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Who makes the best interior paint? A FREE expert guide to the BEST choices!

August 5, 2024

Picking the right paint brand isn’t just about color, it’s about how good it looks, how long it lasts, and how easy it is to clean. With so many choices, it’s hard to know which one is best for your walls. That’s why we created this simple resource to help you choose wisely.

If you’re starting from scratch, it also helps to know when to paint your interior walls for the best results and smoother application. And if your walls are already painted, but the color feels outdated, explore the trending interior paint colors that are making Woodstock homes feel fresh again.

What Makes an Interior Paint Brand the “Best”?

A high-quality interior paint should give great coverage, dry smoothly, and last for years. That’s what makes a brand the best, not just the name on the can.

In the middle of choosing, check how easy it is to clean, how strong the color stays, and whether it smells strong. A trusted paint brand also offers low-VOC or eco-friendly options for safer indoor use. If you’re not sure which finish goes where, explore what interior paint finish is best based on how each room is used.

Best Interior Paint Brands Ranked by Experts

Trending Interior paint colors can guide your brand’s pick, too. Experts often choose Benjamin Moore for deep color and smooth finish, and Sherwin-Williams for long-lasting professional use. Behr is a top pick at Home Depot for value and solid coverage.

In the middle of your search, don’t skip over Clare or Valspar, great for designer colors and easy touch-ups. Each brand has its strengths, so match the one that fits your room, budget, and goals.

Top Interior Paint Brands Competing for the Best Choice in 2025

When it comes to choosing the best interior paint, several trusted brands continue to dominate the market for their performance, finish quality, and long-term durability. Here’s a closer look at the top contenders:

Benjamin Moore: Premium Finish and Washable Durability

Benjamin Moore remains one of the most respected names in the interior paint world. It’s favored by professionals and homeowners for:

  • Excellent color richness and smooth application
  • The Aura® line, known for high washability and dirt resistance, is ideal for homes with kids or pets
  • Regal Select®, offering a soft, elegant finish that holds up beautifully over time
  • Low-VOC formulas available for healthier indoor air

Benjamin Moore is a strong option if you’re looking for paint that’s as beautiful as it is durable. If durability matters, especially in high-traffic areas, it’s worth knowing how interior paint drying time affects the final result and how to avoid smudges or uneven finishes. You can also check when it’s time to repaint your interior walls based on wear, lighting, and overall room feel.

Sherwin-Williams: Contractor Favorite with Lasting Performance

Sherwin-Williams is another household name when discussing the best interior paint brands. Known for its professional-grade finishes and excellent stain resistance, this brand is often chosen for:

  • The Emerald® line, praised for bold color, clarity, and durability
  • SuperPaint®, a versatile choice balancing coverage, cost, and long life
  • Easy touch-up and smooth rolling for DIYers and contractors alike

From home renovations to full-room makeovers, Sherwin-Williams consistently delivers performance.

Behr: Affordable Quality from Home Depot

Available exclusively at Home Depot, Behr paint is a favorite for its value and versatility. It’s considered one of the best interior paint brands for budget-conscious homeowners. If you’re doing a full makeover, make sure to factor in when it’s the right time to paint your interior walls for the best finish and lasting results.

  • The Marquee® line offers excellent one-coat coverage and fade resistance
  • Premium Plus® and Ultra® lines provide stain-blocking and a variety of finishes
  • Wide availability and color-matching tools in-store

Behr makes it easy to achieve professional results at an affordable price point.

Valspar: Smooth Finish with Great Color Options

Valspar is known for its expansive color palette and reliable performance. Found at Lowe’s and other retailers, Valspar is a solid contender because of:

  • The Signature® line, offering rich pigmentation and even application
  • Reserve®, their higher-end option, is known for great coverage and lasting durability
  • Great for accent walls or whole-home color schemes

With a balance of quality and accessibility, Valspar is a smart choice for many homes.

Best Interior Paint for Specific Needs

Not all paints work for every wall. In high-traffic areas like hallways or kitchens, choose paints that resist moisture and scrubbing. Semi-gloss works well in bathrooms, while matte or eggshell suits living rooms.

During a fast project like a home sale, you’ll want paint that dries quickly and covers in one coat. Behr’s Premium Plus and Valspar Signature are great for these tasks. For long-term protection and finish, it helps to plan ahead using an effective gutter cleaning schedule if you’re painting near trims or exterior joins.

Paint Finishes Explained: Which Is Right for Each Room?

Paint finish matters just as much as the brand. Flat and matte finishes are best for ceilings or low-traffic areas. Eggshell and satin give a slight shine and work great in living rooms or hallways. Semi-gloss and gloss are ideal for bathrooms, kitchens, and trim.

In the middle of your decision, think about how much cleaning the walls will need. Higher sheen = easier to wipe. If you’re pairing a new paint finish with an update to your space, also consider your cabinet painting services to complete the room’s look.

Price Comparison: Which Interior Paint Offers the Best Value?

Not all great paint needs to cost a fortune. Brands like Behr and Valspar offer solid coverage at an affordable price, while Benjamin Moore and Sherwin-Williams sit at the higher end, but often require fewer coats.

Mid-range paints with built-in primer can save time and cost overall. When budgeting, remember that the right product can protect your walls for years. And just like investing in lead-based paint inspection costs helps avoid bigger issues, choosing good paint upfront prevents early touch-ups.

Where to Buy Interior Paint: Online vs. In-Store

Homeowners often ask whether to shop online or head to the store. In-store lets you see swatches, get same-day pickup, and ask for custom color matching. Online stores like Clare and Backdrop, though, make it easy to order curated palettes with fast delivery.

In the middle of a big project, it helps to know if the paint brand is exclusive (like Behr at Home Depot) or available from multiple sellers. Just make sure the paint you choose is fresh and stored properly, something we’ll cover next.Interior Paint Warranties: Do They Matter?

Warranties vary across brands, and not all are created equal. Behr offers a limited lifetime warranty, which is great if you’re painting high-traffic areas. Sherwin-Williams and Benjamin Moore also provide coverage, but you’ll want to check what’s included.

Can Interior Paint Expire? How to Store It Right

Paint does expire, even if the can looks sealed. Latex paint typically lasts about 2–3 years after opening if stored correctly. Keep it in a cool, dry place with a tight lid to prevent drying out. If it smells sour or has chunks, toss it.

In the middle of a home project, leftover paint is gold for touch-ups. But storing it wrong creates waste. Wondering how paint shelf life compares to other materials? Check out when interior paint expires for more detailed advice.

Tips for Choosing the Right Paint for Your Home

Not sure where to start? Begin with the room. For small spaces, light colors can make it feel bigger. Bold tones work great for accent walls or cozy bedrooms. Always test a sample first; paint looks different under natural and artificial light.

Midway through selecting colors, think about the rest of your space: furniture, floors, and lighting. You can also pull ideas from trending interior paint colors to stay modern and stylish.

Expert Painting Tips for a Smooth Finish

Getting a smooth finish starts with good prep. Always clean your walls and patch small holes before opening the paint can. Use painter’s tape on edges and choose the right roller nap for your wall texture.

In the middle of painting, avoid overloading your brush or roller, it causes drips and uneven coats. Two thin coats are better than one thick one. Also, keep the room well-ventilated and avoid rushing the drying process for best results.

FAQ Section

What’s the most durable interior paint?
Benjamin Moore Aura and Sherwin-Williams Duration are both highly durable and great for high-traffic areas.

Can I use exterior paint inside my home?
Technically, yes, but it’s not recommended. Interior paint has fewer fumes and is designed for indoor air quality. Instead, choose something with a low-VOC label.

What’s the best paint for quick coverage?
If you want one-coat coverage, Behr Marquee is a top pick. Just make sure you prep well for the best results.

Conclusion: The Best Paint Depends on Your Needs

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but there is a perfect paint for your project. Whether you’re painting a bathroom, bedroom, or entire home, the right brand makes a big difference. Look at what matters most to you: price, durability, eco-friendliness, or designer colors.

For smooth, lasting results in Woodstock homes, contact Green Summit Contracting for expert painting services you can count on.


Author Photo - Mitchell Navarro
Mitchell Navarro
Mitchell Navarro is the Founder and Owner of Green Summit Contracting. He began his remodeling career in North Carolina. After years of being a Consultant, Project Manager, and Sales Manager for a local contracting company and a top 10 Home Remodeling company in the Nation, Mitchell decided to create Green Summit Contracting to fill the voids he saw firsthand in the industry. When not working, Mitchell trains BJJ, reads books, and takes his two dogs hiking.
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