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The Benefits of Using Washable Paint

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If you’re looking for paint that is easy to wash and can be used on interior walls, then washable paint is the perfect option for you. Washable paint is designed to be durable and easy to clean, making it a great choice for homes with children or pets or in high-traffic areas. In this blog post, we will discuss the benefits of using washable paint and provide some tips on how to choose the right washable paint for your project.

Washable wall paint is the option having kids or pets at home
When you have children or pets living with you, washable wall paint is the ideal choice for your home.

What interior paint is washable?

Quality interior paint brands offer washable paint options. These washable paints are specially formulated with added elements such as antimicrobial agents, binders, and waxes to provide extended washability, stain resistance, and a longer-lasting finish.

Generally, higher sheen paint, such as semi-gloss, is more washable; however, better quality paints like Duration or Emerald from Sherwin Williams make stain-resistant, washable paint in flat and matte finish as well. Benjamin Moore’s premium Regal and Aura product lines make great washable paint.

Use washable paint on kitchen walls, it will be easy to wash them
For a kitchen that is easy to clean, utilize washable paint on the walls.

The impact of sheen on washability

The higher the sheen, the more washable the paint will be. Generally, flat and matt finish paints are the least washable because they have no reflective qualities and don’t clean up as easily as eggshell, satin finishes and semi-gloss paints.

The higher the sheen, the more washable the paint will be
The higher the sheen, the more washable the paint will be.

Benefits of Washable paint

One benefit is that it is scuff-resistant and if you do get scuff marks you can wipe them off. Scuffs are easy to remove with very light cleaning with some water.

Washing of the wall surfaces is generally done with a clean cloth. These paints are specifically designed for high-traffic surfaces that need a durable finish such as hallways and bathrooms.

A good painting contractor will be able to help you with selecting the right paint type and will discuss what if any, cleaning products you will use.

Washable wall paint is the best option in hallways and bathrooms
For hallways and bathrooms, washable wall paint is the ideal choice – it stands up to wear and tear while ensuring your walls look great.

What is meant by washable paint?

Washable paint is designed to be durable and washable, meaning that it can resist staining from dirt and liquids. The washability varies depending on the type of washable paint you choose. For example, semi-gloss will be easier to wash than flat washable paints. The eggshell finish is a nice balance between washable and a lower gloss level that reflects less light.

What is the right washable paint and where is the best location for them?

When selecting washable paint, it’s important to look at the specific needs of your interior painting project. The best location for this paint is on walls where you want to use a lower-sheen wall paint like flat or matte. Lower gloss levels mean that the wall will not reflect light as much. The matte finish for walls is very much in style and looks great.

Another area is in the bathroom where moisture can be an issue. High-humidity areas will also need to be properly vented and should have a fan installed.

Blue colour paint in washroom
The bathroom wall is coated in a stunning shade of blue paint.

A great location for washable paints is kitchen walls. You don’t have to think very hard to realize that these walls get a lot of use

Stains and splashes are common in the kitchen walls
In the kitchen, splatters and smears are all too common on the walls.

Where do you not need washable paint?

You do not need washable paint on trim, doors, and ceilings.

Trim, including doors, will typically be painted with a water-borne alkyd, essentially an oil paint. The finish will be Satin or higher and is easier to clean and less likely to scuff.

Ceilings, generally, do not need to be washable as they are not touched by hands, or anything really. Exceptions would be bathrooms and kitchens. The best washable paint for high-traffic areas like this would be something like Benjamin Moore’s Aura paint. Designed for kitchen walls, this paint is easy to wipe off scuffs and inhibits mildew growth.

You do not need washable paint on trim, doors, and ceilings
You do not need washable paint on trim, doors, and ceilings

scrubbable paint versus washable

Washing refers to a light cleaning with a damp cloth and, possibly, a small amount of mild detergent, whereas scrubbing is more vigorous. Scrubbable paints are typically higher sheen finishes like semi-gloss or gloss that can withstand being scrubbed and will stand the wear and tear of vigorous scrub on the surface without affecting the durability of the paint.

To clean washable wall paint you can use a damp cloth
Washable paint: You can use a damp cloth and cleaner
To clean scrubbable paint you can use sponges or even a scrub brush
Scrubbable paints will stand the wear and tear of vigorous scrub on the surface without affecting the durability of the paint.

The best washable paint options

The best washable paints can be found in a range of professional paint brands like Benjamin Moore and Sherwin Williams. These brands will have paints with varying levels of washability, depending on the product/brand that you choose.

For interior painting projects that require washability, there are many options available to suit your needs.

For example, Benjamin Moore’s Aura washable paint is designed for high traffic and washability, while Sherwin Williams’ Emerald washable paint is great for washability and scrubbing.

Whichever you choose, make sure to use a professional painter who understands the nuances of interior painting. They will be able to help you select the right washable paint for your project.

There is a huge colour range of options for your washable wall paint in Benjamin Moore and Sherwin Williams
Benjamin Moore and Sherwin Williams offer a multitude of washable wall paints with an extensive range of colours to choose from!

In conclusion

If you are looking for a fresh coat of paint and need it for areas that you want to be easy to maintain and that are resistant to scuff marks then it is recommended to go with washable wall paint.

If you’re looking for a professional company to help with your interior painting project, look no further than Renaissance Paint and Carpentry! Our experienced team will work with you to select the best washable paint option for your needs. Contact us today and let’s get started on giving your home a beautiful new look!

author avatar
Eric Goodwill Owner
Meet Eric Goodwill, visionary of Renaissance, redefining aesthetics in Vancouver with 30+ years' dedication. Former platoon commander, BCIT alumnus, ensuring excellence in every project. Connect for transformative spaces!

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