You’re probably familiar with the old maxim, it’s amazing what a fresh coat of paint can do. This phrase is oft repeated because it’s completely true. In the home, a color change can transform a dull room into a bright oasis. Read on to learn about our top picks for the best interior paint.
What Is the Best Interior Paint?
When it comes to buying interior paint, there are an endless array of options on the market. Which one is best? That question is a little complicated, because it depends on several factors.
What’s your budget? What’s more important—ease or longevity? Or, is low-VOC your top priority? Read on, because these five best paints satisfy all of those needs.
Our top picks include:
- Best Overall: Benjamin Moore Regal Select
- Best One-Coat Paint: HGTV HOME by Sherwin-Williams Infinity Satin Latex Paint
- Top Value Paint: Behr Premium Plus Interior Flat
- Best Zero-VOC Paint: Benjamin Moore Natura Interior Paint
- Best For Novices: Valspar Signature Satin Latex Paint
Of course, there are many great paints out there. Our top picks are meant to steer you in the right direction by breaking down various options and things to consider when looking for products. Read on to learn what each of our picks for the best interior paint has to offer.
Best Overall: Benjamin Moore Regal Select
Painters across the board agree that this paint works wonders. Regal Select Interior Paint retails for $58.99 per gallon, but experts and homeowners alike say it’s worth it. Proprietary Gennex colorant and a high-performance resin combine to ensure this paint applies easily and smoothly.
Unlike cheaper paint brands, Benjamin Moore is only available online or at specialty paint stores and hardware stores. This zero-VOC paint ensures an easy and clean paint job every time. Once you’re done, it boasts impressive durability and is fade- and mildew-resistant.
So yes, this paint costs double the stuff you’ll find at Home Depot. But with better coverage, you’ll need less coats. You may only need one Regal Select can of paint compared to two gallons of cheaper paint, so the cost events out.
Professional painters say it is long lasting, which means you won’t be re-painting next year. Non-pros agree, and were surprised at how easily this paint is applied with a roller or paint brush.
Choose from a flat, eggshell, pearl, matte, or semi-gloss paint finish. Glossier finishes are great for bathrooms and smaller spaces, while eggshell is a common choice for living spaces. For small apartments, pros swear by a classic white in the pearl finish for optimal brightness.
Best One-Coat Paint: HGTV HOME by Sherwin-Williams Infinity Satin Latex Paint
The can of this Sherwin-Williams paint reads: “One-coat coverage, guaranteed.” Does it hold water? It depends on your preferences. Reviewers say this is the easiest paint they ever used and that it is thicker than your average paint for more coverage.
One coat does offer impressive coverage. But, if you want more saturated color and perfect coverage, a quick second coat is ideal. Reviewers also loved the silky feel and said the paint wasn’t smelly at all.
That’s thanks to the Greenguard Gold art quality certification. The satin finish is ideal for high-traffic areas like kitchens, bathrooms, hallways, and laundry rooms.
It features impressive stain-resistant characteristics. Plus, the 100-percent acrylic paint is great for mildew resistance. This paint retails for $45.98 and is available exclusively at Lowes. Although it’s a pricer option, experts and DIYers alike say it is worth the price.
Best Value Paint: Behr Premium Plus Interior Flat
Behr premium paint offers great value at $27.98. (At press time, it was on sale at Home Depot for $24.98). Better yet, reviewers say it looks high end and works just as well as some more expensive competitors. Premium Plus offers paint and primer in one, so you can do less work.
The flat finish is best for open spaces like living rooms, dining rooms, and bedrooms. Flat paint has a non-reflective appearance that makes walls look smoother. This formula is great for interior painting as it seals both uncoated and previously painted surfaces.
You also don’t have to worry about awful smells. This paint is Greenguard Gold certified for low chemical emissions. One reviewer who says they are particularly sensitive to odors said this paint has no odor “unless you were standing with your nose up to the wall.”
Reviewers were also impressed with paint’s fast drying time. Head to Home Depot to have a can mixed in a virtually endless assortment of interior paint colors.
Best Zero-VOC Paint: Benjamin Moore Natura Interior Paint
Benjamin Moore’s self-described “greenest” paint is Natura. It’s Aura line comes close with low VOCs, but Natura has zero volatile organic compounds, or VOCs. it also has zero-emissions and is certified asthma and allergy friendly. Reviewers say it is virtually odor free.
You don’t have to sacrifice choice to be eco-friendly. This paint is available in flat, eggshell, and semi-gloss finishes and can be colored in one of the paint company’s 3,500 hues. The SRP is $56.99 per gallon, worth the peace of mind in spade.
Along with the health benefits, you’re getting the high quality paint you’d expect from Benjamin Moore. The paint creates a durable, washable film.
It’s spatter resistant and boasts a one-hour re-coat. You’ll have to head to a specialty paint store to pick some up. Find one near you with Benjamin Moore’s authorized dealer locator.
Best For Novices: Valspar Signature Satin Latex Paint
If you need to cover up flaws, this high-hiding paint is the way to go. So, if you make mistakes along the way (or need to cover up old ones), this paint picks up the slack. It’s also super affordable at $36.98 at your local Lowes.
It’s available in an array of paint sheens. This satin finish is ideal for moderate to high-traffic areas. The can proclaims this paint will “stand up to anything.”
This is thanks to ScuffShield Technology, which creates a scrubbable barrier that resists stains and scuffs. The paint also boasts an ultra-rich color to resist fading.
Do all the claims hold water? According to reviewers, yes. They say the coverage is great and typically takes only one coat, unless you want very saturated coverage. Painters were also happy with the low odor and fast drying time.
So, What Is the Best Interior Paint?
It’s true, a coat of paint can do wonders. Especially if you’re painting with one of our top picks for the best interior paint. If you take anything away for our reviews, let it be this: Don’t cheap out.
Whether you head to a specialty paint store or opt for the premium finishes available at big home improvement stores, spending those extra few bucks will be worth it.
Professionals can’t say it enough, you get what you pay for. If you’re concerned about budget, you might end up spending more on the cheap stuff. Low-quality paint doesn’t offer as complete coverage.
So you may find yourself running out for extra gallons when you need another coat. And, you’ll thank yourself a year or two down the road when your paint job is still looking good as new.
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