Choosing Paint to Protect Walls from Scuffs, Ghosting and Marks

Since 1935, Haymes Paint, Australia's largest family-run paint business, has been crafting quality paints. We offer a comprehensive range of paints, leveraging nearly a century of expertise to meet the needs of every project. Keep reading to find out how you can get long-lasting beauty and protection for your walls by choosing the right paint.

Common Wall Issues Explained

Scuffs and Marks

Everyday activities like moving furniture, children playing, or pets brushing against walls can cause these marks. Over time, these marks make your walls look worn and untidy and are especially prevalent in high-traffic areas. Proper paint selection is the first step in avoiding paint ghosting, scuffs and other blemishes.

Ghosting

Often mistaken for mould, ghosting requires different treatment and prevention. Ghosting happens when soot and dust stick to ceilings or walls, often in straight lines and usually due to poor insulation or high humidity. Temperature differences and condensation cause this build-up of particulate matter, which can often be hard to reach and difficult to clean. 

Choosing the Right Paint Finish

Choosing the right paint finish will protect your walls and help you avoid searching how to get scuff marks off-white walls every time the kids play. Consider these main types of finishes and their applications for your next project:

• Matt/Flat: Ideal for older surfaces to hide imperfections, but not recommended for high-traffic areas due to difficulty in cleaning.
• Eggshell: Perfect for high-traffic areas. Haymes Paint Ultra Premium Eggshell provides superior durability, washability, and resistance to stains and scuffs, making it ideal for busy households and commercial spaces.
• Satin: A good choice for living rooms and hallways, offering a balance between durability and sheen.
• Semi-Gloss and Gloss: Best for doors, trims, and areas requiring frequent cleaning, like kitchens and bathrooms.

Paint Recommendations for Different Rooms

Living Areas and Hallways

For high-traffic areas, we recommend Ultra Premium Expressions® Interior paint. Its durability and ease of maintenance keep your walls looking fresh and clean. 

Kitchens and Bathrooms

Kitchens and bathrooms need moisture-resistant and mould-resistant paints. Our aptly named Ultra Premium Kitchen & Bathroom paint, formulated for high-humidity areas, offers remarkable washability and a 10-year mould and mildew protection guarantee.

Children's Rooms and High-Traffic Areas

For rooms enduring heavy wear and tear, Ultra Premium Eggshell is ideal. Its superior stain resistance and easy cleaning properties ensure even the toughest marks and scuffs wipe away effortlessly.

Maintenance and Cleaning Tips

Best Practices for Cleaning Painted Walls

Dust with a soft cloth or duster to avoid scratching the paint. For everyday cleaning, mix mild soap with warm water and avoid harsh chemicals that may damage the paint. For tougher stains, a white vinegar and water solution or a specialised wall cleaner may be necessary. 

Preventive Measures

Avoiding marks in the first place is better than having to clean constantly. Some common recommendations include things like installing door stoppers to prevent handles from marking the walls or chair rails to protect walls in dining rooms and kitchens from chair backs. Encouraging clean hands by reminding family members to wash them frequently will also help in minimising wall marks.

Understanding and Addressing Ghosting

Poor insulation, high indoor humidity, and the use of candles or oils can cause ghosting. Prevent ghosting by:

• Properly insulating walls.
• Using dehumidifiers and making sure you have good ventilation, particularly in bathrooms and kitchens.
• Limiting candle and oil use around walls to reduce soot build-up.

For existing ghosting, Ultra Premium Eggshell paint effectively covers marks. Keeping areas clean and dry reduces recurrence.

Get Expert Advice and Keep Your Walls Blemish Free

The right paint ensures your walls look beautiful, stay protected, and remain easy to maintain for years. Protect your walls from scuffs, ghosting, and marks with Haymes Paint's superior products and expert guidance. Visit your local Haymes Paint Shop for more information and personalised advice. Our expert staff can help you choose the right paint and provide tips for your painting projects.Arrange a Colour Consultation with our qualified Haymes Paint Colour Consultants for tailored recommendations, or shop online to browse our paints.