Picking the Perfect Paint Finish for Kids and Dogs

It’s time for new paint! Between kids running their hands down the walls as they head downstairs, and mud puppies that shake and shower the hallway, you’ve got some tough choices to make. Do you want durability, or easy touch-up? There are pros and cons to each. Let’s take a look.

Higher Sheen Paint: Scrub It All Down

Higher sheen paint is easier to clean, and you can dispense with quite a few fingerprints and canine drool if you go this route. Choosing a finish that has a bit more sheen to it can provide greater flexibility when it comes to cleaning up after kids and dogs, but you don’t have to embrace a high-gloss finish for great results.

A practical middle ground for many homes is a finish that cleans well without looking shiny on the wall. In many cases, that means choosing a “moderate sheen” option that gives you durability without turning your hallway into a spotlight.

Benjamin Moore has developed a line of paint designed to resist scuffing in high traffic areas, and offer easy clean up so that your walls keep that freshly-painted look longer.

One more benefit of a higher sheen: it tends to resist scuff marks from backpacks, toys, and dog collars brushing against the wall. If you’re constantly wiping down the same areas, this can be a big quality-of-life improvement.

Flat Finish Paint: Easier to Touch Up

If your needs are slightly different and you’d just like to be able to handle problems when they arise, consider a paint that lends itself to easy touch up work and blending. Traditionally, these choices have a lower sheen, making instant repairs virtually invisible.

Flat finish paints are no longer relegated to low-use guest bedrooms. Sherwin Williams offers their Emerald line which combines low-sheen and washability in a variety of colors to meet your needs.

This is especially helpful if you have walls that take “random hits” instead of constant grime—think toy bumps, furniture rubs, or the occasional scratch. Being able to touch up a spot without creating a noticeable patch is a real advantage in busy households.

Do You See What I See?

Families with dogs and children might find themselves tempted to automatically choose a higher sheen product, but there are some other factors to consider first.

Higher sheen paints reflect light, and they are prone to highlight any imperfections on your walls.

This matters a lot in rooms with strong natural light or bright overhead lighting. Even small issues—old patchwork, subtle texture differences, minor dents—can start to stand out once a shinier finish reflects light across the surface.

If you choose a professional painter, they’ll make certain the walls are pristine and carefully watch their brushstrokes to ensure a clean and smooth finish.

The takeaway is simple: if your walls are in great shape (or will be repaired properly), higher sheen can look fantastic. If the walls have a lot of texture inconsistencies or old repairs, a lower-sheen finish can hide those issues better.

A Little Help, Please?

The easiest way to choose the best paint for your high traffic areas, meaning mud rooms or playrooms or your little one’s bedroom, is to consult with an experienced professional and let them see your space. They have the skills and experience to offer the best product for your individual project.

A little help beforehand goes a long way at home as you follow those kiddos and pups around. And as parents, don’t we all want to spend less time cleaning and more time enjoying these wonder years?