Paint doesn’t have to be expensive to be high quality

Expensive paint isn’t necessarily the best, according to a new Consumer Reports study.

Brands at home improvements stores are likely to be cheaper but just as good for coverage as the pricier options. In fact, in Consumer Reports rankings, the top four excellent interior paints are all from home improvement stores:
– Behr Marquee, $39, Home Depot.
– Behr Premium Plus Enamel, $27, Home Depot.
– Valspar Reserve, $44, Lowe’s.
– Behr Premium Plus Ultra, $30, Home Depot.

Benjamin Moore’s Aura, $70, sold at independent dealers, came in fifth in the rankings.

A paint rated excellent for coverage should cover a very dark paint in one coat.

Colors are another consideration. Famed paint Farrow & Ball is known for its unique and upscale colors. But, according to Consumer Reports, hardware store clerks can match Farrow & Ball colors within 1 percent, making it tempting to buy a cheaper brand and skip the salty $100 per gallon price. The sheen of the paint may look different, though.

All modern paints which claim to be self-priming do just that. So priming is not usually necessary, the magazine reports.