COAT Eggshell is our go-to durable finish for interior woodwork, metal and trim - designed to handle the knocks, scuffs, and daily wear that walls don’t have to deal with. From skirting boards to staircases, cabinetry to doors, it delivers a smooth, hard-wearing finish that looks clean, modern, and built to last.
Eggshell is specifically formulated for interior surfaces that take a bit more impact. Think the parts of your home you touch, bump, and use every day - like doors, skirting, cabinetry, and even radiators. It's not a wall paint, but it is available in all the same colours as our wall paint range so you can get the colour-drench look easily, with added durability on the woodwork.
Formulated with the best resins - it achieves a 'Scrub Class 1' which is the highest rating availability for wash and scrub-ability. So your woodwork, panelling and cabinetry will stay looking fresh for a long time.
Low VOC, Made to Order
Made to last, and exclusively to your order - our Eggshell finish is kinder to people and the planet.
Peel & Stick Samples
Clever tester samples are 100% accurate, real paint. Move them around your room to test without the waste.
Eggshell is designed to go on easily - and more importantly, to level out as it dries. That means fewer visible brush marks and a consistently smooth finish, even on detailed woodwork:
Self-levelling formula for a smooth result
Easy to apply with brush or foam roller
Great coverage and even finish
Whether you’re decorating for the first time or doing a large-scale project, Soft Sheen offers both easy of application and a flawless finish - that lasts.
Eggshell Paint FAQs
Here are all the things we typically get asked about Eggshell paint. But if there’s something you want to know which isn’t here, please do just drop us an email at hello@coatpaints.com.
Eggshell paint is used for interior woodwork and high-contact surfaces like skirting boards, doors, panelling, and cabinets. It's also perfect for metal like radiators, and MDF. It’s tougher than wall paint, so it’s better suited to areas that get touched and bumped regularly.
The best paint for skirting boards and trim is durable, scuff-resistant, and easy to clean. COAT Eggshell is designed for exactly that - it cures to a hard finish that stands up to everyday knocks while still looking smooth and considered.
Yes - COAT Eggshell is a highly durable, hard-wearing finish. Once cured, it resists scuffs, chips, and everyday wear, making it ideal for doors, skirting boards, and staircases. You can easily scrub and clean it down, too.
Eggshell and Satin / Soft Sheen are both durable finishes, but Eggshell has a lower sheen (around 10%), so it looks softer and barely registers any shine.
No - COAT Eggshell has a low sheen level of 10%, which means it barely registers as a sheen at all. COAT Eggshell has a clean, understated look that reflects a little light without feeling shiny.
You’ll need a primer if you’re painting onto bare MDF, untreated wood, or metal. For previously painted, well-prepared surfaces, you can apply COAT Eggshell directly.
Yes - COAT Eggshell works on MDF, wood, and metal. That's exactly what it is formulated for. New or bare surfaces should be properly primed first. This helps with adhesion and ensures a smooth, long-lasting finish.
Yes - Eggshell paint is wipeable and easy to clean, making it ideal for areas that pick up marks, like skirting boards, doors, and cabinetry. It's great for hallways and boot rooms, where there's a lot of mud and mess too - as it cleans down super easily.
Typically, two coats will give you a solid, even finish. On properly prepared surfaces, COAT Eggshell provides great coverage and levels out smoothly as it dries. For richer colours like yellows and reds, a third COAT may be required as it's better to build up thinner layers with these shades.
Wall paint isn’t designed for impact. Eggshell is tougher, more durable, and better suited to high-contact areas, so your trim stays looking sharp for longer.
Absolutely - COAT Eggshell is designed to provide a smooth, durable finish that stands the test of time. It will also deal well with wiping and cleaning over time, making it ideal for high-touch projects like kitchen cabinets.
How To Paint With Eggshell
Start by cleaning the surface with warm water
Use Sugar Soap to remove any grease or dirt
Prepare the surface with a light sand
If painting MDF, bare wood/metal, then prime first
Apply 2 coats, using a brush or roller
Allow drying time of 2-4 hours between coats
Allow the paint to cure for 72 hours before wiping
Silky Smooth Application
COAT Eggshell goes on smoothly and levels as it dries, helping to minimise brush marks and create a clean, even finish. Once cured, it forms a hard, durable surface that stands up to everyday knocks, scuffs, and wear.
Our Most Popular
Eggshell Paint Colours
Explore our most-loved Eggshell shades - all designed to bring out the best in a matt, smooth finish. From soft neutrals to deeper, moodier tones, these are the colours that work beautifully with Eggshell's natural depth and smooth finish.
Don’t be fooled by ‘jack of all trade’ paints. All COAT finishes are formulated with their specific job in mind. Get perfectly flawless finish that lasts — whatever the surface.
Do I need Primer? We recommend primer for any new wood, MDF, UPVC, Vinyl, or unstable looking surfaces. You’ll also need to mist-coat brand new plaster before adding your COAT colour.