For years the rule was simple: the flatter the paint, the harder it is to clean. Matt walls look beautiful but mark easily, and scrubbing them often leaves shiny patches. Tikkurila's Optiva range breaks that rule. Both Optiva Matt 5 and Optiva Ceramic Super Matt 3 are rated wet scrub Class 1 – the highest washability rating under EN 13300 – while still giving a genuinely matt finish.
What does wet scrub Class 1 mean?
EN 13300 is the European standard for classifying wall paints. The wet scrub test measures how much paint film is worn away by repeated scrubbing. Class 1 is the toughest category, Class 5 the weakest. Many standard emulsions are Class 3 or lower. A Class 1 paint can be cleaned repeatedly without wearing through – ideal for hallways, kitchens, children's rooms and commercial spaces.
Optiva Matt 5 vs Optiva Ceramic Super Matt 3 at a glance
| Optiva Matt 5 | Optiva Ceramic Super Matt 3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Finish | Matt | Deep matt (3% sheen) |
| Washability | Wet scrub Class 1 | Wet scrub Class 1 |
| Special feature | Stain-resistant – marks wipe away | Ceramic technology – no shiny patches when wiped |
| Coverage | 8–16 m²/L | 8–16 m²/L |
| Touch dry | About 2 hours | About 1 hour |
| Recoatable | After 4 hours | After 4 hours |
| VOC | Under 1.5 g/L (zero VOC) | Under 1.5 g/L (zero VOC) |
| Labels | EU Ecolabel, M1, French A+ | EU Ecolabel, M1, French A+ |
| Sizes | 1 L, 3 L, 10 L | 1 L, 3 L, 10 L |
Which Optiva should you choose?
Choose Optiva Matt 5 for the busiest areas
Optiva 5 is the workhorse. Its stain-resistant technology means most everyday marks – coffee, crayon, scuffs – wipe away if cleaned promptly. It is a smooth, elegant matt and is even approved for use on the London Underground. Use it in hallways, stairwells, kitchens, playrooms, offices, schools and hotels.
Choose Optiva Ceramic Super Matt 3 for a luxury deep matt
Optiva 3 gives a chalkier, deeper matt finish that looks closer to a designer flat paint. Ceramic pigments mean the surface does not burnish or go shiny when you wipe it. It is perfect for living rooms, bedrooms and dining rooms where you want a rich, velvety look that can still be cleaned.
How to get the best finish
- Prime new plaster, plasterboard or very porous surfaces with Optiva Primer to even out absorbency.
- Apply two coats with a good-quality medium-pile roller, keeping a wet edge.
- Leave at least 4 hours between coats at 20°C.
- Wait a few weeks before cleaning hard – washability reaches its maximum once the paint has fully cured.
Healthier homes: zero VOC
Both Optiva paints contain under 1.5 g/L VOC, carry the EU Ecolabel and M1 emission classification, and contain no added formaldehyde. That makes them a great choice for nurseries, bedrooms and anyone sensitive to paint smells.
Frequently asked questions
Is Optiva Matt 5 good for kitchens?
Yes. It is Class 1 washable and stain-resistant, so it handles kitchen splashes well. For a bathroom with heavy condensation, ask us about the best option.
Can Optiva be tinted?
Yes – both are mixed to order in thousands of colours, as well as white.
Can I use Optiva on ceilings?
Yes, both can be used on walls and ceilings. For a dedicated flat ceiling finish, Tikkurila Anti-Reflex 2 is designed specifically to hide ceiling flaws.
How many coats will I need?
Usually two, especially when changing colour.
Buy Tikkurila Optiva from Dawes
Dawes is your local decorating centre in West London. We mix Tikkurila Optiva 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.
Explore the full Tikkurila range at Dawes.