5 Scrubbable Paint Options

Painting is one of the easiest and cheapest ways to transform the look of a room. And while there are countless types of paint to choose from, when it comes to interior areas that require a lot of tough cleaning and scrubbing, it’s important to find a paint that’s durable. Washable paint may sound like an obvious choice — and while it’s a smart choice for low-traffic areas that may need an occasional wipedown, scrubbable paint can take much more abuse. In rooms that require real elbow-grease to keep clean, scrubbable paints are the superior option. They’ve even been rated on a “scrubbability” scale — the durability of their coating based on the number of brush strokes it can withstand.

So whether you hire a professional painter or choose to tackle the project on your own, scrubbable paint is a wise investment to help keep your color fresh for years, particularly in these high-traffic rooms.

Bathrooms

Most bathrooms are cleaned with bleach and other harsh chemicals, and the walls near sinks and tubs are wiped down constantly. This combination of rigorous cleaning will eventually leave dull streaks on the walls unless they are coated with high-quality scrubbable paint. Benjamin Moore’s Aura Interior Paint is a trusted choice that will endure the tough scrubbing required to keep your bathroom sparkling clean.

Kitchens

This is the room most prone to spills and stains. Grease and grime build on the walls around the stove, while sticky juice spills and saucy accidents accumulate buildup near food prep and eating areas. Sherwin-Williams offers two lines of scrubbable paints that will withstand the daily clean up in a kitchen. Sherwin-Williams Emerald Paint and Primer In One offers “advanced stain-blocking technology” and the Sherwin-Williams Duration Home paint and primer features “exclusive cross-linking technology that actually repels stains.”

Kids’ Rooms

They sure know how to make an incredible mess — and not just in their own rooms. To a young child’s eye, a solid-colored wall is a canvas just begging for a Crayola masterpiece. But scrubbable paint will allow these walls to endure years of removing sea green scribbles, hardened Play-Doh, or any other sticky, gooey substance kids manage to find. Behr Premium Plus Ultra will resist moisture, fading, and stains, making it a fantastic choice for children’s rooms, crafting areas, or any other space where children will be spending a lot of time.

Appliance Paint

Scrubbable paint is also a useful, economical way to breathe new life into an old and faded appliance. There is no need to purchase a new refrigerator, stove, or dishwasher if they are still functioning well. If your appliance is starting to look particularly drab from years of wiping down grease or other kitchen-related spills, Krylon Appliance Epoxy delivers a new, durable, scrubbable finish for a fraction of the cost of a new appliance. Available in white, black, almond, or bisque, sprucing up your appliance with scrubbable paint is a cost-effective solution for a bright, noticeable update. This project is an especially great idea for the homeowner who is trying to sell but does not want to spend money on costly new appliances.

Bottom Line

When shopping for a scrubbable paint, it’s important to remember that scrubbable is not the same as washable. Washable paint is meant for low-traffic areas that will need an occasional clean-up, while scrubbable paint is designed for high-traffic areas with a lot of mess potential. Scrubbable paint will likely cost more than other varieties, but in the long run, it will be more cost-effective to invest in the higher quality, longer-lasting finish.

There are many high-quality brands to choose from when it is time to purchase scrubbable paint. Benjamin Moore, Sherwin-Williams, Valspar, and Glidden are just a few examples of paint vendors with outstanding reputations for high-quality products.