Washable or scrubbable paint: what is the difference, and which finish should you choose?

2 September 2026 4 min read

Peinture lavable ou lessivable : quelle différence et quelle finition choisir ?

Is a damp cloth enough, or can you use a mild cleaning solution to wash a painted wall or door? Behind this apparently simple question lies a more technical reality: not all paints are equal when it comes to cleaning resistance. At Argile, we help you understand the difference between washable and scrubbable paint, so you can choose the finish best suited to your daily use.

A technical classification: the ISO 11998 standard

A paint's resistance to cleaning is determined by a wet-scrub test defined by the ISO 11998 standard. This test measures the loss of paint film thickness after a series of scrubbing cycles on a smooth surface, following 28 days of drying at controlled temperature and humidity. Results fall into five categories, but only classes 1 and 2, the most resistant, correspond to paints suited to lasting interior use.

Class 1: very high resistance – less than 5 microns lost after 200 scrub cycles
Class 2: good resistance – between 5 and 20 microns lost after 200 scrub cycles

All Argile paints are rated class 1 or 2, in other words the best performing in terms of durability and resistance to scrubbing.

Washable or scrubbable paint: what is the difference?

A washable paint (class 2) withstands occasional or one-off cleaning with water, using a soft cloth or a soft, non-abrasive sponge, slightly damp, wiping gently and evenly across the surface. It is ideal for spaces that are rarely exposed to marks, rubbing, heavy traffic or frequent soiling. Melamine foam “magic” sponges should be avoided, as they are already highly abrasive.

A scrubbable paint (class 1), on the other hand, is designed for more regular and more frequent cleaning. A scrubbable paint can be washed thoroughly with water. It can be maintained and cleaned with a damp sponge and water. A mild, non-abrasive and non-corrosive cleaning product may also be used without risk of damaging the paint film. Its specific formulation gives it heightened resistance to marks, splashes and even grease.

Where should you use a scrubbable paint?

A scrubbable paint is recommended in all high-traffic areas and in areas subject to hygiene requirements or regular cleaning. It is therefore ideal for:

Kitchens, bathrooms, cloakrooms and wet rooms
Entrance halls, corridors, staircases and circulation areas
Children's bedrooms, schools and nurseries
Offices, shops, hotels, public buildings, restaurants and boutiques

It is also particularly suited to surfaces that are handled regularly, such as skirting boards, doors, dados, painted furniture, cupboards and heavily exposed walls.

Argile scrubbable finishes include:

And washable paint?

For rooms and surfaces that are less exposed to traffic and rubbing, a washable paint is enough. It is perfectly suited to:

Living rooms, dining rooms and main bedrooms
Home offices
Ceilings, where matt finishes are preferred as they absorb light and reduce reflections

Argile washable finishes include:

How do you choose between a washable and a scrubbable finish?

Before you paint, ask yourself the right questions: is the room in frequent use? Are the surfaces regularly soiled or touched? Do you need a matt, satin or velvet finish?

For frequent, intensive use, choose a scrubbable paint
For moderate use, a washable paint will do the job perfectly

And for ceilings or rooms in very light use, a matt finish remains ideal.

To support you in your Argile colour and paint project:

The Argile standard: resistance and quality of finish in Argile paints

All Argile paints are designed to deliver a beautiful, lasting result. They resist soiling well and keep the depth of their colours even after repeated cleaning. Every finish is conceived to combine technical performance with visual quality.

Discover all Argile finishes
Preparation products
Specialist ceiling paint