Best washable paint: 5 practical picks for hallways, kitchens, playrooms and more

Our selection of the best washable paints are ideal for high-traffic areas that need to be wiped clean, or muddy paws and sticky fingers

a grey hallway with a white bannister and leather chair, to illustrate the best washable paint options
(Image credit: Nest)

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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a pot of Dulux Easycare Matt Emulsion Paint, the best washable paint you can buy:

1. Dulux Easycare Matt Emulsion Paint

Best washable paint you can buy: the ideal paint for hectic households

Specifications

Best for : Walls and ceilings
Finish : Matt
Drying time: 12 hours
Coverage: Up to 13m²/litre
Colours available: 65

Reasons to buy

+
Stain repellent 
+
Scrubbable 

Reasons to avoid

-
Long drying time 

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. 

the Colours Kitchen Matt Emulsion Paint in a pot

2. Colours Kitchen Matt Emulsion Paint

The best washable paint for kitchens: now you can admit that those splashes aren't part of your kitchen design

Specifications

Best for: Kitchen walls
Finish: Matt
Drying time: 4 hours
Coverage: Up to 14m² per litre
Colours available: 84

Reasons to buy

+
 Huge range of shades to choose from 
+
 Non-reflective finish 

Reasons to avoid

-
True colour may not match how your monitor displays it online, so be sure to pick up a sample pot

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. 

a pot of Farrow & Ball Matt Estate Emulsion Paint, the best washable paint for colour range

3. Farrow & Ball Matt Estate Emulsion Paint

Best washable paint for colour range: it may be expensive but you’ll probably find their colour quality hard to beat

Specifications

Best for: Colour range
Finish: Matt
Drying time: 2 hours
Coverage: Between 60 - 70m² per 5 litres
Colours available: 132

Reasons to buy

+
 Deep, rich colours 

Reasons to avoid

-
Bit more pricey

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. 

The best washable paint for furniture and cupboards

4. Dulux Quick Dry Satinwood Paint

The best washable paint for furniture and cupboards: for easy room updates

Specifications

Best for: Cupboards and furniture
Finish: Satin
Drying time: Up to 6 hours
Coverage: 16m² per litre
Colours available: 19

Reasons to buy

+
 Self-undercoating and wipeable formula 
+
 Low VOC content 

Reasons to avoid

-
None!

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

a pot of the Sandtex Matt Masonry Paint

5. Sandtex Matt Masonry Paint

Best washable paint for high traffic areas: if you have exposed stone or brick to paint this masonry paint is dirt resistant

Specifications

Best for: High traffic areas
Finish: Matt
Drying time: 3-4 hours
Coverage: Up to 16 m² per litre
Colours available: 27

Reasons to buy

+
 Breathable and waterproof 

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:

Annie Collyer
Head Ecommerce Editor

Hi! I'm Annie, and I'm the Head Ecommerce Editor at Real Homes. I've been part of the Real Homes team since 2018, when I joined as Deals Editor. Along with covering major sales events — from Black Friday to Amazon Prime Day — I review home must-haves so that you can buy with peace of mind. Mostly focusing on home fragrance and sleep, as well as a few vacuum cleaners, I've tested pretty much every item you can think of that you need in your home. I live on the outskirts of the city in a two-bed apartment with my husband and my pug, Doug. So I am always searching for compact alternatives and ways to save floor space. What about when I am not typing away? Well, you'll find me enjoying an iced coffee (no matter the season) and trying out the latest brunch spots the city has to offer, or booking my next holiday. Where else can you find my words? Livingetc, Homes & Gardens, Ideal Home, Gardeningetc, and Woman & Home.

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