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What's behind our paint Ratings?

Experts at our National Testing and Research Center tested 95 models in paints to see which ones perform best.

We look for:

Overall score
Overall score includes primarily a paint's hiding performance, and resistance to staining, gloss change , scrubbing, sticking, mildew, and fading, along with surface smoothness,. VOC level does not factor into the overall score. Most results were developed from tests of white, pastel, and medium-tint bases.
Hiding
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.)
Staining
Staining shows how well a paint resists a greasy stain.
Gloss change
Gloss change notes the change in appearance when a paint is cleaned aggresively with an abrasive cleanser.
Scrubbing
Scrubbing shows how a paint holds up to an abrasive cleaner.
Surface smoothness
Surface smoothness represents an absence of roller marks when the paint is dry.
Resists mildew
Best at resisting mildew growth, so it is best suited for damp areas, like bathrooms.
Resists sticking
Best at not remaining tacky. Best for windows, doors and shelves.
Resists fading
Best at maintaining its color in strong sunlight. Best for very sunny spaces.
Claimed VOCs
Claimed VOCs indicates the manufacturer's stated level of volatile organic compounds in the untinted base coat, measured in grams per liter (g/l).

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Recommended paints

Recommended paints are standout choices with high scores. They include CR Best Buys, which offer exceptional value. When narrowing your choices, weigh features, price, and attributes that matter to you.

Recommended paints

Paint buying guide

To find the paint that is right for you, read our expert advice on which features to consider and how to find the best value.

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Paints Ratings

Find out which Paints scored the best on our tests. Our tests are based not only on government and industry standards but also on standards our specialists think should apply, which re-create the experience you will have with the product.

Latest paint ratings

You shouldn't need a chemistry degree or the experience of a professional painter to buy paint. We generally test premium lines from major brands, which tend to perform best over time. And we've found that some of the best-performing paints and stains cost less than lower-scoring lines. If you're looking for information about paints, Consumer Reports is your best resource. Our paint reviews will give you honest buying advice that you can trust. Use our paint buying guide to discover which features are most important to consider. We also provide unbiased Ratings and paint reviews to help you choose the best paint for your needs.

Ratings & recommended paints

Interior paints (65)

Our latest tests show that the best interior paints hide with as little as one coat. And, like most, they claim to have low or no VOCs--volatile organic compounds, which are linked to air pollution and respiratory problems.

Our recommended products were high-scoring paints that did well overall in our tough performance tests. Among those, CR Best Buys offer the best blend of performance and low price.

Exterior paints (30)

Flat and satin finishes are usually applied to the body of the house; semigloss, to doors, windows, trim, and shutters for added protection and visual interest. Match paint to your local conditions. Pick a mildew-resistant paint if your home is in the shade and a dirt-resistant one if it's in an urban area. The Ratings rank paint by overall score; the best paints are listed below by specific attributes.

Paint buying guide

Many aspects of paint performance depend more on the quality of the base than on the color. The tint base largely determines the paint's toughness and resistance to dirt and stains, while the colorant contributes to hiding and how much the paint will fade. But you don't need a chemistry degree or a pro's experience to put on paint that lasts. Here's how to pick the right one for the job.

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Home & Garden News

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