Easily washable paint – what does it mean in practice? Dekoral expert explains

Manufacturers offer many paints that are described as "easily washable" or "scrub-resistant". What does this mean in practice? What properties must this type of product have? Dekoral brand manager – Anna Łatoszyńska – suggests what to pay attention to on product packaging.

Abrasion or scrubbing resistance is one of the most important criteria for choosing paint. Especially if the walls to be painted are located in a room particularly exposed to dirt. Unfortunately, the terms paint on product packaging - latex, "scrubable" or washable - do not necessarily mean that an attempt to wash it will not result in discoloration, streaks and unsightly stains.

Where to check paint resistance?

When choosing a paint, it is worth reading the technical data sheet, which contains markings characterizing a given product in terms of resistance. Currently, there are two methods for determining abrasion resistance on the market - these are the PN-EN 13300 and PN-C-81914:2002 standards. The first class distinguishes 5 classes: from V, which means very poor abrasion resistance, to I, which allows for frequent washing and wet scrubbing. Therefore, in rooms exposed to pollution, paints with resistance class I or II will provide the greatest comfort of use.

In the case of the PN-C-81914:2002 standard, three types of resistance are distinguished: I - paints resistant to wet scrubbing, II - paints resistant to washing and III - paints resistant to dry rubbing. Also in this case, choosing type I guarantees great convenience in washing or scrubbing the painted wall without fear of damaging it.

Which product should I choose?

For rooms with heavy use and an increased risk of dirt, such as a corridor, hall, staircase or kitchen, it is worth choosing a product that is particularly resistant to repeated washing or wiping. Latex paints have the best parameters in this respect. Walls painted with this type of paint are less susceptible to fingerprints, and frequent washing does not destroy the smooth and flexible coating.

The Dekoral brand's offer includes, among others: Akrylit W latex paints for walls and ceilings (class III according to PN-EN 13300). The product can be chosen from a wide range of colors - snow-white or one of 77 eye-catching colors - including 5 new ones, available this year.

An example of a paint with the highest resistance is Bathroom & Kitchen by Dekoral (class I according to PN-EN 13300), which is intended for painting walls and ceilings in rooms such as: bathrooms, kitchens, halls, staircases, as well as basements, swimming pools, bakeries and laundries, which are particularly exposed to dirt, mold growth and moisture.