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Media Room
Release date 05/04/2009
YONKERS, NY — Consumer Reports’ tests of 58 exterior paints and stains reveal that big box brand paints sold at Walmart (Kilz) and Lowe’s (Valspar) perform as well or better than several more expensive brands.
While M.A.B. Sea Shore Satin ($40 per gallon) was Consumer Reports’ top overall pick, less expensive Kilz Casual Colors Semigloss ($23 per gallon), Kilz Casual Colors Flat ($20 per gallon) and Kilz Casual Colors Satin ($22 per gallon) scored high in the ratings.
In the past, self-priming paint products, which eliminate the need to prime bare surfaces, have not held up over time in Consumer Reports tests. However, Valspar Ultra Premium Duramax Satin ($33 per gallon) was among the best performing paints, in CR’s latest round of tests, and can offer consumers significant time and money savings.
Regional brands California and Kelly-Moore, which have dominated Consumer Reports Ratings in the past, continued to do well among fully tested paints.
Full tests and Ratings of exterior paints and stains appear in the June issue of Consumer Reports, on sale May 5. The report is also available to subscribers at www.ConsumerReports.org.
Traditionally in Consumer Reports tests opaque stains outlast semitransparent ones, but generally don’t match the performance of paint. But in CR’s latest test, two top-rated opaque stains, Behr Deck Plus 200 Line and Olympic Premium Acrylic, are still resisting cracking, color change, dirt and mildew after the equivalent of nine years on the siding of a house.
For consumers looking for a more semi-transparent stain look,Consumer Reports also recommends Thompson’s Water Seal Deck & House ($23 per gallon).
The report also includes a sneak peak at several paint and stain products still being tested. While the results reflect only three to six years of simulated exposure, consumers can get an early look at these products ongoing performance.
Most homeowners repaint or refinish their siding every six to 10 years. To find out which paints and stains would probably last that long on houses,CR spread finishes over untreated yellow-pine boards, which tend to swell and crack, creating an especially tough test surface. Testers faced the boards south at a 45-degree angle on the roof of CR’s Yonkers, N.Y. headquarters to intensify the effects of sun and the elements. Each year of outdoor testing equals roughly three years on a home. Boards are also placed perpendicular to the ground facing north in a shaded area to promote mildew growth. CR’s experts checked products for dirt buildup, color change, mildew, and cracking. Consumer Reports Recommendations are based on full test representing up to three years of testing or about nine years on a house.
Because manufacturers often revamp their recipes to improve performance or cut cost, Consumer Reports removed all products from its Ratings that were reformulated after testing began. That’s why a few familiar brands, including some of last year’s top scorers, are not included in the current Ratings.
Tips to save on painting costs
Most of the time and expense of painting or staining your house goes into the prep work, so get a coating that can last longer even if it costs a few dollars more per gallon. Here are some tips to keep in mind when getting ready to paint:
Consumer Reports is a nonprofit membership organization that works side by side with consumers to create a fairer, safer, and healthier world. For 80 years, CR has provided evidence-based product testing and ratings, rigorous research, hard-hitting investigative journalism, public education, and steadfast policy action on behalf of consumers’ interests. Unconstrained by advertising or other commercial influences, CR has exposed landmark public health and safety issues and strives to be a catalyst for pro-consumer changes in the marketplace. From championing responsible auto safety standards, to winning food and water protections, to enhancing healthcare quality, to fighting back against predatory lenders in the financial markets, Consumer Reports has always been on the front lines, raising the voices of consumers.
© 2009 Consumer Reports. The material above is intended for legitimate news entities only; it may not be used for advertising or promotional purposes. Consumer Reports® is an expert, independent, nonprofit organization whose mission is to work side by side with consumers to create a fairer, safer, and healthier world. We accept no advertising and pay for all the products we test. We are not beholden to any commercial interest. Our income is derived from the sale of Consumer Reports® magazine, ConsumerReports.org® and our other publications and information products, services, fees, and noncommercial contributions and grants. Our Ratings and reports are intended solely for the use of our readers. Neither the Ratings nor the reports may be used in advertising or for any other commercial purpose without our prior written permission. Consumer Reports will take all steps open to it to prevent unauthorized commercial use of its content and trademarks.
Consumer Reports is a nonprofit membership organization that works side by side with consumers to create a fairer, safer, and healthier world. For 80 years, CR has provided evidence-based product testing and ratings, rigorous research, hard-hitting investigative journalism, public education, and steadfast policy action on behalf of consumers’ interests. Unconstrained by advertising or other commercial influences, CR has exposed landmark public health and safety issues and strives to be a catalyst for pro-consumer changes in the marketplace. From championing responsible auto safety standards, to winning food and water protections, to enhancing healthcare quality, to fighting back against predatory lenders in the financial markets, Consumer Reports has always been on the front lines, raising the voices of consumers.
© 2009 Consumer Reports. The material above is intended for legitimate news entities only; it may not be used for advertising or promotional purposes. Consumer Reports® is an expert, independent, nonprofit organization whose mission is to work side by side with consumers to create a fairer, safer, and healthier world. We accept no advertising and pay for all the products we test. We are not beholden to any commercial interest. Our income is derived from the sale of Consumer Reports® magazine, ConsumerReports.org® and our other publications and information products, services, fees, and noncommercial contributions and grants. Our Ratings and reports are intended solely for the use of our readers. Neither the Ratings nor the reports may be used in advertising or for any other commercial purpose without our prior written permission. Consumer Reports will take all steps open to it to prevent unauthorized commercial use of its content and trademarks.