Best Paint For Interior Walls

What Is Eggshell Paint Not Great For

I prefer to use a semi gloss paint finish on doors and trim. This contrast in sheen is what they eye is used to seeing. It is normal for trim and doors to reflect light a bit more. Plus, doors especially are handled a lot, and need the strongest possible paint.

If you have a super high-moisture area like a bathroom or kitchen you might prefer a glossier finish that would repel water and resist moisture. This being said, I use eggshell in all of our bathrooms without issue.

Finally, if your walls are very textured, I would not use eggshell paint. Stick to matte or flat finish.

Our Pick: Benjamin Moore Regal Select

Our pick

*At the time of publishing, the price was $48.

After talking to eight pro painters and analyzing the stats of over 55 different interior latex paints, we recommend the 100-percent acrylic Benjamin Moore Regal Select for interior paint needs. Half the professional painters mentioned it by name as their top choice . Given that the four major paint brands have at least 28 different interior latex paints, this level of consensus is impressive. According to our painters, Regal Select flows well, has an even sheen, and is widely available at quality paint retailers and hardware stores. As Barter told us, Ive gone through a wide range of products and Im down to Benjamin Moore.

The one element of Regal Select that the painters consistently called out is how easy it is to work with. Davis told us that it handles well and covers really well. Barter echoed this, saying that Regal Select flows nicely and leaves a nice even sheen. According to DuPont, weve used some Valspar and Behr over the years and it doesnt seem to have the same flow as Benjamin Moore. Speaking of Benjamin Moore paints in general, DuPont told us that their paint seems to brush smoother than most and splatters less when we roll it, he continued, is ground finer, brushes better and has less drag than other paints we have used.

It was clearly the best paint job Ive ever doneand the one that took the least amount of effort.

Buying Paint For Interior Walls

When it comes to updating the interior of your home, theres no simpler or more affordable way to refresh a room than with a new coat of paint. Although paint color choice is extremely important to the overall effect, its just as important to choose the right paint product to ensure the best results possible.

We asked Ryan Berry, the owner and principal visionary at Form, a custom home builder in Saratoga Springs, New York, to help us run down the top things to look for in an interior wall paint:

Revamping a room? Check out our list of the best paints for interior walls.

via benjaminmoore.com

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Feather Out Paint Where You Cant Keep A Wet Edge

You cant cover large areas like ceilings, extra-tall walls or stairwells in single, continuous strokes, so the best way to minimize lap marks on these areas is to feather out the paint along the edges that you cant keep wet. The thinner, feathered coat of paint will avoid the buildup that causes the lap mark.

To paint a large section without leaving lap marks, roll the nearly dry roller in different directions along the dry edge, feathering out the paint as you go. After completing the entire length of the wall or ceiling, move to the next section and paint over the feathered edges.

For the second coat, apply the paint in the opposite direction. This crisscrossing paint application sharply reduces lap marks.

Farrow And Ball Hague Blue

Hague Blue by Farrow Ball is a deep, darker blue-green that is a popular choice as an accent color or whole room color. Similar to SW Sea Salt, the color changes slightly in different interior lighting situations. Its a rich and luxurious paint color that works well in a home office, dining room, or as a contrasting kitchen island cabinet color.

This popular Farrow & Ball color pairs beautifully with white trim or bright furniture pieces as a moody backdrop. It also works well with brass fixtures or a white tile bathroom as a classic shade of blue.

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Indoor Paint Vs Outdoor Paint

Interior paints are designed to be stain-resistant, cleanable and able to standup to the rigors of everyday living. Unlike exterior paints, interior paints are created with ingredients that take interior air quality into consideration.

Exterior paints are designed to handle outside weather, mildew, chipping and fading. Because of this, exterior paints can often contain chemicals and fungicides that are best kept outside.

Why You Should Trust Us

Paint is a long-term project by nature, and every room presents its own challenges, so we felt wed get the best information possible by relying on the experience and expertise of professional painters rather than our own short-term testing.

Pro painters use paint on a daily basis and stake their reputations on the paints that they use. They have to deal with fading and staining, especially from clients who have an expectation that their investment will last. If customers are calling them back for problems a few months down the line, they cant move on to other work and remain successful. Longevity was a big concern we wanted to address with this research overall, and it was a major factor we felt we couldnt predict with short-term lab testing in limited environmental conditions. The painters we spoke to all have at least a decade of experience under their belts and are well-reviewed locally many of them are constantly testing out and trying new products. We could do all the lab testing in the world, but wed never match these guys’ combined 152 years of painting experience.

We could do all the lab testing in the world, but wed never match these guys’ combined 152 years of painting experience.

In the end we spoke to eight painters from around the country:

We also interviewed Rick Watson, director of product information and technical services at Sherwin-Williams.

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Looking To Spruce Your Place Up With A Fresh Lick Of Paint Weve Got You Covered With Our Collection Of The Best Paint For Walls

DIY – three letters that can spell doom to a Bank Holiday weekend and, largely in my case, more often stand for Dont Involve Yourself. But short of paying a professional to come round, the need to pick up a paintbrush is inevitable for us all, whether youre sprucing up a room or tackling the whole house, and youll need the best paint for walls to dip your brush into.

Nothing but abject disappointment will ever come from simply rushing out to your nearest homeware shop, grabbing the first tin of paint you see, then rushing back to slap it up your walls. Uneven application of coatings, the wrong kind of paint for the job, and poor-quality paint brushes or rollers can all combine to turn your decorating dream into DIY hell.

Read on for our guide to choosing the best paint for walls and how best to prepare for a painting session, followed by our pick of the very best wall paint available to buy.

Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace

One of Benjamin Moores truest whites, Chantilly Lace is a crisp, clean interior color with slightly gray undertones used on trim, cabinets, and walls. In most rooms and lighting, it reads like a warm white and can be used on ceilings as well.

Now as one of the whitest whites, it may take a third or fourth coat when painting over most wall colors. Therefore, its no surprise that this popular interior shade has the same wall coverage issues as Sherwins Highly Reflective White and Behrs Ultra Pure White. Nonetheless, it acts as a great contrasting trim color to other popular Benjamin Moore wall colors, Revere Pewter and Gray Owl.

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Sherwin Williams Pure White

Pure White by Sherwin Williams is a versatile off-white paint color that is often used in the kitchen, bedroom, or living room. Likewise, it has a soft, warmer taupe tone that doesnt feel terribly creamy and pairs well with gray color palettes.

Flexibility is key with this popular modern neutral interior color as it can be used on walls, cabinets, trim, or ceilings.

A quick announcement: Improovy just launched its newest location for Phoenix, AZ homeowners! If you live in the valley and are inspired by these colors, request a free estimate.

Interior Paint Colors By Brand

Oftentimes, youll be considering paint colors from specific brands as a homeowner.

In this case, your paint crew may have a preferred painting brand or a specific paint store may be located nearby. The most frequented stores include colors from specific paint brands. These include Sherwin Williams, Benjamin Moore, Home Depot, or Lowes stores.

To make things easy, were going to highlight our best picks for interior paint colors from brands carried by each store.

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Benjamin Moore And Sherwin

Taking on a painting project comes with a variety of expenses, so it only makes sense that a budget-minded person would look for places to cut costs. Painting contractors will tell you that cutting costs on paint is a bad idea, because the savings only come up to bite you in the end, simply because bargain paint doesnt look good and it doesnt last.

Repainting is a costly endeavor, especially if it has to be done frequently. For example, think of the other costs involved with a painting project, from brushes to rollers, painters tape to drop cloths and other materials used to protect surfaces. And then there are the labor costs, which are usually the most significant. When you have to take on another painting project because the previous one looked horrible or the paint quickly faded, chalked, cracked or peeled, youre taking on all those expenses again.

Sherwin-Williams and Benjamin Moore offer the top quality paints that you can rely on to prevent having to repaint your surfaces so soon.

Furthermore, it takes less work to apply these paints , they are easier to clean up because they spatter less and they look amazing on your surfaces. Finally, the biggest perk is that aesthetically pleasing look you get with these paints last a very long time.

How much does Benjamin Moore paint cost?

Interior & exterior paint prices$49-54/gallon

How much does Sherwin-Williams paint cost?

Interior & exterior paint prices$50-56/gallon

Higher-priced paints vs cheaper paints

What Determines The Sheen Of A Paint

Paint sheen is determined by the chemical make up of the paint. Glossier paints have more resins and less pigment in them.

For this reason, glossier paints need more coats of paint each coat has less pigment. Pair this with the paint being more expensive to begin with, and glossy paint can get pricey quickly!

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The Only Two Paint Finishes You Need

Interior paint, simplified.

If you’ve ever shopped for paint, youve probably been overwhelmed by all the options for paint finishes. Youll find flat, matte, velvet, satin, semi-gloss…and everything in between. Its enough to leave anyone confused! At Clare, we believe in keeping things simple, so we only offer the very best two paint finishes for interiors: Perfect Eggshell, which is ideal for walls and other interior surfaces, and Subtle Semi-Gloss, the best finish for trims, doors, mouldings and other high-touch surfaces.

To make things even simpler, we refer to these as our Wall Paint and Trim Paint, and theyre the only two paint finishes you ever really need to achieve maximum beauty and functionality no matter what room or surface youre painting.

Surface Compatibility: Learning To Pick The Right Paint

While there are many universal products on the market, it would still be best to find a can of paint that was specifically made with your walls material in mind. Now, most basements are built from concrete and it shouldnt be hard to find paint for that. The same is true for stone. However, if its metal or wood, you might have to spend a bit more time, as products that come with a for basement walls tag dont always stick well to these surfaces.

If youre not 100% sure whether a certain brand has the right kind of offer for you, dont hesitate to get in contact with customer support. Or check the description on the official website: it should have all the necessary info.

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The Chemistry Of Paint Finish

Paint glossiness is determined by the chemistry of the paint. High-gloss paints have more resins and less pigment. Flat paints, on the other hand, have more pigment and less resins. This explains why painting with glossier paints often requires multiple coats while flatter paints can cover adequately with a single coat.

Paint finishes are available in both latex and oil-based. For most people, latex paints are the better choice because they offer easier cleanup and lower fumes than oil-based paints.

Premium Interior Paints Vs Other Paints

The look of interior surfaces can be greatly transformed by using the right paint. Choosing a quality paint, such as those made by Benjamin Moore and Sherwin-Williams, and having the right painting contractor apply them guarantees that interiors will look amazing. The following are some of the benefits youll experience with a premium interior paint:

• Zero VOCs

  Premium paint brands are committed to safer, cleaner workspaces, which is why they offer no- to low-VOC options. Lesser quality paints still use ingredients that contribute odor and potentially harmful VOCs.

• Better coverage

  Premium paints are far easier to apply to surfaces than low-quality paint, which can save on labor costs. Furthermore, premium paints cover larger areas, which means less must be purchased compared to bargain brands.

• Less dirt buildup

  Premium paint includes additives that help deflect the buildup of dirt, mold and mildew. This keeps surfaces looking better for longer periods of time.

• Hold up to scrubbing

  Premium paint is essential in high-traffic areas where stains and scuffs on surfaces are common. Its essential because these surfaces have to be washed/scrubbed frequently and lower-quality paint will rub off under this kind of pressure.

• Less spatter

  Controlling spatter is difficult, which is why using paint that resists spatter is important. With less spatter comes more refined finishes, which is something premium paint offers.

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Do You Need A Primer With Eggshell Paint

Sheen doesnt really effect if you need a primer, its more about if you are painting over a dark color with a light color. Primer is generally cheaper and gives better coverage than paint + primer in one, so if you are painting light over dark, do a coat of primer first to cut down on coats and save some cash!

Prestige Paints Interior Paint And Primer In One 1

Features :

• Prestige Paints has created a comparable color based on color specifications of the original color using industry leading technology.
• This Behr paint color name is a trademark of Behr. Prestige Paints is not associated or affiliated with Behr in any way.
• Smooth Application ideal for living rooms, family rooms, media rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms, kitchens and hallways
• 100% Acrylic latex paint for easy soap and water clean-up
• Low VOC: less than 5 g/l prior to tinting

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Benjamin Moore Regal Select

I’ve used Regal Select several times, without disappointment, for whole-house painting projects and single rooms. If you love Benjamin Moore’s Aura, but you don’t want to fork over $80 per gallon, Regal is a cheaper alternative that doesn’t under-perform. If you’re on a tight budget, I would also recommend Ben, which is around $10 cheaper per gallon and performs great too.

• Awesome coverage
• Washable finish

Unlike the original Regal Classic, Regal Select is a paint and primer in one with a high solids volume near 40% to deliver excellent coverage for cutting-in and rolling walls. I’ve used this product in lighter colors over darker colors with solid coverage in one or two coats of paint tops. Regal Select is a zero VOC paint too, unlike the original Classic version. The paint temporarily smells when wet, but the odor doesn’t linger after it dries like other paints.

This paint is resistant to mildew, making it a good choice for bathroom walls, but it will perform fine in any room. To make the walls more washable, I would use the eggshell finish or the shinier satin finish if you have dogs or kids marking up the drywall.

Choosing The Best Paint For You

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When deciding the right paint, color is often weighted heavily. But the type of paint is just as important.

When deciding between oil-based or water-based, consider this important factor before you start: You can put water-based paint over oil-based paint but not the opposite, so the surface that youre starting with matters. If youre painting a surface you plan to change frequently, water-based is a better option. If longevity is the goal, then oil-based is worthy of consideration.

If youre new to DIY painting, oil-based can hide application errors better than water-based paint, but it also has a more pungent smell, takes longer to dry and needs special solutions for cleaning tools.

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Why Do You Need To Wash Walls Before Painting

This step is often skipped by homeowners and pros alike, although youll end up with the best results if you prep and clean before applying the first coat.

While you might be able to get away with simply dusting off cobwebs, paint will adhere better to a perfectly clean, smooth wall.

You might not have to wash the walls before painting if:

• theres no excessive dust
• there are no grease stains
• the house doesnt have a wood burning fireplace
• the wall has little to no contact with hands
• no pets live in the house
• its not a kitchen or bathroom

In a room where cooking or showering/bathing takes place, you should always wash the walls with vinegar or a mild soap and water before painting them.

If the walls arent properly washed and prepped, several months or years down the road, you might notice bubbling or flaking paint, even in the best paint brands.