Should I Use Stain-Resistant Paint?

As you’re preparing to repaint the interior of your home, there are many options to consider. Color choices and sheen are just the beginning – there are all kinds of features and intended uses that can make selecting the right paint a bit overwhelming.

One such choice is stain-resistance. While this might seem like a tempting option for any interior paint job, it’s important to know what this feature provides, and when it’s worth using.

First, let’s look at what causes stains in the first place…

The more porous the paint, and the more porous the painted surface, the easier it will stain. Dirt, grease, and whatever else has an easier job permeating the surface to cause a stain, and as it makes its way into the pores, it’s that much harder to clean as well. Matte and flat finishes, then, are more likely to show stains than gloss and semi-gloss, and paint over an un-primed, porous surface like wood leads to the same issues.

So, less porous paint finishes like gloss and semi-gloss are already more resistant to stains, and “stain-resistant” paint types contain additional properties that prevent most stain-causing agents from absorbing – and make it easier to clean.

That means, however, that stain-resistant paints are typically only available in higher gloss finishes. Depending on the color, you may encounter limited availability there as well. Because of the added stain fighting elements, stain-resistant paint can also be more expensive than similar, non-resistant alternatives.

Now, with all of that in mind…

From an increased price to fewer options in sheen and color, stain-resistant paint is something of a strategic investment. It’s best suited for high traffic areas of your home and/or places that are likely to take some abuse. This could include the kitchen, kids’ bedrooms (especially young ones who like to draw on walls), main hallways, mud rooms, and so on. Many people opt for stain-resistant paint on rooms leading in and out of the garage, where an errant dirty or greasy hand is likely to leave a mark.

For commercial property owners or landlords, the same rules of thumb apply. Restaurants likely deal with plenty of grease, sauce, and so on, so being able to easily clean up stains is a must.

With high-quality, stain-resistant paint, cleaning up food spills, crayon marks, fingerprints, and dirt is easy. In most cases, a clean, soft cloth will do the trick. A little water and gentle soap goes even further!

The choice is ultimately up to you. If you’re constantly fighting stains and cleaning the walls, you may want stain-resistant paint throughout your home. For most people, though, focusing on high-traffic areas allows for practical protection in the rooms that need it most, as well as broader sheen and color options for other places around the house.

Stain-resistant paint truly works, and for people with messy hobbies or young kids, it’s a great way to protect the investment of interior painting for years to come. For recommendations on paint type, colors, or any other questions you might have about repainting your home, contact CertaPro today!