A Japanese manufacturer has developed an odourless paint that can be peeled off surfaces, leaving behind no scratches or marks.

Called Belay, the paint was developed and manufactured by Washin Chemical Industry – a water-based-paint specialist in Japan.

The paint is simply applied with a brush, and gives a varnish-like sheen. Similar to plastic sheets currently on the market, it is designed to protect surfaces from scratches and stains.

But unlike the sheets, the paint can be applied to curved and uneven surfaces, and can be used on a wide range of materials including wood, metal, plastic resin, tile and stone.

"The paint can protect the surfaces of important items and areas such as commercial spaces at restaurants and hotels to household furniture," said the brand.

"Because it can easily be peeled off, if you're bothered by visible stains or scratches, it also reduces the burden of daily maintenance."

In addition to the clear gloss and matt finishes, which maintain the material's natural appearance, Belay has developed a collection of 10 peelable paint colours in collaboration with French designer Pierre Charpin.

The 10 hues, which include black and white, were inspired by colours that have been used in Charpin's previous design works.

Arranged into two collections each made up of six 30 millilitre bottles, the coloured paints can also be used on glass to create window murals.

The Belay brand was launched this week in Tokyo at the IFFT Interior Lifestyle Living trade show. A one-kilogram tin of paint costs 15,000 yen (approximately £100), while the colour collections cost 7,560 yen (£50).

The launch follows the introduction of eco-friendly graphene paint earlier this year by manufacturer Graphenstone. Reported to improve the thermal regulation of buildings, the paint is made from a pure lime base that has been combined with graphene – a recently engineered material hailed as the thinnest, strongest and most conductive ever developed.