Matte vs Eggshell Paint: What's the Difference?

• Matte paint has a velvety finish that absorbs light while camouflaging surface imperfections.
• A matte finish is a good option for low-traffic areas such as dining rooms and adult bedrooms.
• An eggshell finish has a slight sheen and is more washable and durable than a matte finish.
• Eggshell paint can be used in guest rooms and living rooms. It’s also a popular choice for trim and exterior walls.

What's the difference between eggshell and matte paint?

Eggshell paint has a bit more sheen than matte paint. Because it's slightly glossier, a smooth eggshell finish is more durable and easier to clean. Although matte paint doesn't hold up well to scrubbing, its velvety finish does accept touch-ups better than eggshell paint.

Characteristics of Eggshell & Matte Finishes

Coverage Matte paint provides more coverage than eggshell paint. The glossier a paint is, the more surface flaws on your walls will show. A matte finish camouflages dents and dings very well, making it a good choice for beat-up surfaces.

Durability The glossier a paint is, the better it holds up to wear and tear. Since matte paint isn't glossy at all, it's best used in low-traffic locations such as dining rooms, ceilings, and adult bedrooms. Eggshell paint is ideal for trim, living rooms, and hallways. These medium-traffic areas receive some use but don't require frequent scrubbing. Eggshell is also a popular choice for guest rooms. The low reflective quality of a matte finish makes a space feel soft and serene. It has a soft, velvety appearance. Painting pros often prefer an eggshell finish when painting baseboards because it stands up well to scuffing.

Interior vs. Exterior Eggshell paint is a popular choice for exterior walls. It gives homes a smooth appearance with a slight shine. The paint covers well and hides imperfections better than glossier finishes while being less prone to chipping than matte paint. Avoid a matte finish when painting your home’s exterior walls, as it doesn’t hold up well to power washing.

Cost Eggshell paint costs a bit more than matte paint. Expect to pay $1 - $3 USD more per gallon (3.79 L) for eggshell paint. Typically, every time you go up a level in sheen, the price also increases. For example, Behr Dynasty matte paint currently costs $59.98 a gallon (3.79 L), while Behr Dynasty eggshell paint costs $62.98 a gallon (3.79 L). Of course, prices vary across brands.

When should I use a glossy finish, instead?

Use satin or semi-gloss paint in a bathroom. Humidity is an issue in bathrooms; moisture from shower steam can seep between the paint and drywall, causing bubbling and peeling. It’s smart to use a satin or semi-gloss finish when painting a bathroom because these high-sheen paints repel water. There are a few eggshell paints that are specially formulated to resist moisture, such as BEHR Ultra Scuff Defense Stain-Blocking Paint and Primer in one and Zinsser Interior Perma White paint. After these paints have cured, you can use a rag to clean your walls with soap and water.

Choose a semi-gloss finish for kitchens and chair rails. This finish is moisture-resistant and holds up to cleaning, so wiping down kitchen grease stains is easy. It's a popular choice for woodwork that takes a beating since it's more durable than eggshell paint.

High-gloss paint is best for cabinets and furniture. It dries to a tough, hard finish that stands up to vigorous scrubbing. Its shiny, durable finish makes it perfect for painting cabinets, dressers, and end tables. High-gloss is the most expensive finish, but it’s well worth it if you’re painting a surface that requires frequent scrubbing. Make sure you take the time to prep surfaces well because every imperfection will be highlighted.