Best Interior Paint for DIYers
Most of a paint job is prep and labor, but the paint decides how it covers and how long it lasts. A better paint often saves a coat, which saves time.
What to look for
- ·Paying for better paint usually means fewer coats. That can be cheaper than two coats of bargain paint.
- ·Match the sheen to the room: eggshell or satin for living spaces, semi-gloss for kitchens and baths and trim.
- ·A quality self-priming paint is enough over a sound, similar-color wall. Prime bare or stained surfaces.
Quick comparison
| Product | Tier | Price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Benjamin Moore Regal Select | Editor's pick | $55 to $70 per gallon | Living spaces you want to look great and hold up |
| Sherwin-Williams Emerald Interior | Editor's pick | $65 to $95 per gallon | A premium, one-coat-capable finish |
| Behr Marquee Interior | Editor's pick | $48 to $60 per gallon | Top-tier coverage from the home center |
| Behr Premium Plus | Best value | $30 to $40 per gallon | A whole-home repaint on a sensible budget |
| Sherwin-Williams SuperPaint Interior | Best value | $45 to $70 per gallon | A whole-home repaint with room to save on sale |
| Valspar Signature Interior | Best value | $35 to $45 per gallon | Good hide and value from Lowe's |
| Glidden Premium Interior Paint | Budget pick | $20 to $28 per gallon | Low-traffic rooms, ceilings, and rentals |
| Valspar 2000 Interior | Budget pick | $18 to $26 per gallon | High-volume, low-cost coverage |
| HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams Showcase | Budget pick | $28 to $36 per gallon | A budget paint that punches above its price |
Editor's pick
Benjamin Moore Regal Select
$55 to $70 per gallon
Excellent coverage, low spatter, and a durable, washable finish. Often one-coats over similar colors. The pick when you want the wall to look professional and last.
Best for: Living spaces you want to look great and hold up
Typically available at Benjamin Moore.
Sherwin-Williams Emerald Interior
$65 to $95 per gallon
A top-tier paint with excellent hide and a tough, washable finish that often one-coats. Stain-blocking and very durable. The pick when you want the best result and will catch the frequent store sales.
Best for: A premium, one-coat-capable finish
Typically available at Sherwin-Williams.
Behr Marquee Interior
$48 to $60 per gallon
Behr's top line, with strong one-coat color in many shades and a durable, washable finish, all from Home Depot. A premium result without a paint-store trip. Watch for the one-coat color list.
Best for: Top-tier coverage from the home center
Typically available at Home Depot.
Best value
Behr Premium Plus
$30 to $40 per gallon
Strong coverage and durability for the price, and easy to grab at Home Depot. The best value for a whole-home repaint where you want quality without the premium tier cost.
Best for: A whole-home repaint on a sensible budget
Typically available at Home Depot.
Sherwin-Williams SuperPaint Interior
$45 to $70 per gallon
A step below Emerald that still covers and wears well, and goes on sale often. A favorite mid-tier pick for a whole-home repaint where you want quality without the top-tier price.
Best for: A whole-home repaint with room to save on sale
Typically available at Sherwin-Williams.
Valspar Signature Interior
$35 to $45 per gallon
A thick, good-hiding paint with a paint-and-primer formula, easy to grab at Lowe's. Solid durability and color depth for the money. A reliable mid-range option for living spaces.
Best for: Good hide and value from Lowe's
Typically available at Lowe's.
Budget pick
Glidden Premium Interior Paint
$20 to $28 per gallon
Cheap and serviceable for low-traffic rooms, closets, ceilings, or rentals. Expect to use a second coat and to baby it more than the better paints, but the price is right.
Best for: Low-traffic rooms, ceilings, and rentals
Typically available at Home Depot, Walmart.
Valspar 2000 Interior
$18 to $26 per gallon
A contractor-grade budget paint for big, fast jobs. Thinner and less washable than the better lines, so it suits ceilings, closets, and rentals more than high-traffic walls. Hard to beat on price.
Best for: High-volume, low-cost coverage
Typically available at Lowe's.
HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams Showcase
$28 to $36 per gallon
Sherwin-Williams quality control in a budget line sold at Lowe's, with a paint-and-primer formula. A nice step up from the cheapest paints for not much more, good for everyday rooms.
Best for: A budget paint that punches above its price
Typically available at Lowe's.
Frequently asked
How much paint do I need?+
One gallon covers roughly 350 to 400 square feet, about one coat on an average room. Most jobs need two coats, so a typical bedroom takes around two gallons. Measure wall area and subtract big windows and doors.
Do I need primer?+
A quality self-priming paint is fine over a sound wall in a similar color. Use a dedicated primer over bare drywall, patches, stains, glossy surfaces, or a big color change, especially going dark to light.
What sheen should I use?+
Flat or matte hides wall flaws but is harder to clean. Eggshell or satin is the everyday choice for living spaces. Use semi-gloss for kitchens, baths, doors, and trim where you want to wipe it down.
Is expensive paint actually worth it?+
Often yes, because better paint covers in fewer coats and resists scuffs and washing longer. Saving a third coat in both paint and labor can make the pricier gallon the cheaper job overall.
How long should I wait between coats?+
Most latex paints are recoat-ready in 2 to 4 hours, but check the can. Rushing the second coat can pull up the first. Full cure to a hard, washable finish can take a couple of weeks.
Planning a bigger job? See the full Interior Painting project guide: cost, DIY vs. hire, and the whole plan.
Open the Interior Painting guide →