Compare the 7 best paints for interior walls for durability, finish, and ease of application. Choose the perfect paint for your home.

Best 7 Paints for Interior Walls Durability and Finish

Understanding Interior Paint Basics for Homeowners

So, you're ready to give your interior walls a fresh new look, huh? That's awesome! But before you dive headfirst into a sea of color swatches, let's talk paint. Choosing the right paint for your interior walls isn't just about picking a pretty shade; it's about finding a product that will stand up to daily life, look great for years, and be a joy to apply. We're going to break down the seven best types of interior paints, focusing on their durability, the kind of finish they offer, and how easy they are to work with. Think of this as your ultimate guide to making smart paint choices for your home, whether you're a seasoned DIYer or just starting out. When we talk about interior paint, there are a few key things to keep in mind. First, there's the 'base' or 'type' of paint, like latex (water-based) or oil-based. Then there's the 'finish' or 'sheen,' which describes how shiny the paint looks once it's dry – think flat, eggshell, satin, semi-gloss, and high-gloss. Each of these plays a huge role in how your walls will look, feel, and perform over time. We'll also touch on primers, which are super important for getting a good, long-lasting result, especially if you're painting over a dark color or a tricky surface. Ready to become a paint pro? Let's get into it!

Latex Paint The Everyday Champion for Interior Walls

Alright, let's kick things off with latex paint, also known as water-based paint. This is probably what most people think of when they picture interior house paint, and for good reason! It's incredibly popular, and honestly, it's often the best choice for most rooms in your home. Why? Well, for starters, it's super easy to clean up – just soap and water! No need for harsh chemicals or paint thinners. That's a huge win in my book. Latex paint also dries pretty quickly, which means you can often apply a second coat on the same day, speeding up your project. It's flexible, too, so it's less likely to crack or chip over time, especially with temperature changes. Plus, it generally has lower VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) compared to oil-based paints, meaning fewer fumes and a healthier environment for you and your family. This makes it a great option for bedrooms, living rooms, dining rooms, and even hallways where durability is key. When it comes to finishes, latex paint offers a full spectrum. You can find it in flat, eggshell, satin, semi-gloss, and high-gloss. For most interior walls, an eggshell or satin finish is a fantastic balance of durability and a subtle sheen that hides imperfections well. For high-traffic areas or rooms that need frequent cleaning, like kitchens and bathrooms, a satin or semi-gloss latex paint will offer even more protection and washability.

Recommended Latex Paint Products for Your Home

Let's look at some top-notch latex paints that deliver on durability and finish: * Sherwin-Williams Duration Home Interior Acrylic Latex Paint: This is a premium choice, and for good reason. It's known for its exceptional durability and washability, making it perfect for busy households with kids and pets. It's got a built-in primer, which is a huge time-saver, and it's resistant to stains and scrubbing. You can expect to pay around $70-$85 per gallon. It's ideal for living rooms, family rooms, and kids' bedrooms where walls take a beating. * Behr Premium Plus Interior Paint & Primer: A fantastic option for those looking for great value without sacrificing quality. Behr Premium Plus offers excellent coverage, good durability, and is very easy to clean. It's also low VOC. Price-wise, you're looking at about $35-$45 per gallon. This paint is a solid all-rounder for any room in the house, especially if you're on a budget but still want a quality finish. * Benjamin Moore Regal Select Interior Paint: Another high-quality option, Benjamin Moore Regal Select is celebrated for its smooth application, rich color, and excellent hide. It's also very durable and washable, making it a great choice for high-traffic areas. Expect to pay around $60-$75 per gallon. It's particularly good for achieving a luxurious, even finish in living rooms, dining rooms, and master bedrooms.

Oil-Based Paint The Traditional Choice for High-Traffic Areas

Now, let's talk about oil-based paint, sometimes called alkyd paint. While latex has taken over for most interior applications, oil-based paint still has its place, especially when you need serious durability and a super hard, smooth finish. Think about trim, doors, cabinets, or even floors – places that get a lot of bumps, scuffs, and wear and tear. The biggest advantage of oil-based paint is its incredible hardness and resistance to chipping and scratching once fully cured. It creates a very tough, protective layer. It also tends to level out beautifully, leaving a super smooth, almost glass-like finish, which is why it's often favored for trim work. However, there are some downsides. Oil-based paints have a much stronger odor due to higher VOCs, and they take a lot longer to dry. Cleanup requires mineral spirits or paint thinner, not just water. Because of the longer drying time and stronger fumes, oil-based paint isn't usually recommended for large wall areas in living spaces anymore. But for specific applications where maximum durability is paramount, it's still a contender. You'll typically find it in semi-gloss or high-gloss finishes, which further enhance its protective qualities.

Recommended Oil-Based Paint Products for Specific Needs

If you're tackling trim, doors, or cabinets, here are some oil-based paints to consider: * Rust-Oleum Painter's Touch 2X Ultra Cover Oil-Based Paint: While often found in spray cans, Rust-Oleum also offers brush-on versions that are excellent for small projects requiring a tough, durable finish. It's known for its strong adhesion and resistance to chipping. A quart might cost you around $15-$20. Great for furniture, trim, and small accent pieces. * Sherwin-Williams ProClassic Interior Waterbased Acrylic-Alkyd: Okay, this is a bit of a hybrid, but it's worth mentioning here because it offers many of the benefits of oil-based paint (like excellent leveling and a hard finish) with the easier cleanup of a water-based product. It's a fantastic choice for trim, doors, and cabinets. Expect to pay around $70-$85 per gallon. It's a great compromise if you want oil-like durability without the full oil-based hassle. * Benjamin Moore Advance Interior Paint: Similar to the Sherwin-Williams hybrid, Benjamin Moore Advance is a waterborne alkyd that delivers a beautiful, furniture-like finish with superior hardness and durability. It's perfect for cabinets, doors, and trim. It's a bit pricier, usually around $75-$90 per gallon, but the results are often worth it for a high-end look.

Acrylic Paint The Versatile Performer for Interior Surfaces

Acrylic paint is often grouped with latex paint because it's also water-based, but it's worth highlighting separately because of its unique properties. While all latex paints contain acrylic resins, paints labeled specifically as 'acrylic' often have a higher concentration of these resins, which gives them enhanced performance characteristics. Think of it as latex paint's slightly tougher, more flexible cousin. The key advantage of acrylic paint is its superior adhesion and flexibility. This makes it excellent for surfaces that might expand and contract a bit, or for areas where you need extra resistance to cracking and peeling. It's also very durable and washable, often even more so than standard latex paints. Acrylic paints tend to maintain their color better over time and are less prone to yellowing, especially in lighter shades. Because of its excellent adhesion, acrylic paint is often a great choice for painting surfaces that might be a bit challenging, like previously painted trim, cabinets, or even some types of paneling, especially if you use a good primer. It's also a fantastic option for high-traffic areas where you need that extra layer of protection and easy cleaning. You'll find it in various finishes, from matte to high-gloss.

Recommended Acrylic Paint Products for Enhanced Durability

For those seeking superior performance, consider these acrylic options: * Valspar Signature Interior Paint & Primer: Valspar Signature is a highly-rated acrylic latex paint known for its excellent coverage, stain resistance, and scrubbability. It's a great choice for busy homes and offers a smooth, durable finish. You can find it for about $40-$50 per gallon. It's a strong contender for kitchens, bathrooms, and hallways. * Glidden Premium Interior Paint + Primer: This is another solid acrylic latex option that provides good durability and washability at a more budget-friendly price point. It offers good hide and is easy to apply. Expect to pay around $30-$40 per gallon. It's a reliable choice for general wall painting where you want good performance without breaking the bank.

Zero VOC and Low VOC Paints The Health-Conscious Choice

In recent years, there's been a big push towards healthier home environments, and paint manufacturers have responded with low VOC and zero VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) options. VOCs are chemicals released into the air as paint dries, and they can contribute to indoor air pollution, odors, and even health issues for some people. Choosing low or zero VOC paints is a fantastic way to improve your home's air quality during and after painting. These paints are typically water-based (latex or acrylic) and have been formulated to significantly reduce or eliminate the harmful chemicals. Don't worry, though – going low VOC doesn't mean sacrificing quality! Many of these paints offer excellent durability, coverage, and a beautiful finish, just like their higher-VOC counterparts. They're especially recommended for nurseries, children's rooms, bedrooms, and for anyone with allergies or sensitivities. While they might sometimes be a little pricier than conventional paints, the benefits to your health and the environment are often worth the extra cost. Always look for certifications like Green Seal or GREENGUARD to ensure you're getting a truly low or zero VOC product.

Recommended Low and Zero VOC Paint Products

Here are some excellent choices for a healthier home: * Benjamin Moore Natura Interior Paint: This is Benjamin Moore's zero VOC offering, and it's fantastic. It's virtually odorless, making it ideal for sensitive individuals and nurseries. It still provides excellent durability and a beautiful finish. Price-wise, it's on the higher end, around $70-$85 per gallon. Perfect for any room where air quality is a top priority. * Sherwin-Williams Harmony Interior Acrylic Latex Paint: Harmony is another great zero VOC option from Sherwin-Williams. It's not only low odor but also helps reduce common indoor odors from sources like pets, cooking, and smoke. It's durable and washable. Expect to pay around $65-$80 per gallon. A great choice for living areas and bedrooms. * Behr Premium Plus Zero VOC Interior Paint & Primer: Behr offers a zero VOC version of their popular Premium Plus line, providing excellent coverage and durability without the fumes. It's a more affordable zero VOC option, typically around $38-$48 per gallon. A solid choice for general interior painting, especially if you're sensitive to odors.

Paint and Primer in One The Time-Saving Solution

Okay, let's talk about a real game-changer for DIY painters: paint and primer in one products. These paints are formulated to combine the benefits of a primer (like adhesion and stain blocking) with the color and finish of a topcoat. The idea is to save you a step, and often, a lot of time! Are they always a true replacement for a dedicated primer? Not always. If you're painting over a very dark color with a light one, dealing with significant stains, or painting a very porous surface, a separate primer might still be your best bet. However, for most situations – painting over a similar color, refreshing walls, or going from a light to a slightly darker shade – paint and primer in one can work wonders. They offer good adhesion, decent stain blocking, and excellent coverage, often requiring fewer coats than traditional paint. This means less time spent painting and more time enjoying your newly refreshed space. They're typically water-based (latex or acrylic) and come in various finishes, making them versatile for almost any room.

Recommended Paint and Primer in One Products

For efficiency and good results, check these out: * Kilz 2 All-Purpose Interior/Exterior Primer Sealer and Stainblocker: While primarily a primer, Kilz 2 is often used as a base for paint and offers excellent stain-blocking and adhesion. It's a great foundation for any paint job. A gallon is usually around $20-$30. If you need serious priming power, this is your go-to. * Glidden One Coat Interior Paint + Primer: As the name suggests, this paint aims for one-coat coverage, though two coats are often recommended for the best finish. It's a durable, washable acrylic latex paint that offers good value. Expect to pay around $35-$45 per gallon. Great for quick room refreshes. * Dutch Boy DuraClean Interior Paint + Primer: This paint is designed for durability and easy cleaning, making it ideal for busy areas. The integrated primer helps with adhesion and coverage. It's typically priced around $40-$50 per gallon. A solid choice for kitchens, bathrooms, and kids' rooms.

Specialty Paints for Kitchens and Bathrooms The Moisture Masters

Kitchens and bathrooms are unique beasts when it comes to paint. They're high-humidity, high-moisture environments, and regular paint just won't cut it. That's where specialty kitchen and bathroom paints come in. These paints are specifically formulated to resist mildew, mold, and moisture, helping your walls stay fresh and clean-looking for longer. They typically contain mildewcides and have a tighter film that prevents moisture from penetrating the surface. You'll often find them in satin or semi-gloss finishes, as these sheens are more durable and easier to clean, which is essential in these rooms. While they might cost a little more than standard interior paints, the added protection against moisture-related issues is well worth the investment. Using a dedicated kitchen and bathroom paint can save you a lot of headaches down the road, preventing unsightly mold growth and peeling paint. Always ensure the room is well-ventilated during and after painting to help the paint cure properly and to minimize any lingering odors.

Recommended Kitchen and Bathroom Paints

Protect your high-moisture areas with these specialized paints: * Behr Premium Plus Kitchen & Bath Interior Satin Enamel: This paint is specifically designed for high-humidity areas, offering excellent mildew resistance and scrubbability. It's a durable and easy-to-clean option. You'll find it for about $38-$48 per gallon. A reliable choice for both kitchens and bathrooms. * Sherwin-Williams Emerald Interior Acrylic Latex Paint: While not exclusively a 'kitchen and bath' paint, Emerald is a top-tier product known for its exceptional durability, washability, and mildew resistance. It's a premium choice that performs beautifully in high-moisture environments. Expect to pay around $80-$95 per gallon. If you want the best performance and a luxurious finish, this is it. * Rust-Oleum Perma-White Mold & Mildew-Proof Interior Paint: This paint is specifically engineered to prevent mold and mildew growth on the paint film for at least five years. It's ideal for severely damp areas or basements, as well as kitchens and bathrooms. A gallon typically costs around $40-$50. If mold is a serious concern, this is a strong contender.

Chalk Paint The Shabby Chic and DIY Favorite

Finally, let's talk about chalk paint. Now, this isn't your typical wall paint, but it's become incredibly popular for DIY projects, especially for furniture, cabinets, and even accent walls where you want a unique, distressed, or matte finish. Chalk paint is known for its ultra-matte, velvety finish and its incredible adhesion – it often sticks to almost any surface without the need for sanding or priming! This makes it a dream for upcycling furniture or giving old cabinets a quick facelift. While it's not designed for the same kind of heavy-duty durability as a latex or acrylic wall paint, it can be sealed with wax or a clear topcoat to enhance its protection. For walls, it's usually used for a specific aesthetic, like a rustic or shabby chic look, rather than for general high-traffic areas. The beauty of chalk paint lies in its ease of use and the unique, soft aesthetic it creates. It dries quickly and is very forgiving, making it perfect for beginners who want to experiment with different finishes and distressing techniques. Just remember to seal it if you want it to last, especially on surfaces that will see some wear and tear.

Recommended Chalk Paint Products for Creative Projects

Unleash your creativity with these chalk paints: * Annie Sloan Chalk Paint: The original and arguably the most famous chalk paint. Annie Sloan's paint is renowned for its rich colors, excellent coverage, and ease of use. It's a premium product, with a quart typically costing around $40-$50. Perfect for furniture, cabinets, and decorative accents. * Rust-Oleum Chalked Ultra Matte Paint: A more budget-friendly and widely available option, Rust-Oleum Chalked offers a beautiful ultra-matte finish and good adhesion. It's easy to distress and can be sealed with their clear topcoat. A quart is usually around $15-$20. Great for DIY furniture makeovers and small projects. * Behr Chalk Decorative Paint: Behr's entry into the chalk paint market provides a smooth, ultra-matte finish that's easy to apply and distress. It's a good option for those looking for a quality chalk paint at a reasonable price, typically around $20-$25 per quart. Another solid choice for giving old pieces a new lease on life.

Choosing the Right Paint Finish for Your Interior Walls

Beyond the type of paint, the finish or sheen you choose makes a huge difference in both the look and durability of your walls. Let's quickly break down the most common finishes: * Flat/Matte: This finish has virtually no sheen. It's great for hiding imperfections on walls and ceilings, giving a soft, sophisticated look. However, it's the least durable and hardest to clean, so it's best for low-traffic areas like formal dining rooms or adult bedrooms. * Eggshell: Just a tiny bit of sheen, like an eggshell. This is a very popular choice for living rooms, dining rooms, and bedrooms. It's more durable and washable than flat paint, while still doing a good job of hiding minor wall imperfections. * Satin: A noticeable sheen, often described as having a pearl-like luster. Satin is very durable and easy to clean, making it excellent for high-traffic areas like hallways, kids' rooms, and family rooms. It's also a good choice for kitchens and bathrooms. * Semi-Gloss: A higher sheen that's very durable and highly washable. This finish is perfect for trim, doors, cabinets, and areas that need frequent cleaning, like kitchens and bathrooms. It can highlight wall imperfections, so make sure your surface is smooth. * High-Gloss: The shiniest and most durable finish. High-gloss is typically reserved for furniture, trim, and doors where you want a very dramatic, reflective look and maximum protection. It will show every single imperfection, so prep work is crucial.

Final Thoughts on Interior Wall Paint Selection

So there you have it – a deep dive into the best paints for your interior walls! Remember, the 'best' paint really depends on your specific project, the room you're painting, and your personal preferences. For most general wall painting, a good quality latex or acrylic paint in an eggshell or satin finish will serve you well, offering a great balance of durability, washability, and aesthetic appeal. If you're tackling high-moisture areas like kitchens and bathrooms, definitely opt for a specialty paint designed to resist mold and mildew. For trim and doors, a semi-gloss or high-gloss finish, possibly even a hybrid alkyd, will give you that hard, durable surface you need. And for those creative furniture projects, chalk paint is your friend. Don't forget the importance of good prep work – cleaning your walls, patching holes, and using a primer when necessary will make a huge difference in the final outcome, no matter which paint you choose. Happy painting, and enjoy transforming your home!