Consumer Reports evaluated dozens of interior paints that cost anywhere from $8 per
gallon to more than $60. One important test checks to see how well paints cover in one
coat. They find big differences.
Another important test is how well paints resist stains. Testers apply a greasy mixture
and let it sit overnight. Then a machine scrubs the paint to see how well the grease
comes off. Some come clean in just a few passes. But the cheapest paint in the tests,
Color Place from Walmart, did not clean nearly as well as some of the best paints.
Consumer Reports says that satin paint, also called eggshell, is the best way to go for
most walls. Among satin paints, Benjamin Moore Aura Satin earned the highest score,
but it costs more than $60 a gallon.
For about half the price, Behr Premium Plus Ultra Satin Enamel from Home Depot did
just about as well. Both paints did a great job covering in one coat as well as resisting
stains.
