Video: Why your painting pro's pick may not be best

If you've ever hired a professional to paint your home, chances are he or she steered you toward a particular paint brand. Brand loyalty runs deep among contractors, in part because they have long-standing relationships with retailers that can make it difficult to switch, as this Consumer Reports video explains. "But the best paint for the pros is not always the best paint for homeowners," says John Galeotafiore, associate director of home improvement in our technical division, who oversees paint testing.

Consumer Reports' latest review of interior paints covers almost 70 products, including satin, flat, and semigloss finishes. While pros tend to focus on a paint's ease-of-application and drying time, we also judge coatings by long-term factors, such as fade-resistance and their ability to repel mold and stains. As for the proprietary color claims that some manufacturers make, we've found that most brands have fan decks that contain thousands of hues. So if you love that lime sorbet or vintage wine from Brand X, you can probably find it in Brand Y—even if your contractor or designer insists otherwise.

—Daniel DiClerico