If you’re considering a kitchen makeover, chances are one of the many projects you’ll be taking on is choosing and applying a new wall paint. So is eggshell paint a good choice for your kitchen walls?
Eggshell paint is a poor choice for kitchen walls. This paint finish is not as durable as other types of finishes. It can easily become marked and stained from cooking splatters, grease, and food spills. Cleaning eggshell requires a lot of effort, which may cause the paint to come off in the process.
In this article, you’ll learn:
- Why it’s best not to use eggshell paint
- The best paint for kitchens walls
- Whether primer is needed before painting
4 Reasons Eggshell Paint Is a Bad Idea for Kitchens
Eggshell is far from being one of the best paint finishes for kitchens. Here is a list of the 4 reasons why you should find an alternative.
Stains and scuffs easily
One of the major downsides of using eggshell paint on your kitchen walls is that its porous nature doesn’t hold up well against dirt, grease, and food splatters.
Even if you clean your kitchen regularly, you could still be dealing with stubborn stains or scuffs on your walls. And since these marks don’t always come off easily, you may have to repaint the entire wall just to get rid of them.
Not good with grease
Another problem with eggshell paint is that it doesn’t hold up well against grease. Grease can seep into the paint, leading to a discolored and dingy look over time, especially if you don’t clean your walls regularly.
Poor resistance to moisture
Another reason why eggshell paint isn’t ideal for kitchen walls is its lack of resistance to moisture.
Kitchens are often steamy places, which can cause the paint to bubble or peel over time. This can lead to an uneven finish and make your walls look worse than before you painted them.
Scrub resistance
Lastly, eggshell paint isn’t very scrub-resistant. While it may hold up well to a gentle wipe-down with soapy water, any more vigorous scrubbing could damage the finish. This means you won’t be able to remove tough stains or grease buildup without damaging your walls.
The 4 Best Paint Finishes for Kitchen Walls
High-gloss
Using high-gloss paint on kitchen walls is one of the most popular choices. With its glass-like appearance, high-gloss paint reflects light and visually brightens up a space, giving it a beautiful and modern look.
High gloss is also incredibly durable. It is tough and stain-resistant. On top of that, high-gloss paint is highly washable because of its high sheen, so it can stand up to some serious scrubbing. It is also highly resistant to moisture, making it perfect for steamy kitchens.
The main advantage of using high-gloss paint is that it provides a more reflective surface than other paints, which can help to visually brighten up the room even further. This is especially useful in kitchens with limited natural light or those with dark walls.
Though high gloss may be more expensive than flatter paints, it can be worth the extra cost due to its longevity and sleek look.
Plus, since higher-quality paints tend to have fewer VOCs (volatile organic compounds), high-gloss is a great choice if you’re looking for an eco-friendly option for your kitchen walls.
On top of kitchen walls, high-gloss is also the best for baseboards and trim. With its glossy finish, it stands up to daily wear and tear and won’t need to be repainted as often.
Semi-gloss
Painting your kitchen with semi-gloss paint is the most popular option, as it has many unique benefits over other finishes.
Unlike eggshell paint, semi-gloss provides a more reflective appearance that can brighten up any space. It offers a shine that’s smooth and shiny but not overly glossy like a high-gloss finish.
When it comes to cost, semi-gloss paint is much more affordable than high-gloss. This makes it an ideal choice for those who desire a beautiful finish without sacrificing their budget.
It’s also durable and can stand up to serious scrubbing better than other finishes. Plus, semi-gloss is stain resistant which makes it easier to clean without having to worry about discoloration.
Since it has a high sheen level, it also has moisture-resistant properties, making it an excellent choice for those who live in humid climates. Semi-gloss is also easy to clean and can be wiped down quickly with a soapy cloth.
Silk
Silk paint is one of the best finishes you can use to give your kitchen walls a modern and sophisticated look.
It comes with high durability, making it suitable for kitchens with high levels of traffic and condensation. Its light-reflecting properties also make the room look bigger and brighter, giving it an airy atmosphere.
Using silk paint in your kitchen will offer a luxurious mid-sheen finish that feels velvety smooth to the touch. It’s a step up from satin but below semi-gloss in terms of sheen.
This mid-sheen finish is perfect as it adds a subtle hint of shine without being too overpowering. The understated elegance of silk paint will instantly elevate any kitchen space, creating a timeless look that never goes out of style.
This type of paint has moderate washability and is easy to clean with just a damp cloth without marking or scuffing the surface layer.
Satin
Satin is one of the best paint finishes for kitchens because it provides a subtle, elegant look. Its soft sheen gives off a warm glow that adds character to the room, while its durability and easy maintenance make it an ideal choice for a moderately busy kitchen.
Unlike gloss paint, which has a high sheen and reflective quality that can seem too harsh in small spaces, satin has just enough shine to catch the eye without overwhelming it.
Furthermore, satin paint is better able to resist moisture and stains than other finishes like eggshell and flat paints, making it perfect for kitchens where spills are common.
The finish also offers better coverage and hiding power, making it an excellent option for those looking to cover imperfections in their walls or create uniformity between different colors.
Kitchens Need a Special Primer
Priming your kitchen walls is essential to ensure that your paint job lasts for years and looks great. Without primer, the paint won’t stick well to the wall, leading to peeling.
If you have drywall or if you’re in a humid area prone to stains, primer is especially important for protection. A sticky primer with mildewcide additives has been proven effective against water-based stains.
Even if you use an all-in-one paint and primer product, it’s best practice to still use a separate primer as a base coat to get the most out of your wall painting job.
