Eggshell paint is a versatile and increasingly popular choice for industrial applications due to its perfect balance of durability and aesthetic appeal. This guide covers everything you need to know about eggshell paint, from its unique properties to the best application techniques.
What is Eggshell Paint?
Eggshell paint is named for its subtle, low-sheen finish that resembles the surface of an actual eggshell. This versatile finish falls between matt and satin on the gloss scale, typically with a 10-25% gloss level. In industrial settings, eggshell paint is valued for its balance of durability and professional appearance, making it ideal for metal surfaces that require both protection and visual appeal.
Ultrimax Black Eggshell/Satin is a primer finish coating that offers excellent durability and a smooth satin/matt eggshell finish in just one coat. A standout feature of this product is its anti-corrosive properties, allowing it to be used as a primer or final topcoat for metal surfaces. The easy-to-apply 1-pack system is quick-drying and can be force dried with IR equipment. It can also be applied to galvanized and aluminium surfaces after preparation with 2K etch or mordant wash.
If you're looking for a similar one-coat solution but prefer a high gloss finish and more colour options, consider Ultrimax 1 - our high build acrylic-based primer and topcoat system. Like the eggshell variant, it's a 1K metal paint that requires no hardener and can be applied directly from the tin by brush, spray, or roller. What sets Ultrimax 1 apart is its glossy 70-80% finish and availability in any RAL or British Standard colour - mixed in-house to your exact specifications. It contains zinc phosphate anti-corrosive properties, dries hard in 2-3 hours, and is perfect for plant machinery, construction work, and fleet spray painting where you need both protection and a high-gloss decorative finish.
Drying Times for Eggshell Paint
Understanding drying times is crucial for efficient industrial operations and achieving optimal results. Industrial eggshell paint typically follows these drying steps:
- Touch Dry Time: 2-4 hours under standard conditions (20°C, 65% relative humidity)
- Recoat Time: 4-6 hours minimum between coats
- Full Cure: 7-14 days for complete chemical cure and maximum performance
- Force Drying: Can be accelerated using infrared (IR) heating systems, reducing touch-dry time to 30-60 minutes
Several factors influence drying times including temperature, humidity, film thickness, and ventilation. In industrial settings, controlled environmental conditions and force-drying equipment can significantly optimise production schedules. Proper drying is essential as insufficient cure time can lead to poor adhesion of coats and reduced overall performance.
What is eggshell paint used for?
Eggshell paint is the perfect choice when specific performance criteria and aesthetic requirements align:
Corrosion Protection Requirements: When moderate to high corrosion resistance is needed without the expense of specialised high-performance coatings, eggshell paint with anti-corrosive elements provide excellent value.
Aesthetic Considerations: Projects requiring a contemporary, professional appearance while maintaining functionality benefit from eggshell's subtle sheen and smooth finish.
Maintenance Accessibility: Applications where regular cleaning and maintenance are required favour eggshell finishes due to their cleanability and touch-up capabilities.
Multi-Coat Systems: When designing primer-topcoat systems, eggshell paint serves excellently as either a primer base for additional coatings or as a single-coat solution.
Budget Constraints: Projects requiring good performance at competitive costs find eggshell paint offers superior value compared to high-gloss or specialised coatings.
How to apply eggshell paint
Professional application of industrial eggshell paint requires attention to proper techniques and environmental conditions:
Surface Preparation: Critical for optimal performance. Surfaces must be clean, dry, and free from oil, grease, and loose material. For galvanised and aluminium surfaces, appropriate etching or mordant wash preparation is essential for proper adhesion.
Application Methods:
- Brush Application: Suitable for detailed work and touch-ups, using high-quality synthetic brushes
- Roller Application: Efficient for larger flat surfaces, using medium-nap rollers for optimal coverage
- Spray Application: Most efficient for large-scale operations, providing uniform coverage and professional finish quality
Environmental Conditions: Apply within temperature range of 10-35°C with relative humidity below 85%. Avoid application in direct sunlight or when rain is expected within the curing period.
Film Thickness: Maintain recommended dry film thickness of 40-60 microns per coat for optimal performance. Use wet film thickness gauges during application to ensure consistency.
Eggshell vs. Satin Paint: Understanding the Differences
While often used interchangeably, eggshell and satin paints have distinct characteristics important in industrial applications:
Gloss Levels:
- Eggshell: 10-25% gloss, providing subtle sheen
- Satin: 25-35% gloss, offering more pronounced reflectivity
Durability Characteristics:
- Eggshell: Moderate durability, easier to touch up
- Satin: Higher durability, better scrub resistance
Appearance:
- Eggshell: More matte appearance, hides surface imperfections better
- Satin: More reflective, shows surface irregularities more readily
Maintenance:
- Eggshell: Easier to maintain uniform appearance during touch-ups
- Satin: More resistant to staining but harder to achieve invisible repairs
Cost Considerations:
- Eggshell: Generally, more economical
- Satin: Slightly higher cost but potentially longer service life
In industrial applications, the choice between eggshell and satin often depends on the specific service environment, maintenance requirements, and aesthetic preferences. Eggshell paint typically provides the best balance for most industrial applications where moderate durability and professional appearance are required.
Technical Specifications and Performance
Industrial eggshell paint systems must meet stringent performance criteria:
Adhesion: Excellent adhesion to properly prepared steel, aluminium, and galvanised surfaces when appropriate primers or surface treatments are used.
Chemical Resistance: Good resistance to mild chemicals, oils, and industrial atmospheres typical in manufacturing environments.
Weather Resistance: UV stability and moisture resistance suitable for exterior applications in moderate climates.
Temperature Performance: Service temperatures typically ranging from -20°C to +80°C depending on specific formulation.
Coverage Rates: Typically, 8-12 square meters per litre depending on surface texture and application method
When should I use Eggshell paint?
If you're wondering when to use Eggshell paint, consider using it when you want a durable and professional finish without the expense of specialised coatings. This type of paint is great for metal surfaces that need to resist corrosion while still looking good, such as gates, railings, and general steelwork. Ultrimax eggshell finish is particularly useful when you want a product that can serve as both a primer and topcoat, saving you time and money. It's also ideal for easy touch-ups and regular maintenance, as its subtle sheen can hide minor imperfections while still being cleanable.
If you need a quick turnaround on your projects, Eggshell paint is a great choice due to its fast-drying properties and compatibility with IR force-drying methods. Overall, Eggshell paint provides a perfect balance of durability, professional appearance, and cost-effectiveness for industrial metal applications.
For technical support or specific application guidance, contact our Total Paint Shop Support team - we're here to help with your industrial coating requirements across the UK & Ireland.