Matte vs Eggshell Paint: What's the Difference?

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.^[2]

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.^[3] 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.^[4]

• 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.^[5]

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.^[6]

• 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.^[7]

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.^[8]

• 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.^[9]

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.^[10]