Eggshell or satin on walls

Sheen is how much light bounces off the dry film. Higher sheen is easier to wash and harder on imperfect walls. That’s the whole trade.

Eggshell

Soft, low shine. It hides roller texture, old patches, and wavy plaster better than satin. Bedrooms, living rooms, and dining rooms usually belong here.

It will wipe a fingerprint. It will not love a marker, a wet dog, or a kitchen splash zone.

Satin

A bit more glow, a lot more washability. Hallways, kids’ rooms, kitchens, and bathrooms do better in satin. Mudrooms too.

If the wall is beat up, satin will show every ridge. Then the job is prep, not a different sheen.

A simple rule

Quiet rooms: eggshell. Rooms you clean: satin. Ceilings: flat. Trim and doors: semi-gloss.

We have a sheen guide on this site with the Behr Marquee lineup we actually use. If you’re stuck, text a photo of the room.