In
Consumer Reports' latest
review of interior paints, Kilz Casual Colors, $22, was a CR Best Buy in the low-luster category. The paint's competitive price was likely helped by the fact that Kilz is sold at Walmart. That partnership is ending, however, with the announcement this month by
AkzoNobel that it will become the primary paint supplier to Walmart, starting in early 2011. The deal will also send Dutch Boy packing from Walmart.
AkzoNobel is developing a portfolio of interior and exterior paints under its Glidden and newly acquired Color Place brands.
Consumer Reports will have to wait for these products to hit stores before we can buy samples for evaluation in our labs. In our latest round of tests, Glidden Premium low-luster paint, a $20 Home Depot-exclusive, was judged very good overall. Only its relatively inferior fade-resistance kept it off our recommended list. Color Place low-luster paint, $13, was farther down the rankings.
Kilz and Dutch Boy will probably be available at Walmart until at least spring 2011, depending on how long inventories last. If you like those brands, check the retailer locators on the
Kilz and
Dutch Boy websites for other places to shop.
—Daniel DiClerico
