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Pet-Proof Painting: Tips for a Fur-Friendly Home

  • Matej Svoboda
  • Sep 11
  • 3 min read

Pets bring joy, comfort, and companionship—but they can also bring muddy paw prints, scratches, and fur that clings to everything. If you’re painting with pets at home, you’ll want to choose products and techniques that stand up to pets while keeping them safe.


Today, we will discover paints that resist scratches and stains while keeping your walls looking fresh. This guide covers pet-safe paints and scratch-resistant paints, along with some practical tips to make painting your room easier when you have furry friends at home.


Why Pet-Proof Painting Matters?

  • Durability: Pets can be rough on walls and furniture—especially dogs and cats that rub, scratch, or leave marks.


  • Safety: Some paints release VOCs (volatile organic compounds) that can be harmful to pets.


  • Maintenance: Choosing the right paint finish makes cleaning up fur, slobber, or muddy paw prints easier.


Playing with dog on couch

Choosing the Right Paint for Pet-Friendly Homes

1. Look for Low-VOC or Zero-VOC Paints

VOCs release fumes that are toxic to pets (and humans). Choose eco-friendly, water-based paints that are low-odour and non-toxic once cured.


Great options:

  • Dulux Easycare (low odour, washable)

  • Farrow & Ball Modern Emulsion (low VOC, durable)

  • Colourtrend Interior Matt (low VOC, Irish-made)


2. Pick a Washable, Scrubbable Finish

Matt paints hide wall imperfections but are harder to clean.

Satin or Eggshell finishes strike a balance—washable but not overly shiny.

Washable matt paints (like Dulux Easycare or Fleetwood Washable Matt) are perfect for pet households.


3. Go for Durable, Scratch-Resistant Paint

While no paint is fully scratch-proof, high-quality durable emulsions resist scuffs better. On skirting boards, doors, or furniture, use satinwood or eggshell trim paint— these are more resilient to scratching. For walls, choose washable or “high-traffic” interior paints.


4. Think About Colour Choice

Avoid pure white walls if you have pets that shed—fur and marks will show easily. Mid-tone neutrals, greige, or textured finishes hide marks better. Darker trims on skirting boards can disguise scuffs from claws.


Preparing Your Home Before Painting

Create a Pet-Free Zone

Keep pets away from the painting area to avoid fur sticking to wet paint and prevent them from ingesting fumes.

Use Drop Cloths

Protect floors and furniture from accidental paw prints.

Ventilate the Space

Open windows and use fans to reduce fumes (even with low-VOC paints).


Painting With Pets at Home

  • Keep pets out of freshly painted rooms until the paint is fully dry and odour-free.

  • Provide alternative spaces with food, water, and comfort while you paint.

  • Store brushes, rollers, and paints out of reach—pets are curious and can knock things over.


Pro Tip: Even “safe” paints can be harmful if pets ingest wet paint, so always supervise or confine them.


Beautiful cat

Pet-Proofing Walls and Surfaces After Painting


Protect High-Wear Areas

  • Apply clear, washable varnish to frequently scratched spots (like door frames).

  • Use wall guards or decorative panels where pets sleep or scratch.

Regular Cleaning

  • Wipe down walls with a damp cloth to prevent build-up of fur or oils.

  • Use a lint roller for quick fur removal on painted furniture.

Train Pets Away From Walls

  • Use scratching posts, pet mats, and furniture covers to prevent damage.


How to Minimise Fur in Wet Paint

  • Groom pets before painting day—less loose hair means less chance of it floating into fresh paint.

  • Keep doors shut to limit fur drift.

  • Wipe down walls with a tack cloth before the final coat to catch stray hairs.


The Final Thoughts

Painting with pets doesn’t have to be stressful. By choosing the right pet-safe, durable paints and planning ahead, you can create a stylish home that stands up to paw prints, fur, and everyday life with animals.


Thinking about repainting with pets in mind? At Painter Adam, we use low-odour, durable paints perfect for pet-friendly homes. Contact us today for a free quote and expert advice and professional painting services.


 
 
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Written by: Masha Boiko

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Masha Boiko is a project manager at Adam for Ireland. Adam is a platform digitizing the craft industry in 11+ countries in Europe and Australia.

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