Eggshell Paint On Ceiling

Thinking about giving your ceiling a fresh coat of paint? 

You might be wondering if eggshell paint is a good choice…

While many people love its soft finish, it might not be the perfect fit for every room. 

In this post, I’ll break down the pros and cons of using eggshell paint on ceilings so you can decide what’s best for your house.

Can I Use Eggshell Paint On Ceilings?

The short answer is yes, you can use eggshell paint on ceilings. 

But whether you should use it is a bit more complicated. Eggshell paint has a subtle shine that’s between flat and satin finishes, giving a soft, low-shine look. 

While it’s not the most common choice for ceilings, there are times when eggshell paint can be a good option. Let me go over these next.

Also Read: Can You Paint Over Tung Oil?

Pros Of Using Eggshell Paint On Ceilings

Here’s what makes eggshell paint a potentially good choice:

Durability

One of the main advantages of using eggshell paint on ceilings is that it’s more durable. 

The eggshell finish makes the surface a bit harder, so it can stand up to wear and tear better. 

This means it’s easier to clean, which is great if you’ve got a high-traffic area or rooms that get a lot of moisture, like kitchens and bathrooms. 

If you think you might need to clean your ceiling now and then, or you want something that can handle the occasional splash or steam, eggshell paint could be a good bet.

Aesthetic Appeal

Eggshell paint can add a nice touch to your ceiling. 

The slight shine reflects light in a way that can make your room look better. 

This gentle reflection can make spaces feel bigger and brighter, which can really change the vibe of your living areas. 

If you’re looking to add a touch of class or make your rooms more visually interesting, putting eggshell paint on the ceiling might do the trick.

Cons Of Using Eggshell Paint On Ceilings

Despite its advantages, eggshell paint isn’t always the best pick for ceilings. Here are the main reasons why you might want to think twice about using eggshell paint on your ceiling:

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Light Reflection

Now, that light-reflecting quality of eggshell paint can be both good and bad. 

Sure, it can make your room look nice, but it can also show off every little flaw in your ceiling. Any bumps, dips, or uneven areas in the ceiling will be more noticeable with eggshell paint.

Plus, if you’ve got artificial lighting, the shine from eggshell paint might create a glare that’s annoying or uncomfortable to look at.

Application Challenges

Putting eggshell paint on a ceiling can be harder than using flat paint. 

The shine in eggshell finish makes it more likely to show overlap marks and uneven application. 

Getting an even coat takes some skill and you’ve got to pay attention to what you’re doing. 

You need to keep a “wet edge” while you’re painting to avoid visible lines where fresh paint meets paint that’s starting to dry. This can be really tough on big ceilings.

So using eggshell paint might take more time and be more frustrating if you’re doing it yourself.

Not Ideal For All Ceilings

Eggshell paint isn’t great for all types of ceilings. If you’ve got a textured ceiling, like those popcorn ceilings, eggshell paint probably isn’t the best choice. 

The shine can make the texture look weird and uneven. 

For textured ceilings, flat paint is still the way to go because it helps hide the texture and makes everything look more uniform.

Also Read: Do You Prime Before Texture?

Use Flat Instead Of Eggshell Paint On Ceiling

Given the challenges of using eggshell paint on ceilings, many professionals (including us) and experienced DIYers recommend using flat paint for most ceilings.

Flat paint is great for ceilings for a few reasons. 

It’s really good at hiding imperfections because it doesn’t reflect light, so it makes the ceiling look smooth and even. This can also make the ceiling seem higher, which makes rooms feel bigger. 

Flat paint also cuts down on glare, making the room more comfortable to be in, especially if you’ve got overhead lights.

Wrapping Up

While you can use eggshell paint on ceilings, and it does offer benefits in terms of durability and looks, it’s not always the best choice.

When you’re deciding whether to use eggshell paint on your ceiling, think about what you really need, what shape your ceiling is in, and how you want your room to look overall.

For most regular ceilings, flat paint is still the top choice. .

But if you’re dealing with a room that gets a lot of moisture, or if you want a little bit of shine and you’re confident you can apply the paint evenly, then eggshell paint could work for you.

FAQs

Should Ceiling Paint Be Flat Or Eggshell?

Flat paint is usually the way to go for ceilings because it does a great job of hiding any imperfections and shadows.

Best Paint For Ceilings Flat Or Satin?

Flat paint is typically your best bet for ceilings since it helps cover up any bumps or blemishes. Satin can be an option too, but it might make uneven areas stand out a bit more.

What Type Of Paint For Ceiling And Trim?

For ceilings, flat paint is recommended. For trim, satin or semi-gloss paint is often preferred for its durability and easy cleaning.