is not recommended for kitchens.
Still susceptible to mold and mildew
Although eggshell paint has a gloss layer, it does not protect mold and mildew from forming on your ceiling. If you have a moisture problem, you may need to look into other types of paint that are more resistant to these issues. Due to this, eggshell may not be suitable for bathroom ceilings.
How Does Eggshell Paint Compare to Other Finishes?
Flat
Eggshell paint is known for its slightly reflective surface that adds depth to any color or hue. On the other hand, flat and matte paints have little to no sheen and are better suited for ceilings where there won’t be any dirt build-up.
In terms of ease of cleaning, eggshell paint is more resistant to scrubbing. However, using flat paint on your ceiling will mean that it lacks a protective barrier that makes it harder to clean. Cleaning flat paint will result in the paint peeling away and becoming damaged.
Because ceilings painted in eggshell paint add luminosity to a room, this type of finish could be considered ideal for rooms with low natural lighting. Meanwhile, those who prefer a more subtle and timeless look may opt for the classic touch provided by the smooth finish of flat paint.
Matte
Both matte and eggshell have a low sheen that creates a classic look in any room, but there are differences between the two finishes. Painting your ceiling with matte paint will result in a finish that has a very low level of sheen, while eggshell has more of a velvety finish.
The main difference between the two finishes is that matte paint offers better coverage. Matte absorbs light rather than reflecting it, while eggshell has a slightly glossy effect and may highlight imperfections or flaws in the ceiling’s surface.
Because of its low gloss level, matte can only tolerate a little cleaning compared to eggshell. However, just like flat paint, touch-ups are easy and won’t be visible with a matte finish.
Satin
The major difference between satin and eggshell is their sheen levels. Using satin paint on a ceiling will give it a slight sheen and a soft luster that is glossier than eggshell paint. Eggshell paint has a lower glow with some subtle highlights, making it much more subtle than satin.
In terms of durability, satin can be considered the preferred choice compared to eggshell. It is very flexible and tough, which makes it hold up well against wear. It also offers more moisture resistance than eggshell finishes would provide, meaning that it is better suited to kitchens and bathrooms.
On the other hand, eggshell paint may not offer the same level of luster or vibrancy as satin does, but it still works effectively on ceilings due to its ability to provide an elegant finish at a lower cost than satin paints would require.
Silk
When it comes to appearance, ceilings painted with silk paint have a mid-sheen finish which results in a smooth, velvety look. Its light-reflecting properties make the room look bigger; however, it does not hide flaws or imperfections very well.
The cost of both types of paint can vary depending on where you purchase them from, but in general, eggshell is usually slightly cheaper than silk.
The durability of both types of paint is good, but the higher sheen of silk will create an extra protective layer that can withstand more wear and tear over time.
In terms of maintenance, both types of paint can be easily cleaned with mild soap and water if necessary. However, due to its glossy finish silk will be easier to clean. It also isn’t as likely to chip or peel when scrubbing. However, apart from kitchens and bathrooms, silk will probably be too shiny for most people.
Semi-gloss
Using semi-gloss paint on your ceiling will provide a glossy appearance that can brighten up a room. It is also tougher and more durable, making it well-suited for areas that require frequent cleaning, such as kitchens and bathrooms.
However, since ceilings are not usually exposed to a lot of wear and tear, eggshell is usually the better choice. Eggshell paint has a softer finish that provides very little light reflection.
This means it may hide small imperfections on the ceiling better than semi-gloss would. Eggshell also comes in a wide variety of colors and shades so it can easily be matched to any existing decor.
Overall, eggshell is the best choice for ceilings as it provides a classic look that won’t overpower the rest of the room or create too much visual distraction. It is also more economical than semi-gloss. Additionally, eggshell has excellent color retention and won’t fade or yellow over time.
Do Ceilings Need a Primer?
Primer is an important step in painting. When prepping a ceiling for paint, primer helps reduce the number of coats you need and can even improve paint adhesion.
This ensures your paint job will last longer and look better. Applying a primer before painting also provides an additional layer of protection against dirt, dust, water stains, and more.
However, if the ceiling is painted or textured, you may not need a primer. On the other hand, wood, drywall, and stained ceilings will benefit from the extra protection a primer provides.
The type of primer you choose should be based on the material you’re painting and the paint color or finish you’ll be applying.
