With expert tips from DeCrosta in mind, we researched and tested a range of paint brands, including options with various finishes, dry times, and cleaning requirements. Our number one pick is Sherwin-Williams Cashmere Interior Acrylic Latex, a paint-primer hybrid that goes on evenly and promises a buttery-smooth finish. Frequently, you can find our selections at manufacturer retail outlets or at big-box stores. Many brands, however, are available only from one store. This paint is available in five sheens and endless hues, as well as custom colors. It effortlessly hides existing colors and imperfections. Cashmere also dries to the touch in an hour. When it sets, you’re left with an ultra-rich finish that looks great from every angle. It’s super easy to scrub clean, too. This wall paint can only be purchased directly from Sherwin-Williams, and at upwards of $50 per gallon, the price is slightly steep. Still, we think the stunning, durable results are well worth it. Price at time of publish: Unavailable This wall paint is available in flat-matte, as well as eggshell and semi-gloss textures, and can be tinted into upwards of 1,000 colors. We also appreciate that this is a low-volatile organic compound (VOC) latex formula, with minimal odors. We recommend this paint although we note that its budget price may come with some less-than-spectacular results, based on the surface or other factors. However, the manufacturer backs it with a 15-year warranty. Price at time of publish: $18/gallon “For the convenience of the curated color choices, self-adhesive sample, and the option to shop for paint supplies on the site, I loved the Backdrop experience,” she said in her full product review. “However,” she continued, “I paid about $20 per can more than I normally would and didn’t notice a huge difference in paint quality.” Over $70 a can is undoubtedly expensive, but the premium, water-based formula is conveniently self-priming. Based on where you purchase it, you can select from 33 colors with whimsical names such as “Pretty Ugly” (a bold olive green) and “Stromboli Chess Club” (a cornflower blue). It’s also low-VOC, and thanks to the acrylic resin component, easy to apply and quick-drying, with minimal odors. But you need to wait 3 or 4 hours to apply a second coat, which you almost assuredly need. Price at time of publish: $70/gallon The self-priming formula hides existing wall paint colors and imperfections, but bear in mind you likely need two coats. We also like that it has a mildew-resistant coating, plus stain-release technology that makes it incredibly easy to clean. The manufacturer notes this paint is VOC compliant in all areas but may not be available everywhere because of state VOC regulations. Price at time of publish: $77/gallon The manufacturer says its antimicrobial agents promise to inhibit mold and mildew, while stain-blocking technology hides old marks and helps new ones wipe clean. We have noted that it’s possible to apply two coats (needed) in one regular day; expect 2 hours or so for a coat to dry enough for a second coat. Though $80 is a lot for a gallon of paint, it’s backed by a lifetime warranty. Price at time of publish: $80/gallon This is not a paint to use for a quick job. Generally, glossy surfaces need scuffing and sanding before applying a flat paint. The manufacturer specifies 2 hours drying time before applying a second coat, which we’ve found to be slightly longer than average. Dark colors may need more time. And this paint requires 30 days to fully cure. You also need 30 days for any new stucco, masonry or plaster to cure before painting. Also, this is sold exclusively at The Home Depot, but you can find a store in most communities of any size. The price is comparable to many paints we’ve evaluated. The manufacturer also offers a lifetime warranty. Price at time of publish: $43/gallon You can purchase this paint in eggshell, flat, satin, or semi-gloss finishes. Its dry time, at 77 degrees Fahrenheit is 30 to 60 minutes to the touch, and 2 hours for a second coat. Backed by a lifetime warranty, it’s also resistant to mildew, stains, scuffs, and fading. Once dry, this durable paint can be cleaned as needed with soap and water. While you can order this paint online from manufacturer, it’s available for pickup only at Lowe’s stores. Price at time of publish: $40/gallon The high-performance acrylic formula repels stains, scuffs, scratches, and mildew, with a lifetime warranty to back up its durability. It’s also a breeze to wash off with soap and water. While we note that many users agree that one coat is enough to cover white or light-colored walls, darker surfaces may require additional coats. The manufacturer doesn’t specify the dry time for additional coats, but we recommend at least 2 hours. This paint, with a limited lifetime warranty, is available only at Lowe’s stores. Price at time of publish: $66/gallon The manufacturer positions this brand as its most durable one-coat paint, resisting scuff marks such as shoe heels. If you’re repainting existing light-colored surfaces, you can likely get away with a single coat. But the manufacturer agrees that darker colors might take a little longer to cure. We appreciate that this paint has an antimicrobial finish that repels stains and wipes clean with minimal elbow grease. The manufacturer also offers a lifetime limited warranty. Price at time of publish: $60/gallon While the original chalk paint was created by the Annie Sloan brand, there are many versions now. But we recommend Rust-Oleum Chalked as the best chalk paint. The ultra-matte formula creates a semi-distressed look, ideal for rustic and vintage-inspired interior design schemes. This low-odor latex paint is easy to apply, effortlessly adhering to most surfaces, and is dry to the touch within 30 minutes. The manufacturer claims that one coat is enough for most surfaces, but applying a topcoat 8 hours after the first coat has dried adds extra protection. Just bear in mind the flat finish is more prone to scuffs and stains than glossier sheens. While many paint brands are available only through manufacturer retail stores or selected big-box stores, you can buy Rust-Oleum at many places. We also note that this brand costs considerably less than other types of paint. But the look is not for everyone.
Color
The color you pick is likely your second biggest consideration when selecting interior paint. Even if you already know which color interior paint you want, there are many shade choices. Most major paint manufacturers offer an extensive selection of color chips. Use them to narrow down your options, then consider purchasing a pint-sized paint tester to try out the color at home. Note that colors appear differently depending on the room light. So make sure to examine the color under the most prevalent lighting conditions. If you can’t find an exact match in the color swatches, typically, you can have a custom color mixed at your local paint store. Bring in a sample of the shade you’re imagining—it can be anything, even a pillow or a favorite sweater—and a color code machine called a spectrophotometer scans and deciphers the color. The machines aren’t perfect, so visually check the color to see if it’s on target with what you were imagining. The paint mixer should be able to tweak it further, if necessary.
Finish
The finish you choose depends on where you are painting and how resilient you want the surface to appear. You have three basic finish categories to choose from, and sometimes paint is categorized by these finish types. Select from a flat finish, low-luster (which can include “eggshell” and “satin”), or glossy finish. High gloss finishes add drama, while flatter finishes might play into calmer surroundings. Flat paint, also called a matte finish, is exactly as it sounds—the resulting finish doesn’t reflect much light. This type of interior paint is good for surfaces that won’t see much action, like ceilings. It’s usually the least expensive type of interior paint, but it can be difficult to keep clean and look fresh. Only use flat paint if you’re on a tight budget and using it on an out-of-the-way location. On the plus side, matte paint hides imperfections better than shinier finishes. The next type of finish is low-luster, which reflects light only slightly. Low-luster paints include eggshell and satin finishes. Of the two, eggshell is slightly flatter. But compared to true flat finishm this one is versatile, and offers increased durability and ability to keep clean. Satin or eggshell finish is appropriate for most walls of your home, including the living room, bedroom, hallways, bathrooms, and more. Finally, paints with glossy finishes offer a high amount of sheen or light reflection and a harder finish than flat paints. This category includes semi-gloss paints that are slightly flatter than their glossy counterparts. Glossy paint is best used on windowsills or handrails, while semi-gloss paints are popular in higher-humidity areas such as kitchens or bathrooms. Glossy paints look beautiful but magnify any imperfections in their surfaces.
VOCs
If you’ve ever experienced a headache, nausea, or nasal irritation during or after painting a small, enclosed space, it’s likely the result of inhaling volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) defines VOCs as “any compound of carbon, excluding carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, carbonic acid, metallic carbides or carbonates, and ammonium carbonate, which participates in atmospheric photochemical reactions.” These gases are emitted in some quantity by paint along with many household liquids. In sufficient quantities and prolonged exposure, they can be harmful to health. The EPA has established a limit of 2.1 pounds of VOC per gallon. You should examine the paint can label and ask your seller about how much VOC is contained in each gallon. As a general rule, when painting indoors, allow yourself the best ventilation possible.
Additives
Some interior paints have additives to enhance the application or finish of the paint. Consider what you’re trying to achieve with your painting project to determine which—if any—additives are necessary for your purposes. Enamel is one of the most common additives found in interior paint. The addition of enamel to the paint formula results in a harder, more durable finish. This could be important for high-traffic areas where dirt might infiltrate the paint, or if the finish is subjected to lots of touching and bumping. Acrylic is often added to oil-based paint to prevent yellowing. By adding acrylic, the paint stays true to its original hue longer. Some manufacturers also add acrylic to improve their durability and finish of latex paints.
Coverage and Dry Time
Interior wall paints are often dry to the touch and ready for a second coat within 1 to 2 hours. However, some paints take up to 4 hours to dry, and others take several days or more to fully cure—meaning the finish is no longer tacky. Darker colors may take longer to set than lighter colors. Also, if you need to apply more than one coat, you may have to wait longer before the first coat is dry enough. This can take 8 hours or longer.
Durability and Maintenance
Ideally, wall paint should resist stain and be easy to clean, especially when applied to high-traffic areas and homes with pets or kids. According to DeCrosta, something with at least a semi-gloss finish is easiest to clean. “People [often] ask for an eggshell finish because it isn’t too shiny, and you can wipe fingerprints and dirt off the wall easily,” he says.
Why Trust The Spruce?
Theresa Holland is a seasoned commerce writer and product tester specializing in home improvement and decor. For this story, she interviewed Louis DeCrosta, owner of L.A. Painting, who provided insight into the varying finishes and maintenance requirements of interior wall paints. After considering dozens of options and notes from our home testers, she narrowed it down to the most user-friendly, easy-to-clean, high-performance formulas with stunning finishes. Some products we’ve looked at in this roundup purport to be a combination primer and paint. But even their manufacturers recommend a primer coat in some instances. If you’re changing colors from dark to light, we strongly recommend that you apply an actual coat of real primer.
