Poor stain resistance refers to a material or surface's limited ability to repel or resist staining substances such as dirt, grease, oil, food, or liquids. In the context of painting and coatings, it means that the painted surface easily absorbs or retains stains, making it difficult to clean and maintain its original appearance.
For example, a wall painted with a low-quality or flat-finish paint may have poor stain resistance, meaning marks from hands, spills, or scuffs are more likely to soak in and become permanent or hard to remove.
In professional painting, especially in high-traffic or commercial areas, choosing paints with good stain resistance (such as washable or scrubbable finishes) is essential for durability and ease of maintenance.