When it comes to transforming your home, nothing makes a bigger visual impact than the paint you choose. The best house paint not only enhances your home’s beauty but also protects surfaces from wear and weather. This guide breaks down how to choose the best interior house paint brand, the best exterior house paint, and what consumer reports best house paint tests say. You’ll also find reviews of top products and trending best house paint colors to help you make the right decision.
What Makes the Best Residential Interior Paint
The best residential interior paint does more than look good. It should last, resist stains, and clean up easily. Here are key qualities to consider:
- Coverage: Strong coverage saves time and paint
- Washability: Paint should resist scrubbing and spot cleaning
- Low or Zero VOC: Better for indoor air quality
- Durability: Paint should withstand daily wear and tear
- Finish options: Matte for low-traffic areas, satin or semi-gloss for kitchens and bathrooms
Before starting, make sure to prep the surface properly. Read how to clean walls before painting to ensure better adhesion and a smoother finish. If you’re painting ceilings, see the best way to paint a ceiling for pro-level tips.
What to Look for in the Best Exterior House Paint
Exterior paint has to withstand sunlight, rain, wind, and mildew. The best exterior house paint offers:
- Weather Resistance: UV protection and moisture resistance
- Mildew Resistance: Crucial for humid or rainy areas
- Color Retention: Prevents fading from sunlight
- Flexible Finish: Expands and contracts with temperature changes
- Long Lifespan: Reduces repainting frequency and maintenance costs
If you’re painting outdoor wooden elements, check out what paint to use on wood to make sure you pick the right formula.
Consumer Reports: Best House Paint Brands Ranked
Independent tests from consumer reports best indoor paint and exterior categories show that a few brands consistently stand out:
- Behr: High marks for coverage, washability, and value
- Benjamin Moore: Known for premium colors, durability, and smooth finishes
- Sherwin-Williams: Praised by professionals for its extensive color range and pro-grade quality
According to consumer reports best house paint testing, Behr Marquee and Ultra lines rank highly for both interior and exterior performance, offering superior coverage and durability for their price.
Best Interior House Paint Brand: Our Top Picks
Here are the most trusted options for interiors
Behr Marquee Interior Paint
- Pros: One-coat coverage, excellent hide, stain resistance
Benjamin Moore Regal Select
- Pros: Luxurious finish, smooth application, washable
- Cons: Expensive, limited availability in some areas
Sherwin-Williams Emerald
- Pros: Great color richness, durability, mildew resistance
- Cons: Premium price tag
Best Exterior House Paint: Our Favorites
Exterior paint needs to survive harsh conditions. These are the best performers
Behr Marquee Exterior Paint
- Pros: Long-lasting, fade-resistant, mildew-resistant
- Cons: Higher cost than budget paints
Valspar Duramax Exterior Paint
- Pros: Excellent adhesion, weather resistance, prevents cracking and peeling
- Cons: May require more coats for dark colors
Benjamin Moore Aura Exterior
- Pros: Outstanding color retention, durable finish, resists mildew
- Cons: Very expensive
Choosing the Best House Paint Colors
Color has a powerful effect on how your home feels. When selecting best house paint colors:
- Neutrals like white, beige, and gray create clean, timeless looks
- Bold accent colors like navy, terracotta, or emerald green can make a statement on one wall
- Light colors open up small rooms, while darker shades add depth to large spaces
- Exterior colors should complement your roof, trim, and landscape
If you’re repainting ceilings, also explore best ceiling paint color to coordinate your look.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your House Paint
Even the best paint will fail without proper prep and technique
- Clean the surface first (how to clean walls before painting)
- Repair holes, cracks, and sand rough spots
- Use primer if switching from dark to light colors or painting new drywall (best drywall primer)
- Apply with quality tools for smoother results (best paint roller covers)
- Let each coat dry fully before applying the next (how to make paint dry fast)
Best House Paint: Quick Recommendations by Need
| Need | Best Option |
|---|---|
| Long-lasting exterior finish | Behr Marquee Exterior or Valspar Duramax |
| Premium interior finish | Benjamin Moore Regal Select |
| Budget-friendly with good coverage | Behr Ultra Interior |
| Designer colors and finishes | Sherwin-Williams Emerald |
Final Thoughts
Choosing the best house paint comes down to your specific needs, budget, and style. For interiors, the best interior house paint brand options like Benjamin Moore or Behr offer durability and easy maintenance. For exteriors, investing in best exterior house paint like Behr Marquee or Valspar Duramax can save you from frequent repaints.
Do your prep, choose the right finish, and apply with care, and your walls will reward you with lasting beauty and protection.
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