Eggshell is the classic mid-sheen finish for woodwork, and for walls that need to be wiped regularly. Johnstone's Trade makes two very different versions: the traditional solvent-based Johnstone's Trade Eggshell and the modern water-based Johnstone's Trade Acrylic Durable Eggshell. Here is how to choose.
What is an eggshell finish?
Eggshell sits between matt and satin. It has a soft, low sheen – like the surface of an egg – that is easier to clean than matt, but less shiny than satin or gloss. That makes it a favourite for skirting, doors, kitchen walls and furniture.
Side-by-side comparison
| Eggshell (oil based) | Acrylic Durable Eggshell | |
|---|---|---|
| Base | Solvent based (alkyd) | Water based (acrylic) |
| Use | Interior wood and metal | Interior walls and woodwork |
| Touch dry | 4–6 hours | 1–2 hours |
| Recoatable | 16–24 hours | 4–6 hours |
| Scrub resistance | Washable | Class 1 (ISO 11998) |
| Mould resistance | — | Yes |
| Yellowing | Can yellow over time, especially whites out of daylight | Non-yellowing |
| Odour | Solvent smell | Low odour |
| VOC | High (approx. 295 g/L) | Very low (2.5 g/L) |
| Clean-up | White spirit | Warm soapy water |
When to choose Johnstone's oil-based Eggshell
Choose the traditional Eggshell when you want the classic hard, smooth finish on woodwork and metal that an alkyd gives, and you are happy with longer drying times and solvent clean-up. It is a good match where existing woodwork has been painted with oil-based paint.
When to choose Acrylic Durable Eggshell
For most homes today, Acrylic Durable Eggshell is the better all-rounder. It is extremely tough and stain resistant, tested to Class 1 scrub resistance, mould resistant and resistant to condensation. It is low odour, dries quickly and will not yellow – so white skirting stays white. It is ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, hallways, schools, hospitals and public buildings.
Can I put water-based eggshell over oil-based paint?
Yes, with the right preparation. Clean the surface, sand the old oil-based paint to a dull key, remove dust, and apply a water-based primer undercoat such as Johnstone's Joncryl Primer Undercoat before your acrylic eggshell.
What about Durable Matt?
If you want the toughness of an eggshell but a flatter look, Johnstone's Acrylic Durable Matt is also Class 1 scrubbable and suitable for walls and woodwork. Read our full Durable Matt review for more.
Frequently asked questions
Which eggshell is best for kitchen walls?
Acrylic Durable Eggshell – it is scrubbable, mould resistant and handles condensation.
Does Johnstone's oil-based eggshell go yellow?
Like most alkyd paints, it can yellow over time, particularly whites in rooms with little daylight. Water-based acrylic eggshell does not.
Can I use eggshell on walls?
Yes. Acrylic Durable Eggshell is designed for walls as well as woodwork.
Can both be tinted?
Yes, both can be mixed to order in thousands of Johnstone's colours, as well as Brilliant White.
Buy Johnstone's Trade Eggshell from Dawes
Dawes is your local decorating centre in West London. We mix Johnstone's Trade Eggshell to order in our store at 158–160 Goldhawk Road, W12 8HJ, or you can order online for delivery anywhere in the UK. Delivery is free on orders over £50, and if you need it fast, our Priority service delivers the next working day when you order by 1pm. Trade accounts are available.
Not sure which product is right for your job? Call us on 020 8748 6711, email sales@dawespaints.co.uk or pop into the shop – we are open Monday to Friday 7am–5pm and Saturday 8am–4pm.
See the full Johnstone's Trade range.