Keeping Your Painted Kitchen Walls Stain-Free

Posted on: 27 January 2015

Whether it's splattering grease from your kid's favorite fries or sauce from your homemade lasagna, the kitchen is the land of stains. With a little elbow grease and a good cleaner, it's fairly easy to remove stains from your cabinets, countertops and floors. However, the walls in your kitchen might be another story. Depending on the paint's texture, scrubbing the walls could actually remove the paint. Familiarizing yourself with helpful ways to avoid stains and choosing a good paint option can help.

Consider Placement

If you happen to be in the process of designing a new kitchen space, you're in luck. How you design your new space will have an influence on the types of stains you deal with. In terms of stove and refrigerator placement, make certain you are never installing these appliances directly next to a wall. Each time you cook, food will splatter on to the wall.

Particularly if you have young children, whether they're getting a glass of juice or grabbing the jelly, the nearby wall will likely be one of the places they touch. When you can, keep these appliances away from the wall.

Backsplash

When it comes to backsplashes, most people just think of the area around their stove. Consider installing a backsplash in all the spaces between your cabinets and countertops. While backsplashes don't necessarily prevent stains, they are much easier to clean and help protect the wall.

For renters, they are especially helpful because they ensure you don't cause any major staining to the walls that you will have to pay for when you move out. Many newer options come with an adhesive that allows you to easily remove the backsplash without damaging the surface underneath.

Choosing the Right Paint

Your greatest weapon in your stain-fighting arsenal will be your paint selection. There are certain paint types that fair better in the kitchen than others. One of these options is a semi-gloss paint. Semi-gloss paint has a satiny luster; however, it doesn't quite have the sheen of a high-gloss paint. The reason this finish works well in the kitchen is that it is designed to be able to withstand frequent washing, while still maintaining its finish.

Flat paints wear away each time you wipe them, eventually removing the paint from the surface completely. In the event of a stain, you can use a soft washcloth and mild cleaner to gently wipe the wall. Additionally, some paint manufactures have lines dedicated especially to use in kitchens and bathrooms. A painting contractor can help you find exactly what brand will be best for your needs.

When it comes to your kitchen, functionality and efficiency are the most important factors. Choose a paint that will work well for you and ensure your time spent in the kitchen is both highly functional and efficient.

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