eggshell

Why is it called eggshell paint?

The name refers to the very slightly textured finish that looks so similar to the shell of an egg, hence why eggshell. It’s that simple! Eggshell is slightly duller than a satin finish, which sits more towards the gloss side of the paint spectrum. Most brands’ eggshell paint, including Dulux and Farrow and Ball, has more lustre than a flat finish without being shiny – it’s what we paint geeks call “a sheen level of around 15% to 20%”. So, if you’re looking for a little bit but not too much shine, you’re in the right place: eggshell is the answer to all your paint finish questions.

Where can I use eggshell?

Eggshell paint is a great choice for wood if you want a durable finish that withstands regular cleaning: making it much easier to maintain than matt paint. If you’re wondering, can I use eggshell paint on walls? The answer is yes, you can eggshell paint walls! It’s a great choice for bathrooms and kitchens where steam, moisture and grease can congregate, even if the surface you want to paint is previously painted plaster or wallpaper, dry lined walls or concrete! Eggshell on exterior surfaces? Totally! If that’s the shine level you want, you can cover in exterior eggshell all your garden furniture. So, it’s really up to you: the most traditional use for eggshell is interior wood, but the possibilities are endless (like your creativity!).

Why you should go for water-based eggshell

The benefits of acrylic eggshell paint, aka water-based eggshell over oil-based formulas, are endless. Water-based eggshell dries quickly, doesn’t age with that ugly yellow tone, dries much more quickly and does not give off the nasty, headache inducing smells known as VOC. Also, water is much more eco-friendly than oil, so a water-based choice is a win-win. If you think the previous coating might have been oil based, you may need an undercoat to ensure the topcoat adheres. If the surface that you want to paint is unpainted brand new, in most cases you will need to prime it first. If your surface has previously been painted in an acrylic eggshell then you’re good to go. All you need to do is lightly sand the surface, clean it with a degreasing agent, and then get to the fun bit: paint