flat vs. eggshell - Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum

Traditions · 04-09-2007, 06:31 AM

what do you all use more of. I have been doing basically new construction the last few years. I always recommend an eggshell. However, most new homes I go into have flat in them. I did a huge staircase with a monster window behind it in eggshell this past week. I had a hell of a time with it. Kept seeing my marks. Would most people use a flat in this situation. I like the look of eggshell. Just seems like most contractors are putting flat in their homes to cover crap up.

Exroadog · 04-09-2007, 07:03 AM

I'd go matte! Split it. I personelly like flat, never have liked shiney walls. Most flats are hard to clean but i've had good luck with Regal flat wall finish. I generally talk them into the Matte though. Washable yet helps in hiding the flashing of bad drywall!

KellyPainting · 04-09-2007, 07:15 AM

Matte is just another name for flat... right?
like blanco is spanish for white?

Always use flat when possible, especially in new construction. The difference is that when you fix anything with mud or caulk it will flash
when painted with eggshell, unless you prime first (adding more work)
with flat you do not have to. Also when painting with eggshell you must keep a wet edge and roll each wall as it's cut in...before it dries otherwise you will have lines or marks (or flashing). Also some new self primeing products like super hide ben moore is not recomended to be top coated with any sheen level. And if not for all that.... flat can be touched up
when eggshell.. the whole wall must be painted again.

Traditions · 04-09-2007, 08:04 AM

I hate long walls and windows.

MakDeco · 04-09-2007, 08:15 AM

Mostly re paints here and most women want eggshell. I have a disclaimer in my proposals that states, using eggshell (or shinier) paints may cause imperfections that weren't previously noticed to become visible (most builders flat hides bad taping on large walls) and I am not responsible for them. I can charge to fix them, charge them to repaint in flat etc...

I try talking them into flat or matte. Most damn interior decorators that I have worked with on jobs even architects spec eggshell or even pearl! Please stop doing that ! (just tell people to control there kids and not touch the damn walls all the time.)

Also the eggshell I use from P&L says aqua matte on it (red Seal) it is not as shiny as BM's velvet and some others out there.

Traditions · 04-09-2007, 08:27 AM

I've used duration home matte finish. It looks as shiny as eggshell to me. I was thinking about doing walls in eggshell except stairways, long walls with windows, etc.

Exroadog · 04-09-2007, 08:27 AM

[quote=KellyPainting;224005]Matte is just another name for flat... right?
like blanco is spanish for white?

Nope. Its in between flat and egg.

**slickshift** · 04-09-2007, 08:29 AM

The past few years it's been a trend toward eggshell
I'd say it's at the point now where I paint more walls eggshell then flat

I'm sure most builders prefer and use flat
But with re-paints, I do what the customer wants

aspenpainting · 04-09-2007, 11:28 AM

Flat on new construction and it eggshell on interior repaints for me. Seems homeowners always go for the eggshell im going to try to push for more flat though.

Traditions · 04-09-2007, 11:36 AM

with scrubbable flats it should be easier to convince. I would rather have flat in my own house. If i scuff the wall with eggshell I have to reroll the whole wall. If i scuff flat I can simply touch it up. Paint with more sheen isn;t exactly scrubbable in my opinion. Sometimes when you try to scrub a eggshell, satin, or semi, it leaves a smudge. With flat it usually dries flat or you can just touch it up.

DeanV · 04-09-2007, 03:35 PM

In my area, the trend is definitely the washable flats/matte.

Workaholic · 04-09-2007, 06:02 PM

I mostly do flats, I am doing a touch up right now, should be out tomorrow. the house is 7000 sqft all eggshell except closets.

George Z · 04-09-2007, 06:11 PM

From the bilingual Canada:

"Matte" is French for flat.
Kelly is right.

On our labels it says Flat on one side,
Matte on the other.

The word can take a meaning of it's own, like calling sponging "faux"

But really, Matte means flat.

We use about 50% washable flats, the rest Eggshell or Pearl

Exroadog · 04-09-2007, 06:21 PM

I'm sure you are right George. But BM Matte painted next to flat has a slight sheen compared to the flat. If its got a sheen....it aint flat..IMO.

I remember being up in Cold Lake Alberta for a month and the first time I went grocery shopping I was pissed cause I couldnt read the labels. Then I realized you just turn the can around and its written in English.

amauri · 04-09-2007, 06:29 PM

The flat finish is nicer anyway.When the my costumers of repaintings see the result she/he is always happier than when we use egg****.

KellyPainting · 04-09-2007, 06:39 PM

Ya, your right.... at ben moore there is flat and matte
but some other paints there is only flat matte..like behr for instance.

George Z · 04-09-2007, 06:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Exroadog

I'm sure you are right George. But BM Matte painted next to flat has a slight sheen compared to the flat. If its got a sheen....it aint flat..IMO.

I remember being up in Cold Lake Alberta for a month and the first time I went grocery shopping I was pissed cause I couldnt read the labels. Then I realized you just turn the can around and its written in English.

I had an older Scottish Painter working for me years ago.
He only poured the paint and wiped his brush on the French side of the can.

MakDeco · 04-09-2007, 06:54 PM

Ralph Lauren's matte is there flat also and let me tell ya I saw it once on a wall and its shiny like eggshell so IMO RL doesn't make a flat!

THINKPAINTING · 04-09-2007, 08:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Traditions

with scrubbable flats it should be easier to convince. I would rather have flat in my own house. If i scuff the wall with eggshell I have to reroll the whole wall. If i scuff flat I can simply touch it up. Paint with more sheen isn;t exactly scrubbable in my opinion. Sometimes when you try to scrub a eggshell, satin, or semi, it leaves a smudge. With flat it usually dries flat or you can just touch it up.

Ever try and wash the so called washable paints .....remember Ever Clean from SW.....Now its Ben Moore Matte finish for 30 dollars a gallon

Pro Mar 200 or Super Spec from ben moore cover just as well and wash as well.

Super Spec Egg from Ben Moore is a nice product. I will take flat in hallways anyday......baths and kitchens egg......

boman47k · 04-09-2007, 08:56 PM

I think Lowe's has matte beteen flat and eggshell in the sample display on the paint counter. Just an observation.