When I first tried to pick the best house paint, I didn’t expect it to be so complicated. There were too many options—different types, finishes, and brands. I wanted something that would last, look great, and be easy to keep clean.
If you’re feeling stuck, you’re not alone. That’s why I wrote this article – to share what I’ve learned in a clear, practical way.
I’ll guide you through the best paints for both interior and exterior use, including which finishes work well in different rooms and which brands you can count on.
I kept everything simple, so it’s easy to follow. There is no unnecessary fluff; just helpful advice. My goal is to make your decision easier and save you time. Let’s get started.
How the Right House Paint Makes a Difference
I used to think paint was just about color, but it does much more than that. Paint helps protect your home from wear, moisture, and stains. A good paint job keeps walls, wood, and siding in better shape over time.
The right kind of paint can also save you money. It lasts longer, requires fewer touch-ups, and withstands damage better than cheaper or inferior options. That means fewer trips back to the store and less repainting down the road.
But not every paint works in every spot. What you use on a bathroom wall isn’t the same as what works on wood siding outside.
Picking the right paint means considering where it will be used and the conditions it must withstand, such as water, sunlight, or daily wear and tear.
Types of House Paint
Not all paint is the same. Some are designed for use inside walls, while others are built to withstand outdoor weather. The paint you pick matters – it affects how long it lasts, how easy it is to clean, and how it holds up over time.
Interior Paint
Interior paint is used on walls, ceilings, doors, and trim inside the home. Each finish has its use. Choose your finish based on how often the room is used and how often you’ll need to clean the walls.
- Flat or Matte: It has no shine and effectively hides small marks or imperfections. It’s suitable for bedrooms or ceilings, but it’s more challenging to clean, making it less ideal for kitchens or hallways.
- Eggshell: Offers a soft, low-level sheen. It’s more durable than flat paint and works well in living rooms and dining areas.
- Satin: It has a slight shine and is easy to clean. It’s a smart choice for hallways, kitchens, and playrooms.
- Semi-gloss: This finish has more shine and resists moisture well. It’s a top choice for bathrooms, laundry areas, and trim, as it can withstand regular cleaning.
- Gloss: This material is very shiny and tough. It is often used on cabinets, doors, and furniture. It shows surface marks more easily but can be cleaned frequently without damage.
Exterior Paint
Exterior paint is designed to withstand sunlight, rain, wind, and varying temperatures. It needs to be more durable than indoor paint. Choosing the right one helps protect your home and keeps it looking good for a longer period.
- Acrylic: A water-based option that stays flexible and holds up over time. It resists peeling and cracking, making it a suitable choice for siding materials such as wood, vinyl, or fiber cement.
- Oil-based: It dries to a smooth, strong finish. It’s great for wood trim and metal. It takes longer to dry and needs more cleanup, but it’s very durable.
- Elastomeric: A thick paint that stretches to cover small cracks. Often used on stucco, brick, or concrete to help seal out moisture.
Top Paint Brands and Their Colors for Your House
Choosing the right paint brand is about more than color – it’s about quality, durability, and ease of use. A well-known brand usually means better coverage, stronger protection, and a smoother experience during and after painting.
Sherwin-Williams
Sherwin-Williams has been a major name in paint for over 150 years. Known for its professional-grade quality, the brand is often the first choice for contractors, painters, and homeowners alike.
It offers one of the largest selections of paint colors and finishes in the market.
Best Interior Paint:Emerald® Interior Acrylic Latex
This high-quality interior paint offers smooth coverage and resistance to stains and moisture. It’s a reliable choice for busy spaces like kitchens, bathrooms, or frequently used rooms.
Plus, its easy-to-clean surface helps maintain a fresh look over time, even in the most active parts of your home.
Best Exterior Paint:Emerald® Exterior Acrylic Latex
This paint is designed to withstand harsh weather conditions. It helps prevent cracking, reduces dirt buildup, and holds its color over time.
With its long-lasting color retention and protective qualities, this paint is a smart choice for homes in a wide range of climate zones, from coastal regions with high humidity to desert areas.
Benjamin Moore
Benjamin Moore is often selected for its rich, deep color options and long-lasting finishes.
Founded in 1883, it’s earned a reputation for creating paint that performs under both visual and functional demands. Professionals value its consistent results and low-maintenance finishes.
Best Interior Paint:Aura® Interior
This paint delivers excellent coverage, even over bold or dark colors, helping you achieve a uniform finish with fewer coats.
Its high-opacity formula saves both time and effort during application. Once dry, the surface is easy to clean, resisting scuffs and everyday wear and tear.
Best Exterior Paint:Aura® Exterior
This paint holds up well across different seasons. It resists fading and adheres firmly to surfaces like wood, vinyl, and fiber cement, helping the exterior of your home maintain its good condition.
If you’re dealing with heat, rain, or cold, this paint helps keep your home’s curb appeal and structural integrity over time.
Behr
Behr is known for being accessible and dependable. Available at most large home improvement stores, it offers homeowners a strong combination of affordability and performance.
Thanks to its ease of use and reliability, Behr consistently ranks high in customer satisfaction surveys.
Best Interior Paint:Marquee® Interior
This top-quality paint blocks stains effectively and covers a wide range of colors in a single coat. It’s well-suited for family spaces and areas with high levels of activity.
Durable and easy to maintain, this paint is a practical choice for homes that need both performance and style.
Best Exterior Paint:Marquee® Exterior
This paint is engineered to withstand the elements, resisting rain, snow, and harsh sunlight without breaking down.
Its weather-resistant formula protects siding from moisture damage and UV fading, helping your home look great with little upkeep.
Dulux
A favorite in the UK and Australia, Dulux is known for making reliable paint that’s easy to apply and strong enough for various conditions.
The brand focuses on practical solutions, offering both premium and budget-friendly lines to cater to a wide range of needs.
Best Interior Paint:Dulux Easycare
This paint is built to handle life’s everyday messes, from sticky fingers to unexpected spills. Its tough, washable finish resists marks, stains, and scuffs, so walls stay looking clean with less effort.
It’s a smart, low-maintenance choice for active households that need both durability and style.
Best Exterior Paint:Weathershield® Exterior
This paint is designed for use in tough weather conditions. Its flexible surface adjusts with temperature changes, helping to prevent cracking, peeling, or early wear. It’s a solid choice for homes in areas with shifting climates.
Farrow & Ball
Farrow & Ball is known for its precise craftsmanship and premium formulas. Based in the UK, this brand creates paints using high-quality pigments and water-based ingredients.
While it’s more expensive, many opt for it due to its distinctive appearance and thoughtful finish options.
Best Interior Paint:Modern Emulsion
This matte finish offers a smooth, modern appearance with no unwanted shine, while still providing impressive durability.
Unlike traditional flat paints, it’s designed to withstand everyday wear and tear, even in high-traffic areas. It maintains a sleek, low-sheen appearance with style and performance.
Best Exterior Paint:Exterior Eggshell
This paint features a soft, smooth finish that enhances the natural look of wood and metal surfaces.
It’s formulated to resist the effects of sunlight and rain, offering long-lasting protection and color retention outdoors. It’s a dependable choice for enhancing the resilience of exterior details.
Top Paint Brands for Your Home Compared
When I painted my home, I realized the brand really matters. It affects how long the paint lasts, how well it covers, and how easy it is to apply. I’ll break down top paint brands, what they’re best at, and their top interior and exterior options.
| Brand | What the Brand Is Known For | Interior Paint | Exterior Paint |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sherwin-Williams | Trusted by professionals. Offers long-lasting, high-quality paint | Washable, mold-resistant, great for kitchens and bathrooms. | Strong against fading, cracking, and peeling. |
| Benjamin Moore | Famous for rich, deep colors and smooth, premium finishes. | Excellent coverage, fade-resistant, and low-odor. | Stands up to weather and sunlight; mildew-resistant. |
| Behr | Budget-friendly, widely available in major stores. Offers dependable results for the cost. | One-coat coverage, stain-blocking, good for busy homes. | Resists fading and works well in harsh weather conditions. |
| Dulux | Popular in the UK and Australia. Known for strong, weather-ready paints. | Tough and washable, ideal for family spaces and high-traffic rooms. | Shield walls from rain, mold, and moisture damage. |
| Farrow & Ball | High-end with eco-friendly paints and signature designer colors. | Matte finish, moisture-resistant, easy to wipe clean. | Soft look, flexible to resist cracking on wood and metal surfaces. |
How to Choose the Right House Paint
Picking the right paint is easier when you break it down into simple steps. Here’s what to keep in mind before you buy:
- Consider the Room: The room’s purpose is crucial. A bathroom requires paint that can withstand moisture, while a bedroom may benefit from a softer, more subdued look.
- Check the Light: Natural light significantly affects how paint appears. Bright rooms can accommodate bold or darker shades, while darker rooms may require lighter colors to feel more spacious.
- Choose the Right Finish: The paint’s finish affects both its appearance and how easily it can be maintained. Glossy finishes are easy to clean, making them ideal for use in kitchens and bathrooms.
- Test Samples First: Never choose a color based on a tiny swatch. Get small sample cans and paint a section of the wall. Check how it looks in different lighting throughout the day.
- Consider the Mood: Color affects how a space feels. Warm shades, such as soft red, tan, or gold, often make a room feel cozy. Cooler shades, such as blue, gray, or green, bring a calm and quiet feel.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even a small mistake can affect how your paint looks or how long it lasts. Here are some common issues to watch out for and how to avoid them:
- Skipping Primer on Dark or Stained Walls: Primer helps cover old colors and provides a better surface for the new paint to adhere to.
- Using Flat Paint in Bathrooms: Flat paint doesn’t hold up well in damp areas. In a bathroom, where there’s a lot of steam and moisture, it can peel or grow mold.
- Not Testing Colors in Different Lighting: Paint can appear differently in natural light, artificial light, or shade. What seems like the perfect color at the store might appear too bright or dull at home.
- Painting in High Humidity: Humidity affects how paint dries. When the air is too humid, the paint can take longer to dry or dry unevenly, resulting in streaks, bubbles, or peeling.
Conclusion
Choosing the right paint doesn’t have to be difficult. Start by thinking about the space—how it’s used, how much light it gets, and what kind of surface you’re working with.
Whether it’s a bathroom, bedroom, or outdoor wall, selecting the correct type and finish is crucial for both the appearance of the paint and its long-term durability.
I always stick with trusted brands that offer durable, easy-to-clean options. Before committing, test a small area to see how the color reacts to different lighting – this one step can save a lot of hassle.
In the end, good paint does more than add color – it helps protect your home and prevents you from having to redo the job too soon. Take your time, plan, and you’ll get results that last and look great.
With a Master’s in Architecture from the University of California, Berkeley, Alexander Martin has dedicated the last 18 years to enhancing outdoor living through thoughtful and robust structure design. His career kicked off in urban planning, giving him a unique perspective on integrating structures into diverse environments. In 2019, Alexander brought his expertise to our website, offering insights into creating versatile outdoor spaces. Since then, he has been the lead advisor for our outdoor design projects and is known for his ability to merge functionality with environmental consciousness. Alexander enjoys rock climbing outside of work and participates in community development projects, activities that reflect his passion for the outdoors and sustainable design.
