What paint is best for a pet-friendly Ottawa home that needs frequent wall cleaning?

Semi-gloss or satin acrylic latex paint is your best choice for a pet-friendly Ottawa home that needs frequent cleaning. These sheens allow you to wipe down walls with mild soap and water without damaging the paint film, while still looking attractive in living spaces.

For Ottawa homes with pets, durability and washability are critical because our long winters mean pets spend more time indoors, increasing wear on wall surfaces. The dry winter air from forced-air heating also means more static electricity that attracts pet hair to walls. You'll want a paint that can handle regular cleaning without losing its finish or showing wear patterns around pet areas.

Benjamin Moore Regal Select in satin or semi-gloss ($70 to $85 per gallon in Ottawa) offers excellent scrubbability and stain resistance. Sherwin-Williams Duration ($75 to $90 per gallon) is another top performer that resists scuffs and cleans easily. For high-traffic areas like mudrooms where pets enter from snowy yards, consider Benjamin Moore Advance — this hybrid alkyd provides an extremely durable, washable finish that rivals traditional oil-based paints but cleans up with water.

Avoid flat or matte finishes in pet areas, as they absorb stains and show every cleaning attempt. Eggshell can work in lower-traffic bedrooms, but stick to satin for main living areas. Semi-gloss is ideal for trim, doors, and any surface that gets frequent paw contact. Always use a high-quality primer first — it creates better adhesion and makes the topcoat more durable against repeated cleaning.

Consider slightly darker or more forgiving colours that won't show every pet hair or muddy paw print. Warm grays, soft beiges, and muted earth tones are popular choices among Ottawa pet owners. Test any colour in your actual lighting before committing to a full room.

When you're ready to tackle a whole-house refresh with pet-friendly paint, you can browse experienced painting contractors through the Ottawa Construction Network directory who understand the specific durability requirements of homes with furry family members.