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Eggshell Paint vs Emulsion Paint: A Homeowner’s Guide

Are you looking for a way to update the look of your home? Painting is one of the most popular ways to do this. However, it can be difficult to decide on which kind of paint to use. This blog post will help you compare eggshell and emulsion paints to figure out which type suits your needs best! If you’re not sure what these paints are, don’t worry. We’ll tell you everything you need to know about them below.

What is eggshell paint?

Eggshell paint is a flat type of paint that offers low sheen and good coverage. It can be used on walls, ceilings, doors, woodwork, trim, or any other surface in your home. Eggshells typically have to be applied over primer as they are not designed for use straight onto drywall or plasterboard surfaces. Unlike eggshell paint though, emulsion paints do work without the need for primer if you’re only painting one coat.

If you want an even more matte finish with eggshell, you’ll need to apply three coats instead of two, which will take much longer than using emulsion. This might seem like a drawback but it’s worth noting that once it has been done correctly, eggshell paint will last a long time, look beautiful, and will need very little repainting. That means you save more money in the long term! On average, eggshell paint costs $24-40/gallon.

What is emulsion paint?

Emulsion paint is a type of water-based coating that’s applied to drywall, plasterboard, or any other surface in your home. Emulsion paints do not need a primer before being applied and are available as both gloss (overcoat) or matt finishes. Unlike eggshell paint though, emulsions will require two coats for the best finish if you’re applying it over old painted surfaces.

The main differences between the two come down to how many times they have to be applied for a good effect and how they appear. Eggshell paint has a noticeable texture that can add contrast and style to your home. Emulsion paint, on the other hand, has a variety of finishes but normally is matte or satin. Emulsion paints cost $1-3/liter.

Pros and cons of eggshell paint

The three main benefits of eggshell paint are durability, low maintenance costs (which means less time painting!), and the fact that it’s easier to clean. For the best application, eggshell will require two coats for an even effect if you’re applying it over old painted surfaces whereas emulsion only needs one coat.

Eggshell also has more rough texture than other types of paints so there’s no need to apply any type of primer before going ahead with the process as long as these kinds of textures work well on your property.

The downside is that your walls may have a shiny or textured look which can be off-putting for some people. However, it comes down to personal taste.

Pros

  • It’s a very durable paint that will last for many years. Don’t worry about having to make more money out of your pocket to constantly repaint it.
  • Eggshell paint requires little maintenance as it’s easy to clean and take care of.

Cons

  • Because of its natural sheen, it can be hard to touch up if something does happen. Adding new layers of paint, even very small, will be visible to the eye. Unless, of course, you hire professional painters like Earl’s Paintworks to handle it for you.

Pros and cons of emulsion paint

The main pro of emulsion paint is the price. It’s cheaper than eggshell and has a more affordable cost, making it an option for homeowners on a budget. The downside to this type of paint is that it doesn’t last as long as other types and can easily peel or chip. Emulsions do not need a primer before being applied which saves time during the application but may cause them to last shorter than eggshells because they absorb more moisture from the air.

Pros:

  • Less expensive.
  • Easier to install because the liquid dries quickly.
  • Wider colour options.

Cons:

  • Do not have the same life expectancy as eggshell paints so they need frequent repainting or sealing applications which will increase costs over time.
  • It’s more expensive than eggshell paints and other types so it requires a good upfront investment for the quality you’re receiving.

Final thoughts on eggshell vs emulsion paint

Choosing the right paint for your property can be a difficult decision. There are many factors to consider, such as how long you want it to last and what kind of surface it will cover. Emulsion paint will be more affordable than eggshell paint. However, eggshell will offer more durability and less maintenance. if you’re on a budget, choose emulsion. If you want to invest more and get the most bang for your buck, choose eggshell.

If you’re unsure which type of paint is best for your project or if you have any questions about our services, please contact us today. We understand that clients may not know much about painting but we make sure that they get all their answers before deciding on anything too quickly.

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Ken Cheung
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