Pros and Cons of Using Eggshell Paint

Are you getting reay to paint your house and confused by the term eggshell sheen? Welcome to the club! As a paint contracotr- we also can get ripped up by the different levels of eggshell paint sheens. So we decided to make this guide for. you and your search to finf the right sheen to paint your house. Lets Dive into the Pros and Cons of using Eggshell Paint!

Using Eggshell Paint is a popular choice for interior walls, but what exactly does “eggshell” mean? How does it compare to similar low-sheen finishes from Sherwin-Williams and Benjamin Moore? We will get into the definition of eggshell (in technical sheen units), compare product lines from 2 brands (Sherwin Williams and Benjamin moore, including those that use different names for an eggshell-equivalent finish), and explore performance factors like durability, washability, touch-up difficulty, and best-use scenarios. We’ll also include approximate pricing for each line, and finish with a note about our local painting services in the Great fox valley area!

What Defines an “Eggshell” Sheen?

In paint terms, eggshell refers to a low-gloss finish – a subtle luster that’s more than flat paint but less shiny than a true satin or semi-gloss. Manufacturers define this sheen by measuring light reflectance (gloss units) at specific angles. For instance, Benjamin Moore categorizes interior eggshell as about 10–25% reflectance at an 85° measurement anglebenjaminmoorepaint.co.uk. This puts eggshell in the “low sheen” range – just a bit of shine when light hits it, similar to the shell of an egg (hence the name). Sherwin-Williams likewise groups eggshell with other low-sheen finishes, noting that it produces “low to medium reflection when dry”sherwin-williams.com. In fact, Sherwin-Williams often uses different terms for comparable sheens; “low gloss,” “low sheen,” “satin,” and even “velvet” finishes can all fall into what most of us would consider the eggshell familysherwin-williams.com. The key is the gloss level – typically somewhere around 10–20 units on a 0–100 gloss scale at 60°, or roughly 15% give or take on an 85° sheen measurementimages.sherwin-williams.combenjaminmoorepaint.co.uk.

In practical terms, an eggshell finish has a soft, muted shine. It’s not flat (which has virtually no sheen), and it’s not overtly shiny like semi-gloss. Different brands may label this sheen differently – for example, Sherwin-Williams’ “Velvet” finish is essentially an eggshell in terms of glosssherwin-williams.com. Benjamin Moore simply uses “Eggshell” in most of its lines, whereas Sherwin-Williams might use names like Low Lustre, Velvet, or Satin depending on the product line. The chart below lists specific product lines and their eggshell (or equivalent) finishes for Sherwin-Williams (SW) and Benjamin Moore (BM), along with their typical gloss ranges.

Eggshell and Equivalent Finishes – Sherwin-Williams vs. Benjamin Moore

The tables below detail interior paint lines from Sherwin-Williams and Benjamin Moore, focusing on those available in an eggshell sheen. The first table lists lines that actually use the term “Eggshell” on the can, while the second (marked with an asterisk *) lists lines that have an eggshell-equivalent finish (even if named differently). We’ve also noted the approximate sheen level (as % reflectance) and ballpark retail price for each product line.

Sherwin-Williams – Lines with “Eggshell” Labeled Finishes

Sherwin-Williams Product Line	Sheen Name	Sheen Level (85°)	Approx. Price (USD)
Harmony (Zero VOC Interior)	Eggshell	~18% (low sheen)images.sherwin-williams.com	~$60–65/gal
ProMar 200 (Contractor Grade)	Egg-Shel	~15% (low sheen)benjaminmoorepaint.co.uk (est.)	~$35–45/gal
ProMar 400 (Builder Grade)	Egg-Shel	~15% (low sheen) (est.)	~$25–35/gal

Note: Many of SW’s consumer-premium lines don’t use the word “eggshell” on the label even if they offer a similar sheen. Those are listed in the next table.

Sherwin-Williams – Eggshell-Equivalent Finishes (*) in Other Lines

Sherwin-Williams Product Line	Finish Name (Eggshell Equivalent)	Sheen Level (85°)	Notes / Price
Emerald (Premium Interior)	Satin *	~20% (low-med sheen)images.sherwin-williams.com	Top-tier durability; ~$75–80/galheritagepainting.info
Duration Home (Washable Interior)	Satin *	~18% (low-med sheen)images.sherwin-williams.comimages.sherwin-williams.com	Highly washable; ~$70–75/galheritagepainting.info
SuperPaint (Interior)	Velvet * (also Satin *)	~9–20% (low sheen)images.sherwin-williams.comimages.sherwin-williams.com	“Velvet” is a low-eggshell sheen; Satin is slightly higher; ~$45–50/galheritagepainting.info
Cashmere (Interior Acrylic)	Low Lustre *	~18% (low sheen)images.sherwin-williams.com	Essentially an eggshell finish; ~$60/gal
Captivate (Basic Interior)	Satin *	~18% (low sheen)images.sherwin-williams.com	Entry-level paint (eggshell-like shine); ~$35–40/gal

Finishes marked with an asterisk are not labeled “eggshell,” but their gloss level is in the eggshell range. Sherwin-Williams uses names like Satin, Velvet, Low Lustre, etc., in these lines, but their degree of sheen is comparable to an eggshell. For example, Cashmere’s “Low Lustre” finish is effectively an eggshell in appearance, and SuperPaint’s “Velvet” finish falls in the low-gloss eggshell categorysherwin-williams.com. In practice, if you request a low-sheen wall finish in any of these SW lines, you’ll be getting something akin to an eggshell, even if the can doesn’t say the word.

Benjamin Moore – Lines with Eggshell Finishes

Benjamin Moore Product Line	Sheen Name	Sheen Level (85°)	Approx. Price (USD)
ben® (Interior)	Eggshell	~10–25% (low sheen)benjaminmoorepaint.co.uk	~$45–55/galhomedecorgroup.com
Regal Select (Interior Premium)	Eggshell	15–22% (low sheen)media.benjaminmoore.com	~$70–80/galshenandoahpaint.com
Aura® (Interior Ultra-Premium)	Eggshell	~10–25% (low sheen) (est.)	~$80–85/gal
Ultra Spec 500 (Pro Interior)	Eggshell	10–21% (low sheen)media.benjaminmoore.com	~$40–50/galmycolorwheel.com
Ultra Spec SCUFF-X (Comm. Interior)	Eggshell	~10–25% (low sheen) (est.)	~$50–60/galklappenbergerandson.com

(Note: Benjamin Moore also offers a “Pearl” finish in some lines – Pearl is a step glossier, roughly between eggshell and semi-gloss. For simplicity, we’ve focused on true eggshell or its nearest equivalents.)

As you can see, both Sherwin-Williams (SW) and Benjamin Moore (BM) have multiple product lines with eggshell or comparable finishes. Sherwin-Williams tends to use different names for this sheen in their premium lines (avoiding the word “eggshell”), whereas Benjamin Moore consistently uses “Eggshell” for that sheen level in most lines. We understand this canbe confusing to customers Using Eggshell Paint actual gloss measurements across these products all fall into a similar low-luster range (around 10–25% sheen at an 85° angle). Now, let’s compare how these finishes perform in different product grades and use cases.

Sheen Variations When Using Eggshell Paint

Not all eggshells are created equal. Interestingly, the perceived sheen of an eggshell can vary slightly between a budget paint and a premium paint. Higher-grade paints often have more refined resins and flattening agents, which can affect how the sheen looks and feels. For example, Sherwin-Williams Duration Home’s “Satin” finish (essentially an eggshell sheen) might look a touch softer or smoother than a contractor-grade ProMar 200 Egg-Shel, even if both technically fall in the same gloss range. The higher quality binders in Duration create a more uniform, even finish, so its low sheen may hide minor surface texture better, giving the impression of a softer sheen compared to a basic eggshell that might reflect light less uniformly. One professional notes that in higher-end lines, an eggshell finish tends to appear more flat (less shiny) than in economy linesreddit.com. In other words, premium eggshell paints often have a more subtle, elegant luster, whereas cheaper eggshell paints might be at the upper end of the sheen spectrum (almost a satin look).

To illustrate, Sherwin-Williams ProMar 200 (a popular professional line) offers a standard eggshell that gets the job done, but Duration Home or Emerald in their Satin finish will usually have a tighter film and more uniform sheen, which can make them look slightly less glossy to the eye, despite similar technical gloss units. On the Benjamin Moore side, you see a similar pattern: Ultra Spec 500 eggshell (contractor grade) vs. Regal Select eggshell (premium) – both are eggshell sheens, but Regal Select has “scuff and burnish resistant technology” and a smoother finishbenjaminmoore.com, which might make its sheen read a bit differently. In terms of measured gloss, Regal Select Eggshell is about 15–22 units @85°media.benjaminmoore.com, while Ultra Spec 500 Eggshell is about 10–21 @85°media.benjaminmoore.com – virtually in the same range, yet Regal’s finish might look slightly more lustrous and rich due to higher quality ingredients. The difference is subtle, but many painters report Regal goes on “creamier” and levels out better, which can translate into a more even sheen.

In summary, higher grade eggshell paints tend to have a more uniform and controlled sheen, whereas entry-level eggshells might be a tad shinier or less consistent. These differences are not huge – two eggshells side by side will look very similar in gloss – but if you have a keen eye or critical lighting, a top-shelf product can deliver a more aesthetically pleasing low-sheen glow. The trade-off, of course, is cost (as shown in the price ranges above). If budget allows, upgrading from a basic line to a premium line can give a slightly more refined eggshell appearance and often better durability, which leads us to our next topic: durability and cleanability.

Durability and Washability: Which Eggshell Paints Hold Up Best?

One of the big reasons homeowners choose Using Eggshell Paint is that it’s more washable than a flat paint. But how do various eggshell paints compare in durability? The answer often lies in the product line and formulation rather than the sheen itself. Generally, premium lines have better binders and additives that improve toughness, stain resistance, and scrubability. For instance, Sherwin-Williams Emerald and Duration Home lines are known for exceptional washability and stain resistance at all sheen levels – even flats and eggshellsimages.sherwin-williams.com. These paints have cross-linking resins and advanced polymers that let you scrub marks off an eggshell wall without damaging the finish. In fact, SW Duration and Emerald can often outperform cheaper semi-glosses when it comes to resisting stains or burnishing. By contrast, an economy line like SW Captivate or ProMar 400 in eggshell will typically be less forgiving – vigorous scrubbing might start to rub off some sheen or paint.

Burnishing (shiny spots that appear when you rub a painted surface) is a particular concern with lower-quality paints in low sheen. A telltale example: a user of Benjamin Moore’s entry-level ben® eggshell noted that it burnished easily with just water wiping, indicating a formulation issuereddit.com. The same person found that even gentle cleaning caused sheen changes on the wall. By stepping up to Benjamin Moore Regal Select or Scuff-X, you get a paint engineered to resist burnishing and scuffing. Regal Select’s eggshell finish is specifically advertised as “scuff, burnish & mar resistant”benjaminmoore.com. Additionally, BM’s Ultra Spec SCUFF-X (a professional line designed for high-traffic commercial use) is renowned for its toughness – tests have shown Scuff-X (eggshell) to be even more durable than Aura, BM’s top residential paintringsend.com. Scuff-X and Aura both have excellent washability, but Scuff-X is formulated to withstand repeated abuse (rubbing, impact, cleaning) without showing marksringsend.com.

On the Sherwin-Williams side, Duration Home and Emerald also incorporate similar durability tech. Duration Home’s satin/eggshell finish literally repels many stains – it’s built so stains don’t penetrate and can be wiped off easily. SW’s specs tout that even flat Duration is washable; in eggshell it’s even betterimages.sherwin-williams.com. SuperPaint (mid-range) has decent durability but in practice is a notch below Duration: one review found that scrubbing SuperPaint could cause it to start peeling or lose integrity, whereas Duration withstood much tougher cleaning without issueheritagepainting.infoheritagepainting.info. This suggests Duration’s eggshell can handle more aggressive cleaning (and even some moisture) that might cause a cheaper eggshell to failheritagepainting.info.

To summarize durability by product tier:

• Entry-Level Eggshells (SW Captivate, BM ben, etc.): Reasonably wipeable for light soil, but can scuff or burnish with moderate scrubbing. Best for low-traffic or where budget is primary concern. Expect to touch up or recoat in heavy-use areas after a while.
• Mid-Tier Eggshells (SW SuperPaint/Harmony, BM Ultra Spec): Good balance of cost and quality. Washable for most marks, but harsh cleaners or scrubbing might leave slight dull spots. These are common in new construction and hold up fine under normal use.
• High-End Eggshells (SW Duration/Emerald, BM Regal Select/Aura): Excellent durability. Stains wipe off with mild cleaner, very resistant to scuffs and burnishingbenjaminmoore.com. They maintain their sheen after cleaning and can handle high-traffic use (hallways, kids’ rooms) far better. You pay more, but you see the payoff over time – walls look new longer.
• Specialty Eggshells (BM Scuff-X, etc.): Ultra-durable coatings for demanding environments. In eggshell form, these are ideal for commercial spaces, mudrooms, hospitals, or anywhere you need the ultimate durability without the shine of a semi-gloss. They can withstand repeated scrubbing and even abuse that might mar other paintsringsend.com.

In terms of specific products that “clean up best” among eggshells, a few standouts: Regal Select Eggshell has a stain-release technology for easy cleaningshenandoahpaint.com. Emerald and Duration (SW) are often cited by pros for superior washability – one SW rep even demonstrated scrubbing muddy dog prints off a flat Emerald wallsherwin-williams.com (so you can imagine how well the eggshell would do). Benjamin Moore Aura Eggshell is also very washable and doesn’t readily burnish, due to its high-build, color-lock formula. On the other hand, be cautious with lower lines like ben or basic contractor paints in busy areas – they can start to show shiny spots or color fade if you frequently scrub them. If you anticipate a lot of cleaning (fingerprints in a hallway, food splatters in a kitchen eating area, etc.), upgrading to a washable eggshell (or even a satin/pearl) in a premium line is worth it.

Touching Up Eggshell Paint – Why It’s Tricky

One downside to Using Eggshell Paint (and any low-gloss paint that isn’t fully flat) is the difficulty of touch-ups. If you roll or brush a new patch of eggshell paint onto an older eggshell wall, there’s a good chance you’ll see it – this is called “flashing.” The touched-up spots catch the light differently, appearing as shinier or duller patches compared to the original finish. Eggshell, satin and semi-gloss paints will flash if you touch up an area – even using the same paint out of the can – because the new coat’s sheen hasn’t leveled or worn the same as the originalronspainting.comronspainting.com. This is a common frustration for homeowners.

Patches touched up on an eggshell-painted wall are visible because of “flashing.” The touched-up areas reflect light differently, creating a sheen mismatch with the surrounding wall.ronspainting.com

Why is touch-up flashing more pronounced with eggshell than flat? It’s the sheen. Flat paint has no sheen, so new vs. old blend pretty well if the color matches. But eggshell has that slight gloss, and a number of factors can make a touched-up spot flash:

• Application method: Original walls are usually rolled; if you touch up with a brush, the different texture and film thickness can alter the sheen reflection.
• Paint age and exposure: Over time, paint can dull a bit or accumulate a thin layer of soil. A fresh dab of eggshell will be at full sheen, sticking out against the older areas. Also, UV light can very slightly change both color and sheen over the years.
• Coverage and number of coats: If the original wall had two full coats sprayed or rolled, touching up with one coat by hand might not achieve the same sheen depth.
• Environmental conditions: Touching up in a different humidity or temperature can affect drying rates and sheen formation. Faster drying (from heat or ventilation) can lead to higher sheen. Even the angle of light matters – in tall stairwells or rooms with lots of natural light streaming across the wall, every roller overlap or touch-up spot will be highlighted by the glare. The more glancing the light, the more any sheen disruption shows.

So is it impossible to touch up eggshell? It’s difficult but not always hopeless. A few tips: if you must touch up, use the same application tool (e.g., a roller of the same nap) and feather it out over a larger area. Sometimes touching up corner to corner (repainting an entire section of wall from break to break) is needed to avoid a visible patch. Also, very high quality eggshell paints can be a bit more forgiving – their sheen is softer and they have less surfactant leaching, so a line like Emerald or Aura eggshell might touch up slightly better than a cheap eggshell. In fact, one painter on a forum mentioned “higher end eggshell tends to appear more flat, making touch-ups easier” than a more lustrous eggshell would be (reddit.com). Additionally, neutral or lighter colors hide touch-ups better; with a deep or bold color in eggshell, you’re almost guaranteed to see the spots(reddit.com).

The bottom line: Be prepared that eggshell wall paint might require full-wall repaints for a flawless look if damage occurs. If you anticipate needing to do frequent small touch-ups (say, kids drawing on walls), you might opt for a washable matte/flat (some new matte paints are extremely durable) so that touch-ups blend easier. Otherwise, keep some extra paint and try to blend any touch-up gently. Do it in the same lighting and conditions if possible. Even then, don’t be surprised by flashing – it’s the nature of the beast with any acrylic paint that has a sheen (quora.com). As one expert succinctly put it, “With eggshell paint, you can’t touch it up and not see it… the areas will flash.”(ronspainting.com) This is a trade-off you accept in exchange for having that slight gloss (which gives you the washability that flat paint lacks).

Where Eggshell (and Similar Sheens) Work Best – and Challenges to Consider

Given its attributes, eggshell is often the default choice for many interior walls in living spaces. It’s a great all-purpose finish for a homeowner who wants some shine for washability but not so much that it highlights every flaw. Here are some common uses and pros/cons:

• Living Rooms, Dining Rooms, Bedrooms: Eggshell offers a nice balance of a rich look with slight glow, yet it’s still fairly forgiving of imperfections. It can make wall colors feel a bit more vibrant compared to flat. In gathering spaces, the subtle sheen adds a touch of elegance and is easier to wipe clean if scuffs or fingerprints occur (for example, along a hallway or behind the dining table). According to Sherwin-Williams, an “eggshell/low-gloss finish” is ideal for living rooms, hallways, and family rooms as it provides that balance between aesthetics and washability (stanwichpainting.comstanwichpainting.com).
• Kitchens and Bathrooms: Traditionally, higher sheens like semi-gloss were recommended for wet areas. However, many modern eggshell (or satin) paints in premium lines are formulated to resist moisture and mildew. You can absolutely use a kitchen-and-bathroom rated eggshell (e.g., Benjamin Moore Aura Bath & Spa comes in matte, but Aura eggshell in the kitchen area is fine). The advantage is lower sheen hides wall texture better and doesn’t show grease or water spots as obviously as a gloss would. Be sure to choose a paint with moisture resistance if using eggshell in a bath with a shower. For example, SW Duration Home and Emerald are moisture-resistant even in lower sheens (heritagepainting.info), so you can use them in a bathroom. In a kitchen, eggshell on the walls will handle the occasional splatter – just wipe it off. The only caution is areas directly exposed to water (like a shower enclosure) or heavy abuse might still warrant a higher sheen or specialty coating for maximum durability.
• Kids’ Rooms and High-Traffic Areas: Eggshell is often recommended for kids’ bedrooms, playrooms, and busy corridors. It’s a good choice because it’s much easier to clean crayon marks or dirt off an eggshell wall than a flat wall (thepaintcenters.com). Many builders put eggshell or satin in hallways and stairwells for this reason. Just remember the earlier caveat: if a section gets really damaged (gouges, etc.), touch-up might show. But overall, for everyday bumps and rubs, eggshell holds up well and won’t look dull and scuffed like a flat paint would after repeated wiping.
• Trim and Doors (sometimes): Usually, trim is done in semi-gloss or satin. But in some design styles, people want a low-sheen, soft look on trim too – eggshell could be used on trim or built-ins for a more muted finish. It’s less common, but not wrong if it’s the look you’re going for. Just note that oils from hands will show more on a less shiny trim, so you might have to clean them more often. Also, not all trim paints come in eggshell (many are satin as the lowest sheen). BM Advance (for trim/cabinets) offers a Pearl (satin) which is close to eggshell; SW’s trim enamels start at satin as well.
• Ceilings: Ceilings are typically flat, but occasionally a homeowner might use a low sheen on a ceiling (to reflect more light or in a kitchen/bath for some washability). Eggshell is okay for a ceiling in a bathroom (helps bead off moisture) or if you want a tad of sparkle overhead. Just be aware that any surface flaws on a ceiling will be more noticeable with sheen, and light glare could be an issue. In most cases, stick to flat for ceilings unless you have a specific reason.

Now, special challenges to consider, especially with eggshell and similar sheens:

• Tall Stairwells and Two-Story Foyers: These areas often get a lot of natural light at angles, which exacerbates any roller lap lines or touch-up flashes. When Using Eggshell Paint in a double-height stairwell, you need to maintain a “wet edge” and consistent technique from top to bottom. Even then, when sunlight washes across the wall, you may see slight variations. Professional painters sometimes suggest going with a matte finish in such areas to avoid this, but if you need the washability, eggshell it is – just apply carefully. Also, touching up a spot in a tall stairwell (say a ding from moving furniture) can stand out like a beacon due to the lighting. Plan to possibly repaint that whole wall section if needed.
• Rooms with Lots of Natural Light: Similar to above, intense sunlight will reveal sheen differences more than diffuse light. If you have a sunroom or a room with floor-to-ceiling windows and you paint the walls eggshell, expect that when the sun hits at certain times, you’ll notice the joint compound areas or any uneven roller work as the light skims the wall. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t use eggshell – just be aware that prep and application need to be high-quality to minimize imperfections, and even then, the nature of light can make any painted wall show its seams. One workaround if you want zero glare is to use a flat or matte, but you sacrifice scrubability. Many homeowners accept a bit of wall glare in exchange for the easier cleaning eggshell affords in well-lit, busy spaces.
• Very Smooth vs. Textured Walls: If your walls have some texture (e.g. orange peel or knockdown), an eggshell will actually often look better than a flat – the slight sheen can accentuate the depth and give a richer look. On glass-smooth plaster walls, eggshell will look beautiful too, but it will reveal any little dent or wave when light hits. Flats hide minor dents best by not reflecting light. So for older plaster with some unevenness, you might lean toward matte/flat unless you really need washability, or use eggshell and incorporate some wall decor/lighting that doesn’t graze the surface.

In general, best-use scenarios for eggshell: main living areas, moderate to high-traffic rooms where you want durability with a soft look. Avoid or be cautious in situations where flawless touch-up or ultra-critical lighting are factors (or be ready to do full repaints).

A quick pros and cons summary of eggshell vs adjacent sheens:

• Eggshell (Low Gloss) – Pros: Some shine adds richness and wipeability; hides imperfections better than higher gloss; more forgiving of application issues than satin. Cons: Can flash with touch-up; still reveals flaws more than a flat; not as moisture-proof as semi-gloss for extreme conditions.
• Matte/Flat (No Gloss) – Pros: Hides wall imperfections and touch-ups excellently (ronspainting.com); gives a smooth designer look. Cons: Harder to clean (stains may not come off, paint can rub off when cleaning aggressively).
• Satin/Pearl (Slightly Higher Gloss than Eggshell) – Pros: A bit more durable and moisture-resistant; more sheen can make colors “pop” and surfaces more scrubbable. Cons: Shows roller overlaps or drywall flaws more readily (lap lines, texture differences); even more prone to touch-up flashing. Essentially satin is just a notch up on both the positives and negatives of eggshell.
• Semi-Gloss (High Gloss) – Pros: Very durable, washable, great for trim, baths, kitchens. Cons: Too shiny for most walls – highlights every defect and creates glare; touch-ups are nearly impossible to blend.

Eggshell sits in a sweet spot, which is why it’s commonly recommended for “walls in living spaces”. As one painting company puts it, “Eggshell offers more durability than flat but still keeps a soft, inviting look.”(dfrancowallpaper.com) It’s no surprise both Sherwin-Williams and Benjamin Moore list eggshell (or similar sheens like satin) as ideal for family rooms, foyers, hallways, etc.(stanwichpainting.com).

Pricing Recap for Eggshell Paint Lines

We’ve mentioned prices in passing; here’s a quick recap of approximate retail prices (per gallon) for the lines discussed (keep in mind local pricing and sales can vary):

• Sherwin-Williams Captivate: ~$35/gal (budget-friendly).
• SW SuperPaint: ~$45–50/gal (mid-range)
• SW Duration Home: ~$70–75/gal (high-end)
• SW Emerald: ~$75–85/gal (top-of-the-line)
• SW Harmony (now superseded by newer lines): ~$60/gal when it was widely available.
• SW ProMar 200 (Eg-Shel): often ~$30–40 through contractor pricing (slightly higher for retail walk-in).
• BM ben®: ~$45–55/gal (entry-level BM).
• BM Regal Select: ~$70–80/gal (premium)
• BM Aura: ~$80–85/gal (ultra-premium).
• BM Ultra Spec 500: ~$40–50/gal (contractor line)
• BM Ultra Spec SCUFF-X: ~$50–60/gal (specialty commercial line)

These prices are before any discounts. Both SW and BM have sale events and contractor pricing. For example, Sherwin-Williams often has 30–40% off sales, and PaintPerks loyalty members get 10% offsherwin-williams.com. So an $80 Emerald gallon might cost $50–60 on sale, which can make premium paints more affordable. Benjamin Moore paints are sold through independent dealers, who may have their own promotions. It’s always worth checking for sales or builder pricing if you’re buying large quantities.

In weighing cost vs. performance, think about the area you’re painting: For a low-traffic guest room, you might opt for a less expensive eggshell paint. For a high-traffic hallway or a kitchen, spending a bit more on a top-line product can save you re-paints and cleaning hassle down the road. The good news is even the cheaper eggshell paints today are decent – you’re mainly paying for incremental improvements in coverage, durability, and ease of application as you go up in price.

Trust Our Huntley, IL Painting Experts for Guidance and Quality Service

Choosing the right sheen and product line can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to make the decision alone. If you’re located in Huntley, IL or surrounding communities like Gilberts, Pingree Grove, Elgin, Lake in the Hills, Crystal Lake, and beyond – we’re here to help! Our professional team has extensive experience with Sherwin-Williams, Benjamin Moore, and many other brands. We pride ourselves on giving honest, expert guidance so you get the perfect finish for your home. Whether you’re debating eggshell vs. satin, or need advice on which product will hold up to your busy household, we’ll steer you in the right direction.

At Huntley’s Trusted Painting Service (your local painting professionals), our goal is to deliver exceptional results with a personal touch. From meticulous prep work to flawless application, we treat your home with care and ensure you’ll love the outcome. Your satisfaction and trust are our top priorities – many of our customers are repeat clients who appreciate our reliability, clear communication, and the extra steps we take to guarantee a beautiful paint job. If you have an upcoming painting project, give us a call! We proudly serve the Huntley area, including Gilberts, Pingree Grove, Elgin, Hampshire, Lakewood, Crystal Lake, and all nearby neighborhoods. Let us put our expertise to work for you, so you can enjoy a gorgeous result without the stress. We’re happy to answer any questions and provide a free consultation – consider us your partners in creating a home you love, with the perfect paint finishes to match. 🏠🎨💕

Sources:

1. Sherwin-Williams – Gloss & Sheen Guide: Explains categories like flat, eggshell (low-gloss, satin, velvet) and how gloss is measuredsherwin-williams.comimages.sherwin-williams.com.
2. Benjamin Moore (UK) – Sheen Levels: Defines eggshell as 10–25% sheen @85° and compares other finishesbenjaminmoorepaint.co.uk.
3. Sherwin-Williams (Product data) – Gloss unit ranges for various lines and sheens (Emerald, Duration, SuperPaint, etc.)images.sherwin-williams.comimages.sherwin-williams.com.
4. Stanwich Painting (CT) – Comparing SW Lines: Notes which SW lines offer eggshell/satin, and the durability/washability differencesstanwichpainting.comstanwichpainting.com.
5. Heritage Painting – SW Duration vs. SuperPaint Review: Discusses durability testing (scrubbing, burnishing) and lists prices (SuperPaint ~$47, Duration ~$70)heritagepainting.infoheritagepainting.info.
6. Benjamin Moore – Regal Select Eggshell Features: Highlights easy stain removal and burnish resistancebenjaminmoore.com.
7. Reddit (paint forum) – Painters discuss touch-up issues: high-end eggshells looking flatter, deep colors flashing morereddit.comquora.com.
8. Ron’s Painting Blog – Touch-Up Mistake Example: Shows photo of flashed patches on an eggshell wall and explains eggshell/satin will always flash on touch-upronspainting.comronspainting.com.
9. Reddit (DIY) – User experience with BM ben® eggshell burnishing easily, confirming lower durability of entry-line eggshellreddit.com.
10. Klappenberger & Son – BM Scuff-X Eggshell Review: Notes Scuff-X’s excellent durability and price range (around $52/gal retail)klappenbergerandson.comringsend.com.