How to Choose Paint for Grease Splatter Kitchen Walls
Dealing with grease splatters on kitchen walls can be a frustrating experience. No matter how carefully you cook, grease from frying, broiling, or even splattering back from your range hood inevitable ends up on surrounding walls. And once there, grease penetrates into porous paint and leads to dingy stains that are difficult to remove.
Choosing the right type of paint for your kitchen walls can make all the difference. With some forethought on paint formulation and sheen, you can have kitchen walls that resist grease stains and are easy to wipe clean.
Proper Prep Work is Crucial for Grease-Resistant Paint
Before doing any painting, it's important to properly prepare your kitchen walls so that the new paint has the best chance of adhering well.
Start by thoroughly cleaning walls to remove any built-up grease or grime. A degreasing cleaner formulated for kitchens works best here. Once cleaned, sand any semi-gloss or glossy areas to dull and roughen the surface - this helps paint grip better.
Check for any cracks, holes or imperfections in the walls and fill using spackle compound. When dry, sand smooth. Priming is also recommended, especially if you are making a dramatic color change or have very porous walls.
Pay Close Attention to Paint Sheen
The level of gloss or sheen you choose for kitchen wall paint plays an important role in resisting grease. On the low end, flat paint is difficult to clean and will end up showing every bit of grease exposure.
Eggshell paint provides more scrubbability and stain resistance due to its subtle sheen. Satin finishes have a bit more luster, while semi-gloss paint offers the highest level of grease resistance.
The Benefits of Oil-Based vs. Latex Paint
When it comes to resisting grease, oil-based paints have traditionally offered better performance. The hard, glossy finish makes grease easy to wipe off. But oil-based paints have high VOC levels.
Newer latex acrylic paints like Benjamin Moore Advance provide similar durability and stain resistance to traditional oil paint, but with far less odor and fewer VOCs. Making it a great choice for grease-prone kitchen walls.
Specialized Kitchen & Bath Paints
Many major paint manufacturers now offer specialized paint formulations just for kitchens. For example, Behr Premium Plus Kitchen & Bath Interior Paint has silicone additives that provide enhanced resistance to moisture, stains and grease.
Benjamin Moore Advance interior alkyd paint forms an incredibly hard yet flexible finish that stands up to repeated scrubbing. And Sherwin-Williams ProClassic interior acrylic latex paint resists yellowing and stains.
Application Tips for Grease-Resistant Paint
Once you've chosen the right kitchen wall paint, proper application is also key for the best grease resistance:
- Ensure proper priming, especially for dramatic color changes
- Allow adequate dry time between coats as specified by manufacturer
- Use high-quality applicators - don't skimp on brushes/rollers
- Apply two coats for maximum protection and durability
Maintaining Your Kitchen Wall Paint
No paint is totally impervious to grease. But with gentle, regular cleaning using a mild soap and water solution, you can keep your kitchen walls looking like new.
Avoid harsh abrasives or scrubbing pads, and be sure to promptly touch up any damaged areas where paint may have worn away.
For optimal grease resistance, consider repainting kitchen walls every 2-3 years.
Grease on kitchen walls can be frustrating. But by selecting a durable, grease-resistant paint like a specialty latex acrylic or alkyd formula, and properly prepping and applying - you'll have kitchen walls that stay cleaner and are easy to wipe down after cooking.
Paired with gentle regular cleaning, you can keep your kitchen paint looking fresh and grease-free for years.