You can wipe flat paint clean, but you'll want to use a light hand so you don't remove any paint along with dirt and debris. Wipe the walls with a dry cloth and then run a sponge soaked with warm water over any stains. Don't scrub. If the stain doesn't lift, try adding a few drops of gentle dish soap or detergent.
About one tablespoon of detergent to one gallon of water should do it. Dip your rag into the solution and gently scrub the wall to remove the last of the stain. If you have the original wall paint, break out the can and a painter's brush.
However, it's the least durable choice and doesn't usually stand up well to scrubbing. The good news is, many paint formulas clean up easily with soap and water, but people still tend to shy away from flat paint in favor of other sheens that are easier to care for.
Flat paint may be washable if it is the right brand but you need to be careful when cleaning walls painted with flat paint. I have found one flat paint that is actually durable enough to clean and still has a true flat sheen. Sherwin Williams Emerald Designer Edition is what I'm talking about.
Flat paint finishes are second to none when it comes to creating a rich, velvety look on the wall, but in the past this effect came with a price: The porosity of flat finishes made them more prone to staining and more difficult to clean, since washing and scrubbing often caused color change and burnishing.
To that end, flat and matte finishes don't do well in the bathroom, as they tend to absorb moisture. Eggshell paint is slightly more durable, but still not the best option for most bathrooms. Satin paint is somewhat reflective, making it an acceptable option in a powder room, which doesn't get as damp as a full bath.
But flat paints can be hard to clean since their porous texture can trap dirt and grime. And since flat paint doesn't resist water like glossier paint does, cleaning it may leave behind unwanted streaks that can make an already dirty wall seem even worse.
Remove cobwebs from wall corners
“Then use the wet cloth to clean up any scuff marks, grease and dirt.” And while you don't want to use a cleaning product that's too harsh, as it can damage the paint on your walls, generally the Swiffer wet cloth is safe.
If your wall has imperfections like uneven texture, patches or joints, flat paint will absorb light and make them less noticeable. However, flat finishes are not very durable and need to be carefully cleaned. Scrubbing flat paint could wear down the finish and cause sheen to appear in patchy spots.
A general rule of thumb is that a well-done interior paint job will last between 5-10 years, and potentially even longer. However, your paint's longevity is based on a bunch of different factors.
Flat paint has more pigment than any other finish, which is why it's also known as concealer paint—it's also called matte paint. It's completely nonreflective, so the paint will soak up any light directed at it. Flat paint tends to be easier to apply than other finishes, and it also usually a less expensive option.
Flat or Matte
This can be great for touch-up work, as the flat finish will conceal many imperfections in your walls. A flat or matte finish is a great choice for walls and ceilings throughout your property. It's easy to touch-up, simple, and likely won't ever put-off potential renters (depending on the color).
'While Magic Erasers work great on gloss and semi-gloss paints, be careful when scrubbing water-based paints such as latex or acrylic,' Sarah says. 'It will take off some of the paint on the walls. Just scrub gently. '
To wash your walls, all you have to do is:
Pour warm water into a bucket and add a mild soap detergent. Gently stir the water so that the detergent is mixed in. Dip a sponge into the water and wring out any excess water. Carefully rub the soft side of the sponge against the stain.
Even if paint is not actually scraped away or scratched off, the color can be harmed by abrasion, especially on low-sheen finishes such as flat and matte. The problem is that low-sheen finishes contain microscopic hairs which stand on end and absorb light so that the surface does not reflect.
In general, interior paint will last from 5 to 10 years. You can expect your exterior paint to last between 5 to 7 years. Keep in mind that your exterior paint will be affected by regional climate conditions, the material painted, and the type of paint used.
For the best results, your interior walls should be repainted every 3-5 years. If you remodel your home or change the style of a room, you may need to repaint sooner. Depending on your lifestyle, family, and your activities, you may have to paint more often to keep walls from looking dingy.
You can't really go wrong with eggshell finish on your walls. Sometimes called satin finish, eggshell has slightly more luster than a flat finish, but you won't be left with shiny walls. It also resists stains better than flat and can be wiped with a wet rag.
It is best to always seal furniture you paint where you used a low sheen paint like flat, matte, eggshell, or chalk paint.