We Tested 4 Washable Paints—Here are the Best Ones for High-Traffic Walls
If you run a medical or dental clinic, you already know: patients aren’t the only ones leaving marks behind. Scuffs from rolling carts, fingerprints in the waiting room, disinfectants sprayed daily on every wall… and suddenly those “freshly painted” walls look like they survived a kindergarten food fight. So after using different paints in Medical, dental, Funeral homes, and kids childcaare facilities here is what we found after We Tested 4 Washable Paints—Here are the Best Ones for High-Traffic Walls
So what’s the best paint for medical offices? The kind you can actually clean without repainting every six months. We’ll break down the top washable paints, what makes them different, and how to choose the right one for your clinic.
Why Washable Paint Even Matters
In homes, paint is mostly about color. In clinics? It’s about survival.
- Constant cleaning: Hospitals and offices disinfect daily. Some paints can’t handle bleach wipes or hospital-grade cleaners.
- High traffic: Patients, staff, wheelchairs, carts — walls take a beating.
- Professional image: Peeling or stained walls don’t exactly scream “trust us with your health.”
👉 That’s why washable paints are a game changer. They don’t just look good — they stay good.
The Top Washable Paints for Medical Offices
Here’s what we recommend (and yes, we’ve used these on real clinic projects):
1. Sherwin-Williams Scuff Tuff
- Designed to resist scuffs, stains, and everyday abuse.
- Cleans up with soap and water — even after disinfectants.
- Comes in matte → satin sheens, so you’re not stuck with shiny hospital walls.
Best for: High-traffic areas like waiting rooms, hallways, and exam room walls.
2. Benjamin Moore Scuff-X
- One of the most durable interior paints out there.
- Laughs in the face of shoe marks and backpack scrapes.
- Available in eggshell, matte, satin, semi-gloss.
Best for: Dental offices, kids’ clinics, or anywhere you need durability without industrial vibes.
3. Sherwin-Williams Emerald Interior (Matte or Satin)
- Premium line — high hide, smooth finish.
- Zero VOCs + washable = safer for staff/patients.
- Emerald Matte in particular balances washability + no-shine look.
Best for: Executive offices, waiting rooms, areas where aesthetics matter as much as durability.
4. Benjamin Moore Aura
- Ultra-washable with rich color depth.
- Expensive, but worth it when color and performance both matter.
Best for: Reception and feature walls where design + cleanability both count.
Real Talk: What These Paints Cost
No fluff, here’s ballpark numbers:
- Scuff Tuff: $65–$70 per gallon
- Scuff-X: $70–$80 per gallon
- Emerald: $75–$85 per gallon (watch for Sherwin free upgrade promos)
- Aura: $80–$90 per gallon
👉 A typical medical office repaint (2,000–3,000 sq ft) runs $7,500–$12,000, depending on prep, repairs, and number of coats. Paint is only 10–15% of that cost — the rest is labor and surface prep.
FAQ: Washable Paints in Clinics
Q: Can I use “regular” paint in my clinic?
A: You can — but it’ll look trashed in six months. Washable paints = less maintenance + fewer repaints.
Q: Do washable paints cost more?
A: Yes — $15–$20 more per gallon. But they last years longer, so total cost is lower.
Q: Are these safe around patients/pets?
A: Yes. Go with low- or zero-VOC lines (Emerald, Aura) for the safest bet.
Q: Which finish is best?
A: Eggshell or matte in exam rooms, satin in high-touch areas like hallways. (here is a FAQ we did on interior paints as well that help with common questions and another on paint sheens)
Our Promise to Medical & Vet Clinics
We get it: you don’t want to worry about walls — you’ve got bigger things to care for. That’s why we’ve built our clinic program around value and trust:
- 🖌 Free Color Consultation — choose calming, professional colors that fit your brand.
- 🖌 Free Touch-Ups for 1 Year — we’ll come back for up to 4 hours, no cost to you.
- 🖌 Dust-Free Job Sites — Festool HEPA sanding = no mess in your clinic.
- 🖌 Background-Checked Crews — safety and trust for your staff and patients.
And yep — we even do fun stuff like our Monthly Free Room Giveaway. Register here 👉 Free 1 Room Giveaway
Real world case use in Funeral homes
We used to have a client that required repainting and touch ups almost every 12- 18 months. They have 2 locations that we helped with. Once they decided to updated colors and paint, we suggested using Scuff X in the main most common used areas. Well it has been 4 years since we painted the funeral home!! Worked so well we lost work that we were getting yearly, but it served the cutomer best an that is what matters most.
Final Word
If your clinic walls are covered in scuffs, stains, and mystery marks, you don’t need another quick fix. You need the right paint.
👉 Want to know exactly which paint is best for your clinic? Schedule a free washability audit with us today. We’ll test your walls, recommend the right system, and stand behind it for the next year.
Because at the end of the day, your patients should only notice your care — not your dirty walls.
📺 Stay tuned — we’re making a video demo of these paints (yes, ketchup and coffee wipe tests included). Check out D’Franco Painting & Wallpaper YouTube.