The scrub class of latex tells you how well wall paint withstands scrubbing. Under the standard NEN-EN 13300 it runs from class 1 (highest resistance) to class 5. If you want washable latex, choose class 1 or 2. For a bedroom class 3 is often enough. In our range, the Basic package comes with scrub class 3 (from €7.95 per m2), Medium with class 2 (from €9.95) and High with class 1 (from €11.95). Below you can read what the classes mean and which latex to choose per room.
What is the scrub class of latex under NEN-EN 13300?
NEN-EN 13300 is the European standard for interior wall paint and wall finishes. One part of it is resistance to wet scrubbing. In the test the surface is scrubbed wet and the amount of paint that disappears is measured. The less loss, the higher the class. The explanation below comes from Rawlins Paints (as of 6 October 2026). We did not find an explanation of all the classes from a Dutch manufacturer, so we use this source.
Scrub class 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 in a table
This is what the classes mean:
| Class | Wear after test | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Class 1 | less than 5 micrometres after 200 scrub cycles | Highest resistance |
| Class 2 | 5 to 20 micrometres after 200 cycles | Scrubs well |
| Class 3 | 20 to 70 micrometres after 200 cycles | Reasonably scrubbable |
| Class 4 | less than 70 micrometres after 40 cycles | Limited scrubbability |
| Class 5 | 70 micrometres or more after 40 cycles | Low resistance |
Note that classes 4 and 5 are measured after only 40 cycles, classes 1 to 3 after 200 cycles. A micrometre is a thousandth of a millimetre. The descriptions in the third column are our own summary, not the text of the standard.
Examples of washable latex: class 1 and class 2
Two practical examples, taken straight from the manufacturers' technical sheets:
- Sigma Air Pure Supermatt has scrub class 2 under NEN-EN 13300, determined after a month of drying. The sheet also states a coverage of 7.5 to 10 m2 per litre (Sigma data sheet).
- Caparol CapaTex Mat S1+ is a wall paint with class 1 in accordance with DIN EN 13300 and a consumption of about 160 to 200 ml per m2 (Caparol fact sheet).
Both sheets were consulted on 6 October 2026. A brand name does not say everything: always look at the sheet of the exact product and the version you will get.
Which latex to choose per room?
There is no fixed rule, but in our experience as latex sprayers this gives a good direction. It is advice, not a standard.
| Room | Wear and stains | Our advice |
|---|---|---|
| Ceiling | Little | Class 3 is often enough |
| Bedroom | Little | Class 3 |
| Living room | Average | Class 2 or 3, depending on use |
| Corridor, hall and stairwell | A lot, from bags and hands | Class 1 or 2 |
| Kitchen and children's room | Stains, splashes, hands | Class 1 or 2 |
You can read more about ceilings under having your ceiling sprayed, and about walls under spray painting walls.
What about our Basic, Medium and High packages?
The scrub class is the basis of our three packages. Everything includes advice on site, a check of the surface, masking of windows and frames, small repairs, hand sanding of walls and ceilings, filling all inside corners, spraying in 2 coats, cleaning up and handover.
| Package | Latex | Scrub class | From per m2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic | Standard latex | 3 | €7.95 |
| Medium | Medium latex | 2 | €9.95 |
| High | High-end latex | 1 | €11.95 |
This is based on light colours and one colour per quote. The exact price is in the quote. You can also see the difference per class under latex spraying cost per m2.
Worked example: a home with a corridor and rooms
Suppose you have 20 m2 of corridor and stairwell done in class 1 and 70 m2 of bedrooms and ceilings in class 3. Then the calculation is 20 times 11.95 is €239.00, and 70 times 7.95 is €556.50. Together that comes to from €795.50. This is an example based on our "from" prices; the exact price for your home is in the quote.
Whether you can mix packages we discuss at the visit. Want to choose more cheaply than necessary? Read affordable latex spraying.
Why the class only applies after a month of drying
For Sigma Air Pure Supermatt, the scrub class is determined after a month of drying. That is important to know. The paint feels dry after about 1 hour and can be overpainted after 4 hours (at 23 degrees and 50 percent humidity), but the paint only reaches its full resistance to scrubbing after a longer time. So it is sensible not to scrub a new wall hard in the first weeks after spraying, even with class 1.
How long full curing takes exactly differs per product. Look it up in the data sheet of the paint you choose. We give you the name of the paint and the sheet on request.
Common mistakes when choosing latex
A few pitfalls we often see with people choosing latex:
- Choosing on price alone. A lower class is cheaper, but in a corridor or kitchen you have to redo the wall more often.
- Having everything done in the highest class. A ceiling or guest room rarely needs that resistance.
- Comparing brand names without a sheet. Two paints from the same brand do not have the same class. Look at the product and the version.
- Forgetting the surface. Even the highest class does not hide cracks or texture. Spraying leaves existing texture visible.
A visit prevents these mistakes, because we see the rooms before we suggest a class.
Not sure yet? How to reach a decision
Torn between class 2 and 3? Think about who uses the room and how often you clean the wall. Children and pets argue for a higher class. A guest room does not. Note that a higher class says nothing about the spraying itself: we spray all classes. You can see the technique under how latex spraying works.
A visit is free. Request a free quote or call +31 6 38048347 (06-38048347), and we will discuss per room which latex suits. Also take a look at our local pages such as latex spraying Haarlem.
Frequently asked questions
What is the scrub class of latex?
The scrub class indicates how well paint withstands wet scrubbing, under NEN-EN 13300. Class 1 is the highest. Class 1 means less than 5 micrometres of wear after 200 scrub cycles.
What is NEN-EN 13300?
It is the European standard for interior wall paint. One part is the classification of resistance to wet scrubbing, from class 1 to 5.
Which scrub class is washable?
Classes 1 and 2 are very washable. Class 3 is reasonably scrubbable. Classes 4 and 5 have the lowest resistance and are less suitable for rooms you clean regularly. For stain-prone rooms preferably use class 1 or 2.
Which scrub class should I choose for a ceiling?
A ceiling is touched very little, so class 3 is usually enough. That is also the starting point in our Basic package.
Which latex should I choose for a corridor?
A corridor has a lot of contact with hands and bags. Class 1 or 2 is our advice here, because you can then wipe the wall more often without losing paint.
What is an example of scrub class 2?
According to its data sheet, Sigma Air Pure Supermatt has scrub class 2 under NEN-EN 13300, determined after a month of drying.
What is an example of scrub class 1?
According to its fact sheet, Caparol CapaTex Mat S1+ is a wall paint with class 1 in accordance with DIN EN 13300. Consumption is about 160 to 200 ml per m2.
Why is a higher class more expensive?
Paint with a higher class is often of higher quality. With us you see that in the packages: Basic from €7.95, Medium from €9.95 and High from €11.95 per m2.
Can I have a higher class sprayed?
Yes, all classes can be applied with an airless sprayer. Follow the paint's data sheet for nozzle size and thinning.
What is the difference between scrub class 2 and 3?
Class 2 lies between 5 and 20 micrometres of wear after 200 cycles, class 3 between 20 and 70 micrometres. Class 2 therefore withstands scrubbing better.
More about spray painting walls and ceilings
- spray painting in Haarlem
- latex spraying Amsterdam
- service area around Haarlem
- knowledge base on latex and lacquer spraying
- request a quote
Written by Sander, latex sprayer at Meesterspuiters in Haarlem, with more than 10 years of experience in latex and lacquer spraying. Updated on 6 October 2026. More background in our knowledge base.
