A lived-in home is a good home. But life has a habit of showing up on your walls, especially in the spaces you move through every day. Fingerprints along a hallway, scuff marks behind dining chairs, and the odd splash near a kitchen bench. Over time, even carefully chosen colours can start to look tired sooner than expected.

Haymes Paint has been developing interior paints in Australia since 1935. We understand that a wall finish needs to do more than look good on day one. It needs to cope with everyday wear, regular cleaning, and the realities of busy homes. That’s where washable, stain-resistant paints with the right level of sheen make a real difference.

Learn what makes a paint truly washable, why low-sheen and eggshell finishes are effective in high-use areas, and how to choose the right option for rooms that need frequent cleaning.

Why busy homes mark walls so quickly

High-traffic areas are constantly brushed past, leaned on, or cleaned. Over time, that contact adds up. The places that tend to show wear first are usually the same in every home:

• Hallways and entryways where bags, prams and shoulders pass daily
• Living areas where furniture shifts and light falls across large wall surfaces
• Kitchens and dining spaces where steam, splashes and frequent wipe-downs are unavoidable
• Bathrooms and laundries where moisture lingers longer than you’d like

When walls start to look patchy or worn, it’s easy to assume the paint itself is at fault. In many cases, it’s not the colour or even the application. It’s that the finish wasn’t designed to be cleaned as often as the room demands. That distinction matters more than most people realise.

Why some paints change appearance after cleaning

A common frustration is wiping a mark away, only to notice the area now looks different to the rest of the wall. Slightly shinier. Slightly duller. Sometimes both, depending on the light.

This effect, often referred to as burnishing, happens when a paint film isn’t built to handle repeated contact or cleaning. The surface is altered by friction, even when you’re careful. Importantly, this isn’t a cleaning mistake. It’s a mismatch between how the space is used and what the paint was designed to do.

In rooms that need regular cleaning, washability is essential.

What actually makes a paint washable

Not all washable paints perform the same way. True washability comes from the strength and durability of the paint film, not just the sheen level.

A paint suited to frequent cleaning should offer:

• Strong resistance to stains and scuffs so marks don’t embed
• High scrub resistance so the surface doesn’t break down with repeated wiping
• Minimal change in appearance after cleaning, helping walls stay consistent

This is why finish choice plays such a big role. Very flat finishes can struggle in busy areas. Higher gloss finishes clean easily but can highlight imperfections. Low sheen and eggshell finishes sit between the two, combining a softer appearance with durability designed for real use.

For a deeper look at sheen selection, read When to use Low Sheen, Eggshell or Semi Gloss Paint.

Why low sheen and eggshell finishes work well in everyday spaces

Modern low-sheen and eggshell paints have evolved significantly. They’re no longer the fragile finishes many people remember. Advances in formulation now allow these finishes to offer impressive durability while maintaining a refined, low-reflective look.

In practical terms, this means:

• Walls are easier to clean without visible patchiness
• Glancing light in hallways and corridors is softened rather than amplified
• Minor surface imperfections are less noticeable

For family homes and high-traffic areas, this balance between appearance and performance is often the most comfortable place to land.

Ultra Premium Eggshell for high-traffic interior walls

When walls are constantly brushed past or cleaned, but you still want a considered finish, Ultra Premium Eggshell Interior is a smart choice.

Designed for high-traffic interior areas, this advanced eggshell finish offers exceptional stain, scuff and scrub resistance at a low lustre. It’s particularly well suited to spaces where durability matters, but a hard shine would feel out of place.

Ultra Premium Eggshell is ideal for:

• Hallways and stairwells
• Entryways and foyers
• Living rooms and dining areas
• Busy family zones

Its low-reflective finish helps soften glancing light, while its washability allows everyday marks to be removed without compromising the look of the wall.

Ultra Premium Kitchen & Bathroom for moisture-prone rooms

Kitchens and bathrooms place extra demands on wall finishes. Along with frequent cleaning, there’s steam, condensation and fluctuating humidity to contend with.

Ultra Premium Kitchen & Bathroom Interior Low Sheen is designed specifically for these conditions. It combines durability and washability with added protection features that suit wet areas and high-use rooms alike.

Key benefits include:

• Exceptional washability so marks can be cleaned without leaving a trace
• A durable low-sheen finish with strong film properties
• Resistance to mould and mildew, supported by a 10-year mould and mildew protection guarantee
• Bacterial resistance to help limit bacterial build-up

This makes it a reliable option for kitchens, bathrooms, laundries and powder rooms, as well as any interior space where moisture and regular cleaning go hand in hand.

Choosing the right paint for each room

If you’re deciding between finishes, the simplest approach is to match the paint to how the room behaves.

Choose Ultra Premium Eggshell Interior when:

• The space is high traffic but not consistently humid
• You want a low-lustre finish for living areas and corridors
• Scuffs and everyday contact are the main concern

Choose Ultra Premium Kitchen & Bathroom Interior Low Sheen when:

• The room experiences steam or condensation
• You want added mould and mildew resistance
• Walls will be cleaned frequently

Getting the most from washable wall paints

Even the toughest interior paint benefits from good preparation and early care.

Before painting, ensure surfaces are clean, dry and free from grease or residue. Address any existing mould in wet areas thoroughly. Apply the recommended number of coats to build a durable paint film.

Once painted, allow adequate curing time before heavy cleaning. For Kitchen & Bathroom Interior Low Sheen, new paintwork should not be exposed to steam or condensation for 72 hours, and abrasive contact should be avoided for the first seven days. After that, gentle cleaning with a soft cloth and mild detergent is all that’s required.

Starting gently and avoiding harsh scrubbing helps maintain an even finish over time.

Walls that support everyday living

Walls don’t need to be precious to stay looking good. With the right paint choice, they can handle everyday life without demanding constant touch-ups or careful cleaning.

By choosing a washable, stain-resistant finish suited to how each room is used, you give your walls the best chance of staying fresh, even and inviting for years to come.

Explore the Ultra Premium interior range, or find your nearest Haymes Paint stockist for advice on choosing the right paint for your home.