In this article we uncover the truth behind what eggshell paint is, explain a little more about the constituent parts of paint, and tell you what eggshell paint can used for.
Drumroll please… is eggshell paint really made from eggshells?
… The answer is no! Eggshell paint refers to the sheen/shine level of the surface-finish of this paint type and is so named because of its similar texture and shine/sheen to a typical eggshell. We can confirm that no actual eggshells are used during the manufacturing process of this paint.
The texture of eggshell paint, combined with its slight shine helps to scatter light that hits surfaces coated in this paint, hiding surface imperfections and adding colour depth, in a similar way to paint with higher-gloss finishes but without the gloss-like shine.
So what is paint (including eggshell) really made of?
Paints come in a range of types with different finishes, from high-gloss and silk to matt. Despite the vast range of paints available, the majority of paint comprises four key components, in varying quantities. These are pigments, resins, additives and solvents:
- Pigments give paint its colour. Typically, titanium dioxide is used as the basic white pigment in paint, but depending on the colour of the paint, other pigments will be added to give the paint its colour, for example, iron oxide or metallic salts.
- Resins – either natural (for example linseed or soybean oil) or synthetic (for example acrylics or epoxies) – hold all the pigments together in the paint and help it dry.
- Additives (for example calcium carbonate) act as fillers and can sometimes also act as anti-fungicidal agents.
- Solvents or water-based are either chemical-based (e.g. alcohols, acetone) or water-based liquids within the paint that make it easier to apply the paint to a surface.
For more information and to find out how paint is made, click here to view our blog post ‘How is paint made?’.
Where can you use eggshell paint?
It’s a versatile paint that can be used on walls and ceilings, woodwork (such as doors, skirting boards etc.), radiators and metal – a great alternative to emulsion or gloss with many benefits.
The additional resin within eggshell paint also makes it easier to clean as you can wipe down walls without damaging the finish or paint adhesion to the wall. This makes it an ideal candidate when choosing paint for walls in bathrooms or kitchens that can become grime hotspots. Egg shell paint also does not discolour like gloss paint does, so is a great alternative.
Where can I pick up affordable eggshell paint?
Community RePaint schemes stock a wide range of high-quality, affordable paint in full and part-full tins. This paint may have been donated by local businesses and traders or collected from Community RePaint drop-off points for householders, located at Household Waste Recycling Centres. The types of paint our schemes will have fluctuate throughout the year as the available stock will depend upon what has recently been donated to the scheme. Types of paint you can expect to find on the shelves at our schemes include:
- Eggshell
- Emulsion
- Gloss & tile paint
- Undercoat
- Primer
- Masonry
- Floor
- Exterior
- Varnished & wood stains
- Satin paint
Click here to find your nearby scheme and give them a quick call prior to visiting to find out whether they have the paint you’re after in stock.
