Top Stain-Resistant Paints for kids rooms in 2021

Kids are cute until they’re coloring all over the walls. Luckily there are some amazing stain-resistant paints you can use to help minimize whatever surprises your kids have in store. 

Stain-resistant paint is usually a paint that has a semi-gloss or glossy finish. 

You should avoid using matte or low-sheen finishes in kids’ rooms since they tend to be more porous and absorb surface stains rather than deflect them. 

Also, think about what types of chemicals the paint in your kids’ rooms contains. Some paints contain high amounts of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can be harmful to children who are still growing. You can read more about low-VOC paint options on the Spectra Painting Contractors blog.

Top 7 stain resistant paints for 2021

1. Regal Select by Benjamin Moore

This high-end paint and primer formula by Benjamin Moore is suitable for all sorts of uses, especially in kids’ rooms. The paint is durable and easy to clean with soap and water thanks to Benjamin Moore’s stain release technology.

It costs $59 per gallon and comes in five sheens: Flat, Matte, Eggshell, Pearl, and Semi-Gloss. 

2. Signature by Valspar 

Another solid option for kids’ rooms is Valspar’s Signature. The paint plus primer offers good durability and low levels of VOCs. The paint has Valspar’s ScuffShield Technology to help resist abrasions and is good at hiding imperfections and previous stains. Plus, it comes with a lifetime warranty.

It costs $34 per gallon and comes in four sheens: Eggshell, Flat, Satin, and Semi-Gloss.  

3. ben by Benjamin Moore

At only $43 per gallon, ben by Benjamin more is a paint and primer all in one. Plus, it has zero VOCs, which is great for kids’ rooms. It will fully cure in two weeks. There are three finishes available: Eggshell, flat, and semi-gloss. The paint is also ideal for touchups for any scuffs and scratches that come later on.

4. Natura by Benjamin Moore 

Benjamin Moore’s natural paint line is a great option. Natura has no VOCs and is fade and stain-resistant – so parents enjoy knowing it is washable and non-toxic. According to tests done by Good Housekeeping, Natura is stain resistant, but it does not withstand abrasion. However, it is fade-resistant. 

It costs about $57 per gallon and comes in three finishes: Flat, Eggshell, and Semi-Gloss

5. Exquisite by Dunn-Edwards

A washable matte paint? Dunn-Edwards says they have done it. Although matte paint finishes typically are not very durable, Dunn-Edwards’ Exquisite is changing up the game. The interior matte paint also features low VOC levels and resistant to scuffs.

The tradeoff? It’s pretty expensive at $89 per gallon. 

6. Chalkboard Paint Brush-On by Krylon

If your child is an aspiring Michelangelo, or just really enjoys coloring on the walls, you can use chalkboard paint. Chalkboard paint is an affordable way to create a more suitable space for their artistic creations. Chalkboard paint has a slate surface that kids can draw on with chalk. Krylon’s formula is durable and long-lasting, and so it will withstand lots of coloring.

It costs about $14 for one quart. 

7. Chalkboard Blackboard Paint by Rainbow Chalk Markers 

Black chalkboard paint can look a little harsh in kids’ rooms. Rainbow Chalk Markers makes chalkboard paint in various colors, including white, gray, light pink, and bright blue. You can apply the paint with a brush or roller, and it dries in only 15 minutes.

It costs $15 for 250 milliliters. 

How to create even more Stain-Resistant Walls 
Always use a primer before painting your walls, or opt for a paint that already contains a primer. Primer helps paint last longer and adhere to walls more effectively. Primer also makes it easier to remove stains from painted drywall.

If you are dealing with a particularly nasty stain, you can use a high-performance primer to hide it. Follow up with two coats of fresh paint. 

You can also install crown molding in your child’s room and coat it in high-gloss paint to protect the drywall underneath. 

How to remove a stain from a painted wall

According to tips from Home Depot, there are several ways to attack a stain on your walls. 

If you come across a stain in your child’s room, you can try wiping it off using a soft rag or paper towel soaked in warm water with a mild soap. If the stain does not come off, try again later when it is dry. 

If that does not work, you can try using a cleaning eraser. A cleaning eraser may damage your paint or wood, so test it in a small area first, or see if the packaging says it is safe for walls. 

For extra-tough stains, use an all-purpose cleaner designed to remove stains. Soak a sponge or rag in the cleaner and wipe the stain. Be careful not to peel away any paint. 

If you have exhausted all of your cleaning supplies, it may be time to apply another coat of primer and paint and talk to your kids about being more careful. 

Spectra Painting Contractors is based in the Boston area. We are proud to offer residential and commercial painting services. Reach out to us for your next painting project.