WASHABILITY – Let’s Keep It Real
Let’s talk about washability. It’s a question I get all the time: “Is this paint washable?” And I get it – the idea of being able to clean your walls sounds very practical. But here’s the thing: how often do you actually wash your walls?
In all my years of painting, I’ve lost count of how many clients have told me they want a paint they can scrub. When I ask, “How often do you wash your walls?” the answer is almost always the same: “Oh, never.” So… yeah. Draw your own conclusions!
But if you’re one of the rare people who regularly washes your walls (or if you have kids or pets that force you to), then let’s break it down so you can make the best choice for your space.
Not All Paints Are Created Equal
Some paints are not washable at all. If you try to clean them, the paint will smudge, wipe off, or leave noticeable marks. Flat paints, for example, are notorious for this – they look beautiful but don’t hold up well to scrubbing.
On the other hand, some paints are not only washable but scrubbable. What’s the difference? Washable paints can handle a gentle wipe-down to remove fingerprints or smudges, but scrubbable paints can take a good old-fashioned elbow-grease scrub without losing their finish.
Do You Really Need Washable Paint?
Here’s the honest truth: If you’re not planning to wash your walls regularly, a standard paint is usually more than adequate. Most modern paints – even matte finishes – are pretty durable and can handle the occasional spot cleaning.
But if you’re painting high-traffic areas (think hallways, kitchens, or kids' playrooms), or you have sticky-fingered toddlers or muddy-pawed pets, it might be worth considering a washable or scrubbable paint. It’s nice to know you can clean it, even if you never actually do!
My Two Cents
If you’re still unsure, think about where you’re painting. Here’s my quick guide:
- Flat or Matte Paints: Gorgeous but not great for washing. Ideal for ceilings or low-traffic areas where fingerprints are rare.
- Eggshell or Satin: A happy medium – washable, durable, and great for most walls. Perfect for living rooms, dining rooms, and bedrooms.
- Semi-Gloss or Gloss: The ultimate in washability. These are perfect for trim, doors, and areas that get a lot of wear and tear. They’re super easy to clean but might feel too shiny for an entire wall.
Final Thoughts
Here’s the bottom line: Washability is a great feature, but don’t overthink it. If you’re someone who never washes their walls (and let’s be honest, most of us don’t), then a standard paint will probably do just fine. But if life happens – whether it’s kids, pets, or spaghetti sauce flying off the stove – it’s nice to know there are paints out there that can handle the mess.
So, when you’re choosing a paint, ask yourself: Am I buying this for peace of mind, or because I’m actually going to be scrubbing my walls on the regular? Either way, there’s a paint for you.
Happy painting (and maybe cleaning – but only if you really want to)!