The best interior paints make life so much easier. They go on better, coat more evenly, and stand the test of time, which is great news if decorating is at the bottom of your priority list.
We look at famous paint brands and review our 7 favorite products, rating them on coverage, application, and value for money.
- Covers 400 sqft
- Low VOCs & odors
- Touch dry in 30 minutes
- Low odors & VOCs
- Dries in 30 minutes
- Only need one coat
- Low odors & VOCs
- Maximum of 400 sqft coverage
- Washable and UV-resistant
- 325 sqft of coverage
- 1,300 color choices & 4 finishes
- Durable and washable
- Touch-dry in just 30 minutes
- Water-based - better for the environment
- Washes clean with soap & water
- Touch-dry in just 30 minutes
- 200 sqft of coverage
- Ideal for high-traffic areas
- Low VOCs & odors
- Water-based - better for the environment
- Paint and primer in one
Product Reviews
We spent hours researching the internet, looking for the best interior paints. We considered the types of paint, professional opinions, and buyer satisfaction ratings. Here are our favorite 7 products.
Modern Masters ME150 Silver-Metallic Paint
Best Metallic Interior Paint
The first thing you notice about this silver metallic paint is the price. This is not a budget option, as it costs far more than other paint products. That said, it is low in VOCs and odor, which is better for the environment and your health.
The water-based formula washes clean with soap and water, and it dries to an opaque satin finish with a gentle metallic sheen for that classy look. It dries to the touch in 30 minutes and covers 400 square feet, depending on the quality of the surface.
This paint is suitable for interior walls, ceilings, furniture, and even trim, and it is guaranteed not to tarnish even when the paint is applied outside.
Pros
- Covers 400 square feet.
- Low VOCs and odors.
- Dry to the touch in 30 minutes.
- Water-based, so it is better for the environment.
Cons
- It is super-expensive compared to other paints.
Product Specs
Quantity | 1-gallon |
Type | Water-based |
Sheen | Satin/metallic |
Coverage | 400 square feet |
Drying time | 30 minutes |
Price | $$$$$ |
Our Ratings
Rust-Oleum Ultra Matte Chalked Paint
Best Matte Interior Paint
When we say this paint is popular, we mean it is really popular! It has sold over 24,000 units on Amazon alone! So, why is it so good?
It is a one-coat paint, so while it only comes in 30-ounce tins, you don’t need a lot to get a smooth finish. If you do decide to add another coat, wait 2 hours for the paint to dry. This is chalk paint, so it dries to an ultra-matte finish, and it requires minimal preparation before laying down the paint.
It dries to the touch in just 30 minutes, and you get 150 square feet of coverage per tin, depending on the porosity of the surface. This paint is a latex formula, so it has low VOCs and minimal odors, so you can use it in confined spaces without suffering any ill effects.
The only downside with chalk paint is it marks easily, so if you are coating walls or furniture, bear that in mind.
Pros
- Low odors and VOCs.
- Dries in 30 minutes.
- Only need one coat.
- Covers 150 square feet.
Cons
- Only comes in small tins.
- Marks easily.
Product Specs
Quantity | 30 ounces |
Type | Water-based |
Sheen | Matte |
Coverage | 150 square feet |
Drying time | 30 minutes |
Price | $ |
Our Ratings
Microblend Interior Paint and Primer
Best Self-Priming Interior Paint
Self-priming paint saves you time and money by cutting the waiting time between the primer drying and laying down the topcoat. This Microblend paint comes in over 300 shades and numerous finishes.
You can use it indoors and out, and it dries to form a hard shell to protect the surfaces below. It resists stains, UV rays, and it is washable for those grubby marks that ruin new paintwork.
One gallon of this paint covers approximately 300 to 400 square feet, depending on the quality of the surface. And because it is water-based, it washes clean with soap and water; plus, it is kind to the environment because it has low odors and VOCs.
Microblend is an on-demand paint manufacturer. Rather than producing the paint in batches and storing them in warehouses, when your order comes in, they mix each tub using an automated paint machine.
The downside with this is that you might get slight differences in the production process, leading to minor color differences.
Pros
- Low odors and VOCs.
- Maximum of 400 square feet coverage.
- Washable and UV-resistant.
- Self-priming, which saves on costs.
Cons
- Produced on-demand, which might cause color differences.
Product Specs
Quantity | 1-quart |
Type | Water-based |
Sheen | Not stated |
Coverage | 300 to 400 square feet |
Drying time | Fast drying (actual time not stated) |
Price | $$ |
Our Ratings
Prestige Interior Paint and Primer In One
Best Washable Interior Paint
Not only does this paint give an excellent washable surface, but it is also a primer and paint in one, so you save on costs by not buying a separate primer. This is an oil-based paint, so you can expect higher odors. Make sure you use it in areas with good ventilation.
It is also harmful to the environment because it contains VOCs, which emit low-level ozone as the paint dries, and you need mineral spirits or thinners to wash the brushes clean, which pollute.
On the plus side, oil-based paints give great coverage and are harder-wearing compared to water-based products. You also don’t need as many coats to achieve that super-smooth finish. And because this is a semi-gloss paint, it is ideal for kitchens and bathrooms where moisture and humidity are a problem.
You get a choice of 1,300 colors in 4 finishes, so whatever your color scheme, Prestige has a paint to match, and you also get 325 square feet of coverage. However, the downside with gloss paint on your walls is it shows up every imperfection.
Pros
- 325 square feet of coverage.
- 1,300 color choices and 4 finishes.
- Durable and washable.
- Ideal for high-moisture areas.
Cons
- Oil-based is bad for the environment.
- Contains odors and VOCs.
Product Specs
Quantity | 1-gallon |
Type | Oil-based |
Sheen | Semi-gloss |
Coverage | 325 square feet |
Drying time | Time not stated |
Price | $$$ |
Our Ratings
Rust-Oleum Painter’s Touch Gloss Paint
Best Gloss Interior Paint
Gloss paints are perfect for high-moisture spaces in the home, like the kitchen and bathroom. The shiny surface forms a seal that allows the paint to resist mold and mildew, and thanks to the high resin content in the formula, it goes on thicker.
This gloss paint is suitable for interior and exterior projects, and it coats wood, metal, masonry, and plaster, so it’s ideal for most surfaces in and outside your home. It is a water-based formula, with a low odor and washes clean with soap and water.
You get 120 square feet of coverage, depending on the quality and porosity of the surface, and it dries to the touch in just 30 minutes.
It resists chipping, flaking, and fading, and best of all, it’s an amazing price. The only downside is gloss paint is not always suitable for some rooms. It really works best on trim and kitchen cabinets rather than walls and ceilings.
Also, while you get 120 square feet of coverage, bear in mind that this is a 1-gallon tin, so the spread is way lower than other paints using similar quantities.
Pros
- Touch-dry in just 30 minutes.
- Water-based, so better for the environment.
- Washes clean with soap and water.
- Durable and washable.
Cons
- Not suitable for some applications.
- Low coverage per gallon.
Product Specs
Quantity | 1-gallon |
Type | Water-based |
Sheen | Gloss |
Coverage | 120 square feet |
Drying time | Time not stated |
Price | $$ |
Our Ratings
Diamond Brite 5-Gallon Semi-Gloss White Paint
Best White Interior Paint
When you want crisp white surfaces, you can’t get much better than this Diamond Brite high-hiding white paint. It has been formulated to work best in kitchens, bathrooms, and other areas in the house with high traffic.
It covers approximately 200 square feet, depending on the quality of the surface, and you are ready for the second coat within 30 minutes. When the paint dries, it has a semi-gloss finish, so it reflects the light, and it is wipeable.
This paint is so versatile, you can apply it to almost every surface inside your home, and it is proudly manufactured in the United States. You get superior grease and dirt resistance; plus, it won’t fade.
The only negative is you have to buy 5-gallons, which is a lot of white paint, and unless you need it, at this price it is expensive.
Pros
- Touch-dry in just 30 minutes.
- 200 square feet of coverage.
- Ideal for high-traffic areas.
- Manufactured in the USA.
Cons
- Comes in 5-gallon tubs.
Product Specs
Quantity | 5-gallon |
Type | Water-based |
Sheen | Semi-gloss |
Coverage | 200 square feet |
Drying time | 30 minutes |
Price | $$$$ |
Our Ratings
The ONE Paint and Primer for Walls
Best Interior Paint for Walls
If you think one coat on your walls is enough, then this ONe paint range is the ideal choice. You get 12 color variations, and because it is a primer and paint in one, you don’t need a primer. So no primer and only one coat! Sounds like a dream.
It is water-based paint, so it washes clean with soap and water, and it contains low VOCs and odors, making it perfect for indoor use in confined spaces. This paint is also kind to the environment, thanks to the water-based formula.
You get various finishes, including satin, matte, and gloss, and it also comes in 250 ml, 1-liter, and 2.5-liter tins. We need to talk about the price, because it costs as much for a liter as some paints are for 1-gallon, and that’s 4 times the quantity.
Pros
- Low VOCs and odors.
- Water-based, so better for the environment.
- Paint and primer in one.
- Only need one coat.
Cons
- Expensive compared to other products.
Product Specs
Quantity | 1-liter |
Type | Water-based |
Sheen | Matte |
Coverage | Not stated |
Drying time | Not stated |
Price | $$$$ |
Our Ratings
Product | Best | Quantity | Type | Sheen | Coverage | Drying time | Price |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Modern Masters ME150 Silver-Metallic Paint | Best Metallic | 1-gal. | Water-based | Satin/metallic | 400 sqft | 30 minutes | $$$$$ |
Rust-Oleum Ultra Matte Chalked Paint | Best Matte | 30 ozs | Water-based | Matte | 150 sqft | 30 minutes | $ |
Microblend Interior Paint and Primer | Best Self-Priming | 1-quart | Water-based | Not stated | 300 – 400 sqft | Fast drying (actual time not stated) | $$ |
Prestige Interior Paint and Primer In One | Best Washable | 1-gal. | Oil-based | Semi-gloss | 325 sqft | Time not stated | $$$ |
Rust-Oleum Painter’s Touch Gloss Paint | Best Gloss | 1-gal. | Water-based | Gloss | 120 sqft | Time not stated | $$ |
Diamond Brite 5-Gallon Semi-Gloss White Paint | Best White | 5-gal. | Water-based | Semi-gloss | 200 sqft | 30 minutes | $$$$ |
The ONE Paint and Primer for Walls | Best for Walls | 1-liter | Water-based | Matte | Not stated | Not stated | $$$$ |
What Are the Best Indoor Paint Brands?
Which brands stand out from the crowd, and do they deserve their star status? Let’s look at the nation’s favorite paint brands.
Key Features to Look For
Knowing what to look for when selecting interior paint can be confusing. Here is a handy guide of the factors to keep in mind.