The 10 Best Paints for Interior Walls for 2023

Best Overall

Sherwin-Williams Cashmere Interior Acrylic Latex Paint

4.6

View On Sherwin-williams.com

The best paint for interior walls depends on your goals and preferences, but we believe Sherwin-Williams Cashmere is an all-around winner. This paint-primer combo boasts buttery-smooth application, automatically leveling out to a perfectly even layer. Which means you shouldn't have to worry about permanent brush strokes or roller marks.

This paint is available in five sheens and endless hues, as well as custom colors. It effortlessly hides existing colors and imperfections. Cashmere also dries to the touch in an hour. When it sets, you're left with an ultra-rich finish that looks great from every angle. It's super easy to scrub clean, too.

This wall paint can only be purchased directly from Sherwin-Williams, and at upwards of $50 per gallon, the price is slightly steep. Still, we think the stunning, durable results are well worth it.

_{Intended Surface: Walls, trim, doors | Coverage Area: 400 square feet | Dry Time: 1 hour}

Best Budget

Glidden Essentials Interior Paint

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On a budget? At less than $20 per gallon, Glidden Essentials interior paint gets the job done without breaking the bank. Whether you're refreshing your living room, entryway, kitchen, or bathroom, you can count on excellent coverage, with a brush, roller, or sprayer, and an easy-to-clean finish with soap and water.

This wall paint is available in flat-matte, as well as eggshell and semi-gloss textures, and can be tinted into upwards of 1,000 colors. We also appreciate that this is a low-volatile organic compound (VOC) latex formula, with minimal odors.

We recommend this paint although we note that its budget price may come with some less-than-spectacular results, based on the surface or other factors. However, the manufacturer backs it with a 15-year warranty.

Price at time of publish: $18

_{Intended Surface: Walls, trim, doors, bathroom | Coverage Area: 350 square feet | Dry Time: 2–4 hours}

Best Splurge

Backdrop Standard Finish Interior Paint

4.2

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"If we are aiming for a high-end look, we may want to look into . . . a design-forward paint brand with great color choices and strong pigments," says DeCrosta. Backdrop was a hit with our home tester, who liked the curated, on-trend color options and accurate adhesive samples you can stick to your wall.

"For the convenience of the curated color choices, self-adhesive sample, and the option to shop for paint supplies on the site, I loved the Backdrop experience," she said in her full product review. "However," she continued, "I paid about $20 per can more than I normally would and didn’t notice a huge difference in paint quality." 

About $70 a can is undoubtedly expensive, but the premium, water-based formula is conveniently self-priming. Based on where you purchase it, you can select from 74 colors with whimsical names such as "Night on Earth" (a bold olive green) and "Stromboli Chess Club" (a cornflower blue). It's also low-VOC, and thanks to the acrylic resin component, easy to apply and quick-drying, with minimal odors. But you need to wait 3 or 4 hours to apply a second coat, which you almost assuredly need.

Price at time of publish: $75

_{Intended Surface: Walls, trim | Coverage Area: 400 square feet | Dry Time: 1 hour}

Best Paint-Primer

Benjamin Moore Regal Select Premium Interior Paint and Primer

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Anyone who has painted knows how much of a hassle it can be to apply primer before the main coat. We like Benjamin Moore Regal Select, which combines primer and paint. We especially appreciate that you can purchase it flat, matte, eggshell, pearlescent, or semi-gloss finishes and nearly 4,000 hues. The manufacturer notes that this paint adheres well to most surfaces, including wallboard, plaster, wood, and metal. It should apply well whether you use a brush, roller, or sprayer.

The self-priming formula hides existing wall paint colors and imperfections, but bear in mind you likely need two coats. We also like that it has a mildew-resistant coating, plus stain-release technology that makes it incredibly easy to clean. The manufacturer notes this paint is VOC compliant in all areas but may not be available everywhere because of state VOC regulations.

Price at time of publish: $83

_{Intended Surface: Walls, trim, doors, wood | Coverage Area: 400 square feet | Dry Time: 2 hours}

Best for High-Traffic Areas

Sherwin-Williams Duration Home Interior Acrylic Latex Paint

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We recommend Sherwin-Williams Duration as the best interior paint for busy households and high-traffic areas. The combination paint and primer is available in all Sherwin-Williams colors, as well as textures that include flat, matte, satin and semi-gloss. ("If you are in a space that will have very high traffic and/or high humidity/moisture, I recommend a semi-gloss to a high-gloss," says DeCrosta. "The sheen provides a barrier.")

The manufacturer says its antimicrobial agents promise to inhibit mold and mildew, while stain-blocking technology hides old marks and helps new ones wipe clean. We have noted that it's possible to apply two coats (needed) in one regular day; expect 2 hours or so for a coat to dry enough for a second coat.

Though $80 is a lot for a gallon of paint, it's backed by a lifetime warranty.

Price at time of publish: $81

_{Intended Surface: Walls, trim, doors, bathrooms | Coverage Area: 400 square feet | Dry Time: 2 hours}

Best Stain-Resistant

BEHR Ultra Scuff Defense Stain-Blocking Paint & Primer

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For a surface benefiting from a flat finish, such as a dining room or bedroom, BEHR Ultra Scuff Defense is a great option. It's so durable, it's virtually un-scuffable, making it a perfect choice for high-traffic areas and homes with kids and pets. Not only that, but it conceals existing imperfections and offers ongoing resistance to stains and mildew growth. While the manufacturer positions this paint as a combination paint and primer, we note that some surfaces may need priming first.

This is not a paint to use for a quick job. Generally, glossy surfaces need scuffing and sanding before applying a flat paint. The manufacturer specifies 2 hours drying time before applying a second coat, which we've found to be slightly longer than average. Dark colors may need more time. And this paint requires 30 days to fully cure. You also need 30 days for any new plaster to cure before painting. Also, this is sold exclusively at The Home Depot, but you can find a store in most communities of any size.

The price is comparable to many paints we've evaluated. The manufacturer also offers a lifetime warranty.

Price at time of publish: $43

_{Intended Surface: Walls, trim, doors, bathrooms | Coverage Area: 400 square feet | Dry Time: 2 hours}

Best for Dark Walls

Valspar Signature Acrylic Interior Paint + Primer

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If you need to cover a darker existing wall color or stubborn stains, the best indoor paint is Valspar Signature. The 100 percent acrylic formula delivers rich color that goes on smooth and hides everything underneath. You can use it on many platforms, including drywall, plaster, wood, fiberglass, and metal. It's a combined paint and primer, and can be used as a primer before applying the main coat. However, the manufacturer recommends that you apply a primer for best results, and then paint two coats on "properly prepared" walls or ceilings.

You can purchase this paint in eggshell, flat, satin, or semi-gloss finishes. Its dry time, at 77 degrees Fahrenheit is 30 to 60 minutes to the touch, and 2 hours for a second coat. Backed by a lifetime warranty, it's also resistant to mildew, stains, scuffs, and fading. Once dry, this durable paint can be cleaned as needed with soap and water.

While you can order this paint online from the manufacturer, it's available for pickup only at Lowe's stores.

Price at time of publish: $40

_{Intended Surface: Walls, trim, doors, wood, concrete | Coverage Area: 400 square feet | Dry Time: 2 hours}

Best Single-Coat

HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams Infinity Advanced Performance Paint + Primer

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No time for two coats? This one-and-done, self-priming wall paint promises ultra-smooth perfection in a single layer and can be tinted to pretty much any color imaginable. You can use it effectively on many surfaces besides drywall, including concrete and masonry, and wood. We like that unlike many self-priming paints, this paint is effective to be used on basement walls and doors, according to the manufacturer.

The high-performance acrylic formula repels stains, scuffs, scratches, and mildew, with a lifetime warranty to back up its durability. It's also a breeze to wash off with soap and water.

While we note that many users agree that one coat is enough to cover white or light-colored walls, darker surfaces may require additional coats. The manufacturer doesn't specify the dry time for additional coats, but we recommend at least 2 hours. This paint, with a limited lifetime warranty, is available only at Lowe's stores.

Price at time of publish: $66

_{Intended Surface: Walls, trim, bathroom, wood | Coverage Area: 400 square feet | Dry Time: 30–60 minutes}

Best Quick-Dry

BEHR Dynasty Advanced Stain Repellency Interior Enamel Stain-Blocking Paint & Primer

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BEHR Dynasty is dry to the touch in an hour and not tacky whatsoever after 4 hours. For that reason, you can use it on doors and drawers. You can purchase this paint in matte, eggshell, satin, and semi-gloss finishes. it is available only at The Home Depot stores.

The manufacturer positions this brand as its most durable one-coat paint, resisting scuff marks such as shoe heels. If you're repainting existing light-colored surfaces, you can likely get away with a single coat. But the manufacturer agrees that darker colors might take a little longer to cure.

We appreciate that this paint has an antimicrobial finish that repels stains and wipes clean with minimal elbow grease. The manufacturer also offers a lifetime limited warranty.

Price at time of publish: $60

_{Intended Surface: Walls, trim, doors, wood, concrete | Coverage Area: 400 square feet | Dry Time: 1 hour}