What is the Easiest Paint Finish to Clean?

Are you ready to repaint your interior walls and are considering what finish to use? You may be thinking that you need to steer clear of a certain finish, due to difficulty keeping the surface clean. Many homeowners face this common misconception and it can be confusing to know which paint product and finish is the best for your project, which is why we are here to help.

Brush & Roll Painting, is a trusted residential painting company serving Omaha, NE since 1996. With a steadfast commitment to excellence in prep work and the utilization of premium-grade products, we've been guiding homeowners through their painting projects with expertise and care for nearly three decades. 

In this article we'll delve into the misconception of the washability of paint finishes, comparing it to other finishes and revealing the secrets behind true washability and durability. By the end of this guide, you'll have a comprehensive understanding of how to select the best stain-resistant paint for your needs, ensuring your walls remain beautiful and easy to maintain for years to come.

Washable Paint Finishes

The truth is any paint finish can be easily washable. The secret isn’t in the finish, it’s in the paint product quality.

An eggshell, satin, gloss, or flat finish paint product may not be washable if a low-quality, inexpensive paint is used. But if a higher-end, stain-resistant paint is used in any finish, the surface will be washable.

High-end paints aren’t for every project, maybe you don’t need your paint to be easily cleaned because it is a low-traffic space. However, it's important to remember that accidents happen. You might not intend to spill or stain your interior wall, but it’s always a possibility that shouldn’t be ruled out. 

Investing in premium-grade paints from reputable brands will ensure lasting beauty and performance when you need it the most. While the price is higher initially for high-end paint products, the lasting results and durability pay off in the long run. 

These paints are engineered with advanced technologies and quality ingredients that enhance their durability and clean-ability. These paints are best used for high-traffic areas, as they tend to catch more stains and spills.

Learn more and compare technologies and ingredients in low quality vs high quality paint. 

Many low-quality paints may promise washability but fail to deliver. These paints may contain inferior ingredients compromising durability and longevity, leading to frequent repainting and added expenses. 

To get the best results for your project, you should look beyond surface-level assumptions about paint finishes and instead focus on the quality and performance characteristics of the paint itself.

The Importance of Stain-Resistant Paint

Stain-resistant paint is the underdog in the world of interior painting. Stain-resistant paint is specifically formulated to repel stains and resist damage.

Stain-resistant paint contains additives that create a protective barrier on the surface, making it easier to clean and maintain. Stain-resistant paint should be easy to clean spills and stains off of. A simple cleaning solution and a cloth should be all it takes to get rid of wall stains.

This innovative technology ensures that your walls remain fresh and vibrant for years, even in high-traffic areas or homes with children and pets.

Choosing the Best Stain-Resistant Paint For You

When selecting the best stain-resistant paint for your home, several factors come into play. Look for paints specifically formulated to repel stains and resist wear, even in high-traffic areas. 

The top 3 paint products on the market that are stain-resistant:

• Aura by Benjamin Moore
• Regal Select by Benjamin Moore
• Emerald by Sherwin Williams

Choosing the Best Easy-To-Clean Finish Interior Rooms

1. High-Traffic Areas (e.g., Hallways, Entryways) Paint Finishes

• • Recommended Finish: Semi-gloss or satin finish.
  • Reasoning: These areas serve as the first impression of your home, so you may want a finish that not only offers durability but also enhances the overall aesthetic. Whether you prefer the sleek look of semi-gloss, the subtle elegance of eggshell, or the matte sophistication of a flat finish, high-quality paint ensures your walls maintain their beauty while withstanding frequent cleaning.

2. Kitchens and Bathrooms Paint Finishes

• • Recommended Finish: Semi-gloss or satin finish.
  • Reasoning: In these functional spaces, where style meets utility, your choice of finish can contribute to the overall design scheme. Whether you opt for the reflective sheen of satin or the understated charm of eggshell, high-quality paint ensures your walls remain both visually appealing and easy to clean, allowing you to enjoy your kitchen and bathroom without compromising on aesthetics.

3. Living Room and Bedrooms Paint Finishes

• Recommended Finish: Eggshell or satin finish.
• Reasoning: In rooms meant for relaxation and entertainment, the choice of finish can influence the mood and atmosphere. Whether you prefer the soft sheen of satin for a touch of luxury, the velvety texture of eggshell for a cozy feel, or the understated elegance of matte for a calming effect, high-quality paint ensures your walls complement the aesthetic of your living room and bedrooms while remaining durable and washable for easy maintenance.

4. Children's Rooms and Playrooms Paint Finishes

• Recommended Finish: Satin or eggshell finish.
• Reasoning: These spaces often showcase vibrant colors and playful themes, so your choice of interior finish can enhance the overall look and feel. Whether you opt for the durability of satin to withstand the antics of little ones, the soft sheen of eggshell to add depth to colorful walls, or the matte finish for a more subdued backdrop, high-quality paint ensures your children's rooms and playrooms maintain their style while providing durability.

5. Home Offices and Study Area Paint Finishes

• Recommended Finish: Matte or eggshell finish.
• Reasoning: In spaces dedicated to work and concentration, the choice of finish can influence productivity and focus. Whether you prefer the clean, modern look of satin, the timeless elegance of eggshell, or the minimalist appeal of matte, high-quality paint ensures your home offices and study areas not only inspire creativity but also offer easy clean-ability for a clutter-free environment.

6. Dining Room Paint Finishes

• • Recommended Finish: Eggshell or satin finish.
  • Reasoning: As a space for gathering and entertaining, the dining room calls for finishes that enhance its aesthetic appeal while offering practicality. Whether you prefer the subtle sheen of eggshell to highlight architectural details, the lustrous finish of satin to create a sense of opulence, or the matte texture for a more subdued elegance, high-quality paint ensures your dining room remains a stylish and inviting space for sharing meals with loved ones. With the potential for food and drink spills, easy clean-ability is essential. 

Easy to Clean Paint Finish

Reflecting on the past misconception that some finishes are more challenging to clean than others, many homeowners have faced uncertainty and frustration when selecting the right paint finish for their interior walls. The fear of constant maintenance and difficulty in keeping surfaces pristine has often led to hesitation in choosing these finishes, despite their aesthetic appeal.

Through this article, you have learned that the key to achieving washable and durable walls lies not in the finish itself, but in the selection of high-quality, stain-resistant paints. By understanding this crucial distinction, you can make informed decisions and confidently embark on your painting projects, knowing that you can achieve both beauty and longevity on your interior paint. 

At Brush & Roll Painting, we have painted thousands of interiors in Omaha since 1996 and have found products that homeowners love. We know high-end interior paint products may not be the best choice for every project, but we don’t want anyone to make any mistakes when it comes to investing in their home.

So, we created an interior painting project checklist. This checklist helps you be confident through every step of an interior project.