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Best Paints

Which Paints performed best in our tests?

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We tested 109 paints to determine the best-performing models. Our expert lab technicians tested each Paint based on the following criteria:

  • Resists fading
  • Resists mildew
  • Resists sticking
  • Staining
  • Claimed VOCs (grams/liter)
  • Scrubbing
  • Hiding
  • Gloss change
  • Surface smoothness

Below lists the Paints that rated best in each of the tests our experts looked for. Learn about how these tests were performed and find out which Paint is rated best when you subscribe.

Consumer Reports Ratings for Best Paints

ratingsBest Paint for Resists fading
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Best at maintaining its color in strong sunlight. Best for very sunny spaces.


This Paint which tested best for Resists fading has the following features: .

ratingsBest Paint for Resists mildew
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Best at resisting mildew growth, so it is best suited for damp areas, like bathrooms.


This Paint which tested best for Resists mildew has the following features: .

ratingsBest Paint for Resists sticking
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Best at not remaining tacky. Best for windows, doors and shelves.


This Paint which tested best for Resists sticking has the following features: Resists cracking, Resists color change and VOCs (grams/liter).

ratingsBest Paint for Staining
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Staining shows how well a paint resists a greasy stain.


This Paint which tested best for Staining has the following features: Resists cracking, Resists color change and VOCs (grams/liter).

ratingsBest Paint for Claimed VOCs (grams/liter)
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Claimed VOCs indicates the manufacturer's stated level of volatile organic compounds in the untinted base coat, measured in grams per liter (g/l).


This Paint which tested best for Claimed VOCs (grams/liter) has the following features: Resists cracking, Resists color change and VOCs (grams/liter).

ratingsBest Paint for Scrubbing
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Scrubbing shows how a paint holds up to an abrasive cleaner.


This Paint which tested best for Scrubbing has the following features: .

ratingsBest Paint for Hiding
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Hiding reflects how well a paint covers a contrasting color with one coat and with two coats. (The one-coat results are weighted more heavily.)


This Paint which tested best for Hiding has the following features: .

ratingsBest Paint for Gloss change
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Gloss change notes the change in appearance when a paint is cleaned aggresively with an abrasive cleanser.


This Paint which tested best for Gloss change has the following features: .

ratingsBest Paint for Surface smoothness
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Surface smoothness represents an absence of roller marks when the paint is dry.


This Paint which tested best for Surface smoothness has the following features: .