Imagine this: Your child (or your niece or nephew) has just drawn a beautiful crayon mural all over their bedroom wall. Your partner may have smudged the hallway with mud while working in the yard. Regular paint is difficult to keep from staining. Stain-resistant paint can be used to remove stains and keep walls clean.
What causes paint to stain?
Stain-resistance, in painting terminology, refers to the paint’s ability resist discoloration. It’s a paint that resists dirt and stains.
Paint can stain for a variety of reasons.
- The wall is painted with a low-sheen, matte or flat paint.
- The paint is applied to a porous surface like wood.
- The primer was not required for the application of the paint.
What are some common causes of stains?
Other than dirt and crayons, the following materials can cause stains:
- Lipstick
- Spaghetti sauce
- Oil or grease
- Magic markers, pens, or pencils
These substances can be applied to unprimed and painted drywall but it will be difficult to remove them.
Not all paint is created equal
Preventing stains is the best way to get rid of them. How? Start any painting job by using a primer.
This layer will help paint adhere better to your wall, door or cabinet, regardless of whether you prime first, then paint, or use a paint that has a built in primer.
It creates a smoother finish that prevents stains from entering the paint.
Sheen is another factor. This refers to how much paint reflects light. Paint that has a higher sheen is more durable. High sheens such as eggshell, semigloss and high gloss are more resistant to stains and easier to clean than flat or matte paints. High gloss is not recommended for walls as it reflects too much light and can show imperfections. However, high gloss will protect trim, cabinets and wood.
How to Choose the Best Stain-Resistant Painting for You
The type of stain you are trying to cover will determine the paint that is best. Look for high-performance primers that are designed to cover existing stains. They can be used to conceal previous paint colors, prevent stains from occurring, seal porous surfaces, and promote adhesion. For maximum durability, apply one coat of primer followed by two coats paint.
PPG Ultralast by PPG offers a washable experience unlike any other. Find out more about PPG Ultralast at
You can choose a paint that has a primer built in or one that is stain resistant if you don’t have any stains. These will help keep your walls clean and keep them looking fresh despite all the mess that life throws at them.