If you have ever wiped a mark off a matt wall and been left with a shiny smear, you will understand why Johnstone's Trade Acrylic Durable Matt is so popular. It gives the soft, modern look of a matt emulsion with the toughness of an eggshell – and it is one of the most popular trade paints we sell.
What is Johnstone's Acrylic Durable Matt?
It is a water-based, tough matt finish for interior walls and woodwork, including surfaces prone to condensation. It has been tested to Class 1 scrub resistance (ISO 11998) – the top rating – and contains mould-resistant properties for damp areas. Decorators often use it as a fast-drying, low-odour alternative to traditional eggshell.
Johnstone's Durable Matt technical specifications
| Property | Specification |
|---|---|
| Finish | Matt |
| Scrub resistance | Class 1 (ISO 11998) |
| Coverage | 12–14 m² per litre |
| Touch dry | 1–2 hours |
| Recoatable | After 4–6 hours |
| VOC | 2.1 g/L (low VOC) |
| Mould resistance | Yes – suitable for damp areas |
| Certifications | BRE verified EPD; Eurofins low emissions |
| Application | Brush, roller or spray |
| Colours | Brilliant White or 15,500+ tinted colours |
| Sizes | 2.5 L, 5 L |
What we like
- Genuinely scrubbable – marks, fingerprints and splashes clean off without burnishing.
- Resists condensation and mould, so it suits kitchens, bathrooms and utility rooms.
- Can be used on walls and woodwork for a seamless matt look.
- Fast drying and low odour – two coats in a day.
- Available in thousands of colours.
Things to know
- It costs more than a standard vinyl matt – save it for rooms that need it.
- Like all tough paints, it reaches maximum washability once fully cured, so be gentle for the first few weeks.
Where to use Durable Matt
Hallways, stairs and landings; kitchens; bathrooms and en-suites; children's bedrooms and playrooms; rental properties; offices, schools and healthcare spaces.
Durable Matt vs Covaplus Vinyl Matt
| Acrylic Durable Matt | Covaplus Vinyl Matt | |
|---|---|---|
| Washability | Class 1 scrubbable | Light wiping only |
| Mould resistance | Yes | No |
| Use on woodwork | Yes | Not designed for it |
| Price | Higher | Lower |
| Best for | Busy and damp rooms | Living rooms, bedrooms, ceilings |
Want the lower-cost option in your exact colour? Read our guide to colour matching with Covaplus.
How to apply Johnstone's Durable Matt
Make sure surfaces are clean, dry and sound. Fill and sand any defects. Prime bare surfaces – on bare wood use Johnstone's Joncryl Primer Undercoat; on new plaster, apply a thinned first coat. Apply two full coats with a quality roller or brush, leaving 4–6 hours between coats.
Frequently asked questions
Is Johnstone's Durable Matt good for bathrooms?
Yes. It resists condensation and contains mould-resistant properties, making it a good choice for bathrooms and kitchens.
Is Durable Matt the same as Aqua Guard Durable Matt?
No. Aqua Guard is a different, separate Johnstone's product. Durable Matt is the acrylic wall-and-woodwork matt reviewed here.
Can Durable Matt be used on skirting and doors?
Yes – it is suitable for interior woodwork as well as walls.
Can you tint Durable Matt?
Yes. We mix it to order in over 15,500 colours, as well as Brilliant White.
Buy Johnstone's Acrylic Durable Matt from Dawes
Dawes is your local decorating centre in West London. We mix Johnstone's Acrylic Durable Matt to order in our store at 158–160 Goldhawk Road, W12 8HJ, or you can order online for delivery anywhere in the UK. Delivery is free on orders over £50, and if you need it fast, our Priority service delivers the next working day when you order by 1pm. Trade accounts are available.
Not sure which product is right for your job? Call us on 020 8748 6711, email sales@dawespaints.co.uk or pop into the shop – we are open Monday to Friday 7am–5pm and Saturday 8am–4pm.
See the full Johnstone's Trade range.