Are the walls in your office or home in need of a paint? Is your office bustling with people, in and out from 9-5, five days a week? Is your home filled with kids and pets running around? If the answer to both these questions is yes, then your walls are probably a little grubby and will always be prone to marks, scuffs and dirt. In this case, you’ll need to paint your interior walls with a quality washable paint to ensure durability and maintain a clean, professional look. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you find the best washable interior paint for your space.
Why Washable Paint is a Game-Changer for Busy Spaces
High-traffic areas such as office corridors, reception areas, kitchens, living rooms, and children’s playrooms are the most vulnerable to wear and tear. Standard paints may quickly show scuff marks, stains, and general dirt accumulation, making frequent repainting necessary. Washable, stain-resistant paint is the best thing since sliced bread, because as the name suggests, you can wash the walls, keeping them clean and wiping grimy marks away like they never existed. There’s also a cherry on top – VOC-free washable paints mean there is zero smell, so no headaches and no airing out the room for 24 hours. Easy and convenient!
Benefits of washable interior paint:
- Resistant to stains, fingerprints, and smudges
- Durable and capable of withstanding regular scrubbing
- Helps maintain a fresh appearance for longer
- Reduces the need for frequent repainting, saving time and money.
Key Features to Look for
In Washable Interior Paint
Not all washable paints are created equal. Here are the essential features to consider when choosing a high-quality washable paint that will perform the way you want it to:
Durability
High-traffic areas require high traffic paint solutions, that means durable paint that can be scrubbed and withstand constant contact without wearing away. Look for products labeled as scrubbable, scuff-resistant, or chip resistant like Dekade Satin Magic – water-based (available at Shaves Paint + Décor). A premium quality washable interior paint is essential for surfaces that need maximum protection, to ensure longevity and peace of mind.
Stain Resistance
Spills, splatters and stains are inevitable, especially in kitchens and other busy spaces, and are guaranteed when your children and your dogs are living their best lives in your home. The best washable paints have stain-resistant technology, like Dulux EasyCare® with Stain Resist Technology™, allowing you to wipe away marks without damaging the paint finish.
Finish
The finish is the final appearance of the paint once it’s dry. Did you know that the finish you choose not only influences the aesthetic appeal, but also impacts the durability of the paint? Satin, eggshell, and semi-gloss finishes offer a good balance of washability and style. Here’s how to choose what finish for which space:
- Matt: Offers a non-shiny, smooth and sophisticated appearance but lacks durability in heavy-traffic areas. Best suited to low-touch spaces.
- Eggshell: Named after the texture of an eggshell. This soft, low-sheen option provides more durability than matte while still being easy to clean. It is ideal for living rooms and bedrooms where a slight sheen enhances aesthetics without being too reflective.
- Satin: Smooth and silky but also durable, and easy to clean, making it an excellent choice for offices, family homes, and other frequently used areas.
- Semi-gloss: Highly durable and moisture-resistant, great for kitchens, bathrooms, and areas where regular cleaning is necessary.
- High-gloss: The most durable and stain-resistant option, often used for doors, trims, and areas that require frequent washing. However, its reflective finish may highlight wall imperfections.
Low VOC
Low-VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) stain-resistant paints, like Dekade Gold Label Matt or Dekade Gold Label Sheen are more eco-friendly and safer to use for interiors. A Zero-VOC, anti-bacterial paint like Dekade Healthcoat means that harmful emissions and odours are greatly reduced – so they’re a no-brainer if you have children, pets or there are people who use the space who have allergies, health challenges or respiratory issues.
Best Paint Options
For Children’s Rooms and Spaces
NAC Healthcoat is a smart choice for children’s spaces, combining durability with hygiene. Its unique IONACTIVE™ technology prevents bacteria, mould, and mildew, making it ideal for nurseries, playrooms, and classrooms. With zero VOCs, no solvents, and low odour, it ensures a safe environment for kids. Plus, its scrubbable surface makes cleaning up spills and stains easy-breezy, keeping walls fresh and hygienic with minimal effort.
For Offices, Bed and Breakfasts and Hotels
For busy, high-traffic environments, durability and aesthetics go hand in hand. NAC Healthcoat can be used here as well, or you can opt for Dekade Gold Label which offers a superior, washable acrylic wall coating that stands up to everyday wear. Gold Label Matt provides a smooth, low-reflective finish ideal for open-plan offices and meeting rooms, while Gold Label Sheen offers a silky, high-sheen surface that adds a professional touch to executive spaces and reception areas.
Both finishes are stain-resistant, ensuring that scuffs and marks from high foot traffic can be easily wiped away. With low odour and reduced VOCs, they create a healthier indoor environment, making them perfect for long-term office use.
For Homes
For homes where life happens in full colour, Dekade Gold Label is once again your go-to washable, durable paint. It offers a sleek yet tough finish that stands up to everyday wear, making it ideal for spaces where family and friends gather—living rooms, kitchens, and hallways. Its stain-resistant and low-dirt pick-up formulation ensures walls stay fresh and clean with just a wipe.
How to Apply Washable Paint
For Best Results
Achieving a flawless, long-lasting finish requires proper preparation and application.
Follow these steps for the best results:
Surface Preparation
- Clean walls thoroughly to remove dirt, grease, and dust.
- Repair any cracks or holes with filler and sand the surface smoothly.
- Use a primer if painting over dark colours or porous surfaces to enhance adhesion. Remember if you want a room to be completely zero VOC, your primer needs to be zero VOC too.
Painting Tips
- Use high-quality rollers and brushes for even coverage.
- Apply two coats of washable interior paint for the best durability and depth of colour.
- Allow adequate drying time between coats.
Top 3 Mistakes to Avoid
When Choosing Washable Paint
- Choosing the wrong finish – A matt finish may look elegant but is not as durable as satin or semi-gloss, which are better for heavy-use zones.
- Ignoring stain resistance – Cheaper paints may seem an appealing, cost-effective option, but cheap means they are not as durable as premium high-traffic paint solutions. Cheap paint will likely require frequent touch-ups, making it more expensive in the long run.
- Overlooking eco-friendly options – Choosing eco-friendly paint doesn’t mean compromising on quality. High-VOC paints emit odours and chemicals, which negatively impact indoor air quality and can lead to health concerns. Low-VOC alternatives offer the same durability and vibrant finishes while ensuring a safer and fresher home or workplace environment.
Why Shaves Paint is Your Go-To
Expert Advice: Advantages of Zero VOC
“The advantage of Zero VOC is that the area can be painted and used simultaneously as VOC free paint has little to no smell”
-Nick Shave, Managing Director
For Washable Interior Paints
Shaves Paint offers a wide selection of premium-quality washable paints designed for both homes and businesses. Whether you need a stain-resistant option for a busy household or a durable finish for an office environment, our washable paint range provides the answer to all your questions.
Why choose Shaves Paint?
- Expert and personalised consultation to help you select the right product
- A variety of durable and stylish finishes
- Low-VOC and eco-friendly options
- Trusted brands known for quality and longevity.
Ready to Upgrade Your Busy Space?
Let Shaves Paint Help!
Update and transform your favourite and most used spaces with the best washable interior paints available. Visit Shaves Paint + Décor today to explore our top-notch range or to speak to one of our specialists for advice tailored to your needs. Keep your walls looking clean and pristine with high-quality, durable paint options designed for hard-working, high-energy areas. See you in-store soon!
