Transforming your living space often begins with a fresh coat of paint, and choosing from the best interior house paint brands is a critical first step. The right interior paint not only enhances aesthetics but also provides durability, washability, and long-lasting color. With numerous options available, understanding the strengths of different top paint brands can help you achieve professional-looking results that stand the test of time.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Interior Paint
Before diving into specific interior paint brands, it’s helpful to understand the key characteristics that differentiate them. Evaluating these factors will guide you toward the best choice for your specific needs and preferences.
- Durability: How well does the paint resist scuffs, chips, and everyday wear and tear? High-traffic areas require more durable options.
- Washability: Can the painted surface be easily cleaned without damaging the finish or color? This is important for kitchens, bathrooms, and children’s rooms.
- Coverage: How many coats are typically needed to achieve full opacity? Better coverage means less paint and fewer coats, saving time and money.
- VOC Levels: Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) can emit odors and potentially impact indoor air quality. Low-VOC or zero-VOC paints are healthier choices.
- Finish: The sheen level (e.g., flat, eggshell, satin, semi-gloss) affects both appearance and durability.
- Application: How smoothly does the paint apply, and does it resist drips and splatters? Easy-to-apply paint makes the job simpler for DIYers.
Top Interior House Paint Brands Reviewed
Several manufacturers consistently rank among the best interior house paint brands, offering a range of products to suit various budgets and project requirements. Here’s a closer look at some of the leading contenders.
Sherwin-Williams
Sherwin-Williams is a household name in the paint industry, widely recognized for its high-quality interior paint products. They offer a diverse portfolio, from budget-friendly options to premium formulations.
- Emerald: This is one of their top-tier lines, known for exceptional durability, washability, and a smooth finish. It’s a zero-VOC paint, making it a great choice for health-conscious consumers.
- Duration Home: Offering excellent stain resistance and washability, Duration Home is ideal for busy households and high-traffic areas. It also features anti-microbial properties.
- SuperPaint: A versatile and popular choice, SuperPaint provides good coverage and a durable finish at a mid-range price point.
Many professionals consider Sherwin-Williams among the best interior house paint brands due to its consistent performance and wide color selection.
Benjamin Moore
Benjamin Moore is synonymous with premium quality and an exquisite color palette. Their interior paints are often praised for their rich depth of color and superior application properties.
- Aura: Their flagship product, Aura, delivers unparalleled depth of color and exceptional hide. It’s highly durable, washable, and resistant to color fading, making it a premium interior paint option.
- Regal Select: A popular choice for its balance of performance and value, Regal Select offers great coverage, washability, and a smooth finish. It’s also a low-VOC formula.
- Ben: Designed for ease of use, Ben paint provides good coverage and a durable finish, making it an excellent option for everyday projects and DIY enthusiasts.
For those seeking sophisticated colors and a luxurious finish, Benjamin Moore stands out among the best interior house paint brands.
Behr
Available primarily at Home Depot, Behr offers accessible and high-performing interior paint solutions. They are a favorite among DIYers for their convenience and value.
- Marquee: Behr’s premium line, Marquee, is famous for its one-coat coverage guarantee (on most colors). It offers superior stain resistance and scrubbability.
- Premium Plus: A very popular choice, Premium Plus provides good coverage, durability, and is low-VOC. It’s an excellent all-around interior paint for various surfaces.
- Dynasty: This top-of-the-line paint offers advanced stain repellency and scuff resistance, making it one of the most durable Behr options.
Behr consistently ranks high for its combination of quality and affordability, making it one of the best interior house paint brands for homeowners.
Valspar
Valspar, found at Lowe’s and other retailers, offers a broad range of interior paints known for their vibrant colors and durable finishes. They cater to both professional painters and DIYers.
- Reserve: Valspar’s most advanced paint, Reserve offers exceptional durability, stain resistance, and scrubbability. It provides excellent coverage and a smooth, professional finish.
- Signature: A popular choice for its balance of quality and value, Signature provides good hide, washability, and a durable finish.
- Optimis: This line is designed for easy application and excellent coverage, making it a great choice for those seeking a reliable, everyday interior paint.
Valspar’s extensive color selection and reliable performance solidify its position among the best interior house paint brands.
PPG Paints
PPG is a global leader in coatings, and their architectural paints are highly regarded by professionals. Their interior paint lines offer robust performance and durability.
- Manor Hall: This premium line offers exceptional hide, durability, and a smooth, luxurious finish. It’s highly washable and resistant to mildew.
- Diamond: Known for its tough, washable finish, Diamond paint is ideal for high-traffic areas and provides excellent stain resistance.
- Pure Performance: PPG’s low-VOC and zero-VOC options, Pure Performance paints deliver excellent coverage and durability while being environmentally friendly.
For professional-grade results and long-lasting finishes, PPG remains a strong contender among the best interior house paint brands.
Choosing the Right Paint Finish
Beyond selecting from the best interior house paint brands, the sheen or finish plays a significant role in your room’s appearance and durability. Each finish has its ideal application:
- Flat/Matte: Best for ceilings and low-traffic areas. It hides imperfections well but is less washable.
- Eggshell: A popular choice for living rooms and bedrooms. It offers a subtle sheen, good durability, and is more washable than flat.
- Satin: Ideal for family rooms, dining rooms, and hallways. It has a soft sheen, is very durable, and easy to clean.
- Semi-Gloss: Excellent for trim, doors, kitchens, and bathrooms. It’s highly durable and very washable, with a noticeable sheen.
- High-Gloss: Used for furniture, cabinets, and high-impact accents. It’s the most durable and easiest to clean but highlights imperfections.
Tips for a Successful Interior Paint Project
Even with the best interior house paint brands, proper preparation and application are key to achieving a flawless finish.
- Preparation is Key: Clean your walls, fill holes, sand rough spots, and tape off trim and edges.
- Prime Appropriately: Use a primer, especially when changing colors dramatically or painting over stained surfaces.
- Use Quality Tools: Invest in good brushes, rollers, and trays for smoother application and better results.
- Apply Thin Coats: Two thin coats are always better than one thick coat, providing better coverage and a more even finish.
- Allow Proper Drying Time: Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for drying and recoat times.
Conclusion
Selecting from the best interior house paint brands is an investment in your home’s aesthetic and longevity. Whether you prioritize premium durability, eco-friendliness, or budget-friendly options, brands like Sherwin-Williams, Benjamin Moore, Behr, Valspar, and PPG offer exceptional choices. By considering factors like durability, washability, and finish, you can confidently choose the perfect paint to revitalize your interior spaces. Take the time to research, compare, and select the brand that best aligns with your project goals, ensuring a beautiful and lasting transformation for your home.