Annual interior paint ratings bring a surprise

Annual interior paint ratings bring a surprise

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Story Published: Apr 14, 2008 at 3:29 PM PST

Story Updated: Apr 14, 2008 at 3:29 PM PST

By Herb Weisbaum

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Consumer Reports is out with its annual list of top-rated interior paint. And there's been quite a shakeup.

Since 2003, Behr, the Home Depot brand, has taken almost every top spot, but not this year. The Behr market is over -- as Benjamin Moore, Kilz and Valspar move ahead.

Behr is still a good choice. In fact, the editors say its flat and semigloss paints "merit an excellent overall score," and the low luster is "very good."

When choosing paint, you should always consider top-of-the-line products. If you factor in all the costs, it's cheaper in the long-run to pay a little more for quality paint that lasts longer.

And now the winners in the low-luster category, the kind of interior paint that's best for most applications:

  • Kilz Casual Colors Satin, sold at Wal-Mart takes top honors and rates a CR Best Buy.
  • Valspar Signature Colors, sold at Lowe's and Benjamin Moore Aura tied for third.
  • Behr Premium Plus Enamel was fourth.

Based on its tests, Consumer Reports considers all four of these paints premium products. Sixteen others rated lower.

For More Information:

Buying Interior Paint

Buying Advice: Exterior Paints

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