This overall score consists of: hiding power (70%), stain resistance (15%) and scrubbing resistance (15%).

How well the paint covers underlying marks or patterns. Paint with a comparatively low score may need an extra coat (maybe three coats instead of two) to cover walls with a lot of marks or with a darker base colour.

How easily we can remove cordial, red wine, tomato sauce, and felt-tip pen from each paint.

How well the paint stands up to a bristle brush and abrasive cleanser (Jif Cream).

The recommended paints offer a generally good balance of hiding power, scrubbing and stain resistance. However some of them don't score well for scrubbing resistance. They can still be scrubbed if need be, but won't stand up so well to it over time.

Approximate price per litre for a 4L can.

Cost of one coat covering 10 square metres, based on the price per litre of a 4L can and the claimed spreading rate.

The area (in square metres) the paint should cover effectively per litre of paint. A larger spreading or coverage rate means the can of paint should go further. 

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are a common paint ingredient and give paint its heady odour. They can cause headaches and other illness, so low VOC paint is worth looking for. We didn't test the claims about VOC content.

Claimed to be resistant to mould, mildew and fungus. We didn't test this claim.

Where the paint is manufactured. Not all brands state this.