Trade Satinwood vs. Self-Priming Eggshell: Which Wins?
We’ve put two popular finishes to the test – a Trade Satinwood paint and an Eggshell that promises you can skip the primer and undercoat altogether.
Dulux Trade Quick Dry Satinwood
First up is
Dulux Trade Quick Dry Satinwood, offering a 30% sheen finish.
We prepped part of the surface with
Dulux Aqua Uni Primer to see how it performed.
This paint is a joy to use – if you love that traditional oil-based feel, you’ll appreciate this one. Despite being water-based, it still has that smooth, solvent-like flow when applying. We applied two coats over the primer, and the finish looked beautifully even and durable.
Little Greene Intelligent Eggshell
Next, we tried Little Greene’s Intelligent Eggshell – a self-priming, water-based, multi-surface paint with a 15% sheen (slightly lower than your typical eggshell).
Although it needed three coats to achieve full coverage, it did a great job blocking out stains and preventing any bleed-through. Considering it went straight onto a stained surface without a separate primer, that’s impressive.
The big plus here is convenience – one tin, no primer, no undercoat, and you’re good to go.
The Verdict
If you’re looking for a simple, all-in-one paint, Little Greene’s Intelligent Eggshell is a great choice. But if you prefer that classic satinwood sheen and want to see just how good modern water-based paints have become, Dulux Trade Quick Dry Satinwood won’t disappoint.
Need a specific colour?
We mix both of these paints in any shade you like.
And if you’d like some expert advice, our paint and wood care specialists are always happy to help – just give us a call on 01303 477555.