When it comes to wall paint a flat or eggshell finish is the way to go if you are looking to achieve an elegant and sophisticated look in your home. But how do you decide which to choose? Atlanta painting contractors will guide you in making the best and most informed choice.
There are three main ingredients in wall paint: a carrier, pigment and resin. The carrier, either water or oil, is simply the liquid used to mix and hold the pigment and resin. The carrier evaporates after it is applied leaving the color and finish. Pigment is essentially the ingredients used to create color. Titanium Oxide is the primary base white pigment to which small amounts of colored pigment are added to obtain your desired color tint. Resins are the ingredients that makes the paint stick.
The general rule of thumb is that paints with more pigment and less resin have a flatter finish than paints with more resin which provide a glossier finish. Both eggshell and flat are considered low gloss. Eggshell contains some additional ingredients that provide the luster that resembles the shell of an egg.
The following 5 tips will help you make an informed decision.
- Flat paint has no reflective shine (called luster). Eggshell has a slight luster but is much less shiny than gloss.
- Eggshell is easier to clean and resists stains better than flat. If you have small
children, go with eggshell because the walls can be easily and repeatedly cleaned with a wet cloth without damaging the finish. Although flat can be cleaned it absorbs water and excessive scrubbing removes the finish. - Flat paint conceals imperfections the best. The lack of luster means light is not reflected, thereby hiding bumps and dents better.
- Eggshell looks flat when viewed head on but has a very slight gloss when viewed at an angle.
- Flat is best used in low traffic areas, eggshell works better where hand prints and smudges may be common.
Both finishes are typically considered for walls rather then trim. Flat paint is typically a little less expensive that eggshell but regardless of your choice, both flat and eggshell wall paint provide an attractive and elegant finish.