Washability and scrubbability describe how well a painted surface copes with cleaning once the paint film is dry.
It’s an important measure of durability, and will help you understand if the paint you want to use is robust enough to use in the area you’re decorating.
Paint technical data sheets may use words like washable, wipeable or scrubbable to describe cleaning durability.
How Washability is Measured
Washability is classified in technical paint documents as wet scrub resistance. It is tested using ISO 11998 and classified under EN 13300.
In the ISO 11998 test, a painted surface is scrubbed repeatedly with a wet brush. The amount of paint lost during the test is measured. Paints with the lowest paint loss are awarded the highest classes.
Washability Classes
Class 1 - Scrubbable. The most durable finish, suitable for frequent wiping, washing and scrubbing.
Class 2 - Washable. A practical choice for everyday walls that may need light cleaning with a damp cloth.
Class 3 - Light duty. Can cope with occasional gentle wiping, but marks may not fully come away.
Class 4 - Delicate. Not designed for regular cleaning and best used where walls are rarely touched.
Class 5 - Decorative only. Likely to mark, rub away or show damage if wiped.
In paint descriptions, scrubbable usually refers to the strongest cleaning performance, which means Class 1 wet scrub resistance.
Washable usually refers to solid everyday cleaning performance, which means Class 2 wet scrub resistance or better.
