If you didn't even know that the best washable paint existed, get ready for your world to be rocked because, it does! Yep, that means you can rub off muddy paw marks, wipe away sticky finger smudges and if you are quick enough, clean away hair dye splashes that you swear were not you. Washable wall paint is a must for high-traffic areas like hallways, boot rooms and utilities, but they are also great in kids' rooms or even for painting floorboards. It's also one of the best paints for bathrooms.
So, here we have rounded up the best washable paints available for all those rooms in your home that could do with being wipable! There are some top (but pricier) brands in here you will recognise like Dulux and Farrow & Ball, but we have also added some great budget-friendly options that get the job done just as effectively.
For more advice and inspiration head to our paint hub page and once you've chosen your paint type, check out our hallway paint ideas for colour inspiration and advice.
The best washable paint options
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While the colour pigmentation of Dulux Easycare Matt Emulsion Paint may not match up to more expensive brands like Farrow & Ball, for its durability and resistance to stains, we have to place this paint from Dulux at the top of the list of best washable paints. It's 20 times tougher than standard Dulux Matt Emulsion so, whether its sticky fingerprints or mud stains, you’ll be able to scrub your wall clean without taking off any of the paint with it. We think this is the best washable paint you can buy, especially if you're re-painting your hallway.
This is best kitchen paint on our list. Suitable for use on walls and ceilings, the Colours Kitchen Matt Emulsion Paint is the best washable paint, that's been designed for kitchens. It's available in 84 shades, so whether you are into soft pastels or bright hues, you will find something to suit your style. The matt finish is very trendy at the moment and doesn't reflect light so will look good in any room, no matter what the natural light situation. It's moisture resistant so is a great washable paint for bathrooms too, and it's grease and stain-resistant.
If quality of colour is key to you, Farrow & Ball’s Matt Estate Emulsion Paint is the best washable paint you're going to get. With the brand boasting that their paint contains more colour pigments than other emulsions, those looking for depth and richness shouldn’t be disappointed. It has a chalky, matt finish and as it’s wipeable, you can remove dirty fingerprints fairly easily. As a bonus, the formulation is eco-friendly with a low odour, while the two hour drying time means a fresher looking home in no time at all.
Looking to paint furniture or your kitchen cupboards but still want to pick a washable paint? The Dulux Quick Dry Satinwood Paint is your best bet. Its low VOC content makes it a little friendlier to work in small spaces than some more potent paints. It has a user-friendly formula too: self-undercoating, non-yellowing and wipeable, so no need to worry about grease stains or scuff marks.
Revamping your kitchen? Find out how to paint kitchen cupboards and don't miss our best kitchen cabinet paint buys.
If you require a washable paint suitable for masonry, this one from Sandtex is probably one of the best you can choose. Thanks to its microseal technology, the paint provides a dirt resistant, waterproof and breathable cover, making it more than up to the job. With up to 27 colours to choose from, you’re not limited when it comes to choosing the right colour for your hallway masonry. The best washable paint for busy rooms in your home, we think.
How to buy the best washable paint
There are three things to bear in mind when choosing the best washable paint for your home and requirements:
Finish
Depending on personal preference, washable paints come in lots of different finishes including matt and silk. Silk has a soft sheen and reflects light differently to matt, so choose a finish that matches your style.
Drying time
A quicker drying time is more ideal for those who live in a busy household – but again, this is down to personal preference as some quick-drying paints may be more expensive.
Colours available
The majority of washable paints are available in several different colours, so there's no need to settle for brilliant white – unless you want to of course.
More hallway decorating ideas:
- 10 stunning hallway wallpaper ideas
- Stylish hallway lighting ideas
- The best hallway mirrors
- Best white paint: 10 best shades and where to use them