I know this is not the right board for this question and I understand if it has to be moved. We are having painters over today to paint our kitchen, two story foyer, hall and computer room. They brought the paint over yesterday & it's already been tinted. When dh looked at it he said he thought we had told them satin finish for the walls and semi-gloss for the trims. Well, the painters brought eggshell (or at least that is what is on the cans) and it's already been tinted.

Dh is worried about the durability because we have 3 kids and 1 on the way. How does eggshell compare with satin as far as durability? I know satin has more of a sheen than eggshell. I looked at the contract we signed and it wasn't written whether we wanted satin or eggshell. If eggshell is durable then we will live with it but if we are going to constantly get marks on the walls then I feel I need to speak up. I know some people like the look of eggshell better.

Thanks for any thoughts.

I think that the semi-gloss/satin is more durable than the eggshell. Much more easy to clean, too. When we painted our house, my husband decided to buy eggshell for the boys' room trim, even though I told him what I really wanted, and even he agrees now that it should have been semi-gloss. I'd talk to the painters about it. You are paying for a service and it should be exactly what you want.

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We don't like a lot of gloss on walls. We use flat or eggshell on walls and have never had a problem with cleaning it. Depends a lot on the color and paint brand I think. If you're having someone do it for you, just ask them about it.

We've always used eggshell on our walls also and never had any problems with the kids and washing it.

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My husband is a painter and I just called him and he said in some high quality paints eggshell and satin are very similar. They are right next to each other in the line-up of paint finishes. Semi-gloss is good for trim.

Typically, on walls maybe not including the bathroom and kitchen, you would want to stick with something more flat/matte (not shiny) bc it hides imperfections in the walls. They do make washable flats too.

As far as marks go on your walls, definitely keep some extra paint on hand bc you can always do your own touch ups. And the magic eraser works for that too.

If for some reason even after they start painting and you don't like it...SAY SOMETHING right away! They should be more than willing to accomodate you and your needs. Im not sure what their policy is of course, but, they may charge you for any new paint. If you aren't willing to pay if that is the case, eggshell should be okay. Unless your kids are splashing spaghetti sauce on the walls every night! hahahah

Goodluck! I hope it turns out the way you picture it.