Abstract: A water-based paint which comprises a constituent selected from fillers and pigments as well as an aqueous phase comprising one or more water-soluble salts in an amount sufficient to substantially prevent dissolution in the paint of water-soluble organic or inorganic colored substances. The water-soluble salt/salts may be present in a concentration of at or above 10% (weight/volume), in particular at or above 35%, such as up to 70% (weight/volume). The paint is useful for the painting of stained interior building surfaces without allowing water-soluble stains to seep through the wet paint.