When it comes time for a project that involves painting the interior of your home, it’s best to use a paint that will do the best job. Consumer Reports’ recently did a test of all the best known interior paints. Behr, Benjamin More as well as a variety of other name brands were tested. The paints were evaluated on the finish they left, stain resistance, reaction to scrubbing and more. Over 65 different brands of paints were tested.
The interior paint that earned the best score was Clark+Kensington.
In a January 17, 2013 press release, home and yard editor for Consumer Reports Bob Markovich, is quoted as saying “When choosing paint, don’t assume a leading brand you swore by last time will do just as well this time around. Our tests found paints can vary year to year – and a bigger name does not always equal a better product.”
Clark+Kensington paint was found to have the best semigloss and satin finishes, and was first for flat paints. This paint was remarkable when it came to hiding, as well as leaving a smooth finish that could handle stains. It performed well with the scrubbing test.
Some interior paints that were tested by Consumer Reports last year had new formulas. This resulted in the performance of some paints improving, but others did poorer than the previous year. Behr Premium Plus Satin Enamel didn’t perform as well as it did last year. It was dull when cleaned, and not as effective when it came to hiding.
There were other paints like Olympic One Flat Enamel. This paint improved its score at hiding from last year’s test. Valspar Signature matte and semigloss also noticeably improved.
Out of all the paints that were tested by Consumer Reports’, twenty of them permitted users to avoid the need for priming. These paints can be applied directly to bare wood, wallboard or old finished. A single coat of these paints would be sufficient to hide most colors. An additional coat could add splendor, and provide a more even finish.
Before anyone chooses an interior paint, they should go online and check out the manufacturer, as well as retailer’s website. Facebook is also a good place to gather information.
Don’t settle for anything less than the perfect color. Most retailers are able to do a good job at matching colors. Look at paint-color formula books, and use the computer for color matching if necessary.
Be careful to match the surface to sheen. Paints that are eggshell or low-luster satin easily hide most surfaces. A flat paint can hide flaws, but aren’t as good at resisting stains and smudges. These types of paints are best used in areas with little or no traffic. A semigloss is good for trim, as well as any surfaces that don’t need to be wiped clean often. Too much cleaning of semigloss could dull the finish.
Source
Consumer Reports
Press Release
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