There’s no single best interior paint, but four major brands dominate the market with measurably different strengths. Your best choice depends on whether you’re prioritizing finish quality, coverage per coat, or upfront cost.
Key Takeaways
- Premium brands like Benjamin Moore and Sherwin Williams deliver smoother finishes with better scuff resistance in high-traffic areas like hallways and family rooms.
- Budget brands like Behr Dynasty and Pittsburgh UltraLast self-prime without separate primer, eliminating primer costs on previously painted walls.
- Latex cleans with soap and water and remains the standard for most interior walls, while oil-based paint is limited to wood trim in high-end applications.
- Price gaps narrow for low-traffic rooms where a budget paint performs nearly identically to a premium option over several years.
- Benjamin Moore Aura and Sherwin Williams Emerald cost more per gallon but require fewer touch-ups over time in kitchens and kids’ rooms.
- Behr Dynasty at Home Depot matches premium coverage at lower prices, though the dried finish shows slight texture under raking light.
- Professional painters choose Sherwin Williams most often because job-site delivery reduces contractor overhead.
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Quick Comparison: Best Interior House Paint
| Brand | Best For | Coverage & Application | Durability & Washability | Self-Priming | Price Tier |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Benjamin Moore | High-traffic rooms | Excellent coverage, smooth finish | Premium scuff resistance, fewer touch-ups | Not typically; primer recommended | Premium (Aura) |
| Sherwin Williams | High-traffic & pro jobs | Smooth; contractor-favored | Excellent washability & scuff resistance | Not typically; primer often used | Premium; pro delivery |
| Behr Dynasty | Low–medium traffic, pre-painted walls | Matches premium; slight texture | Good; slightly less scuff-resistant | Yes — self-primes on pre-painted walls | Budget (lower cost) |
| Pittsburgh UltraLast | Budget projects; low-traffic rooms | Good, cost-effective coverage | Adequate for low-traffic rooms | Yes — self-primes on pre-painted walls | Budget (economical) |
Quick Brand Comparison
The four brands split into clear tiers when measured on coverage, durability, washability, self-priming capability, and price:
- Benjamin Moore: leads in finish quality, excellent coverage and durability, excellent washability, limited self-priming (Aura line only), $55-70/gallon
- Sherwin Williams: strongest self-priming lineup, excellent coverage and durability, very good washability, $50-75/gallon
- Behr Dynasty: best self-priming value, very good coverage, good durability and washability, $40-50/gallon
- Pittsburgh UltraLast: budget option for low-traffic rooms, good coverage, fair durability and washability, limited self-priming, $25-35/gallon
Benjamin Moore Interior Paint
Benjamin Moore sits at the premium tier and sells exclusively through independent paint retailers, not big-box stores. You’ll find it at locally owned shops and specialty dealers. This means less convenience but more knowledgeable staff.
The brand’s standout strength is finish quality. Benjamin Moore Regal Select and Aura dry noticeably smoother than competing paints at the same sheen level.
Color retention stays strong even in south-facing rooms where UV exposure fades cheaper paints within two years. The entire line carries low-VOC formulations, making it safer for nurseries and bedrooms where ventilation is limited.
The weakness is price and accessibility. Expect to pay $55-70 per gallon for Regal Select or Aura. You can’t pick it up during a quick Home Depot run.
If the nearest Benjamin Moore dealer is 30 minutes away, that convenience gap affects touch-ups and color matching.
Sherwin Williams Interior Paint
Sherwin Williams operates its own chain of proprietary stores nationwide. This gives professionals easy access to stock and same-day delivery. The brand is the most common choice among full-time painting contractors.
Scuff resistance is the defining advantage. Sherwin Williams Emerald and Duration lines hold up under repeated impacts from chair backs, pet claws, and vacuum bumps.
The finish selection is also the widest in the industry. Available sheens include matte, flat, eggshell, satin, semi-gloss, and high-gloss across most product lines.
Pricing varies dramatically depending on which line you choose:
- Emerald runs $65-75 per gallon and justifies the premium cost in high-traffic areas.
- ProMar 200, the contractor-grade line, costs $30-40 per gallon but performs closer to mid-tier quality.
- Some homeowners overspend on premium lines for low-traffic spaces that don’t need them.
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Behr Dynasty
Behr Dynasty is sold exclusively at Home Depot, making it most accessible for DIYers. You can see samples, buy supplies, and rent tools in one trip. The line targets homeowners who want near-premium performance without specialty store pricing.
Self-priming coverage is the key strength. Behr Dynasty hides previous colors quickly on most surfaces, eliminating the need for separate primer on walls that aren’t stained or freshly patched. Coverage per gallon matches or exceeds premium brands, meaning you’ll use less paint to cover the same square footage.
The finish quality falls short of Benjamin Moore and Sherwin Williams when examined closely. Dried paint shows slight texture under light, especially in flat and matte sheens. It’s not visible in normal lighting, but it matters if you’re painting a gallery wall or formal dining room where finish perfection is the goal.
Pittsburgh UltraLast
Pittsburgh UltraLast represents the budget tier and is available at select independent retailers and some Menards locations. The line is designed for landlords, flippers, and homeowners repainting low-traffic spaces on a tight budget.
Decent durability at the price point is the main draw. Pittsburgh UltraLast outlasts cheaper big-box paints like Glidden Essentials or Valspar Signature. Low-odor formulation makes it workable in occupied homes without forcing everyone out for the day.
Coverage is the clear weakness. Expect to apply two full coats even when painting light colors over white primer. The dried film is thinner than premium paints, which means less protection against scuffs.
Use it for spaces where durability matters less:
- Use it for guest bedrooms where walls stay clean.
- Use it for ceilings needing minimal scrubbing.
- Use it for low-traffic spaces on budget.
Head-to-Head
Direct comparisons show where each brand pulls ahead and where budget options close the gap.
1. Coverage & Application
- Behr Dynasty and Benjamin Moore Aura tie for best coverage per coat. Both hide old colors quickly when rolling light to medium shades over primer or existing paint.
- Sherwin Williams Emerald runs a close second, requiring minimal touch-up on edges.
- Pittsburgh UltraLast has thinner coverage needing two coats even on low-contrast color changes.
- Benjamin Moore and Sherwin Williams roll smoother with less drag, while Behr Dynasty feels slightly thicker on the roller.
2. Durability & Washability
- Sherwin Williams Emerald and Benjamin Moore Aura lead in scuff resistance. Scuff marks from furniture and shoes wipe off easily even in flat finishes.
- Behr Dynasty performs well in satin and semi-gloss but shows scuff marks in flat sheens.
- Pittsburgh UltraLast is the weakest: flat finishes don’t tolerate scrubbing, and satin sheens show permanent marks after cleaning.
3. Self-Priming Capabilities
- Behr Dynasty covers without separate primer in most situations, handling bare drywall, patched spots, and previous colors.
- Sherwin Williams Emerald and Duration offer solid self-priming but require primer over stains and bold colors.
- Benjamin Moore Aura claims self-priming but works best over primer when making dramatic color changes.
- Pittsburgh UltraLast does not self-prime effectively and always benefits from a primer layer.
4. Price & Value
- Benjamin Moore and Sherwin Williams premium lines cost more upfront but cover better and last longer. A premium gallon covering in one coat beats a budget gallon needing two coats and fading sooner.
- Pittsburgh UltraLast delivers the best pure value for low-traffic rooms where walls stay pristine.
- Behr Dynasty splits the difference, offering most premium traits for less.
Which Should You Choose?
Match the paint to the room’s traffic level and your quality expectations:
- For high-traffic family rooms, hallways, and kitchens, choose Sherwin Williams Emerald or Benjamin Moore Regal Select. The scuff resistance and washability justify the premium cost when repainting spaces that take daily abuse.
- For budget whole-home repaints, Behr Dynasty offers the best balance. You’ll pay $40-50 per gallon and get one-coat coverage on most walls. The finish quality won’t match premium brands under scrutiny, but it performs well enough for rentals and lived-in homes.
- For low-traffic bedrooms, closets, and ceilings, Pittsburgh UltraLast saves money without compromising results. These surfaces don’t need premium durability, so spending extra wastes budget you could allocate elsewhere.
- For wood trim, doors, and cabinetry, stick with Benjamin Moore Advance or Sherwin Williams ProClassic. These specialized alkyd formulas resist chipping on high-touch surfaces like door frames and baseboards.
FAQs
1. Which brand of paint is best for interior walls?
Sherwin Williams and Benjamin Moore tie for overall best performance, but Behr Dynasty delivers better value if you’re painting an entire house. Choose premium brands for living spaces and budget brands for bedrooms and ceilings.
2. What type of paint is best for inside the house?
Latex paint in satin or eggshell sheen works best for most walls. It cleans easily, dries fast, and doesn’t yellow over time like oil-based paint. Use flat for ceilings and semi-gloss for trim.
3. What paint do most professional painters use?
Sherwin Williams dominates the professional market because of contractor pricing, job-site delivery, and consistent quality across batches. Benjamin Moore runs second among high-end residential painters who prioritize finish quality over convenience.
4. What is the best interior paint for durability?
Sherwin Williams Emerald outlasts competitors in scuff resistance. Benjamin Moore Aura runs a close second. Both paints hold up for years in high-traffic areas before needing a refresh coat.
5. Is premium interior paint worth the extra cost?
Yes for high-traffic rooms like kitchens, family rooms, and hallways where walls get bumped and cleaned. No for guest bedrooms, closets, and ceilings where mid-tier paint performs identically over several years.
Final Verdict
No universal best paint exists because room type and budget shift the ideal choice. Sherwin Williams and Benjamin Moore justify premium pricing for durability, while Behr Dynasty and Pittsburgh UltraLast save money in low-traffic areas without visible compromise.
Buy sample quarts and test patches on the actual wall you’re planning to cover. Compare coverage, application feel, and dried finish in your specific lighting before committing to full gallons. Most paint failures result from wrong sheen or prep, not from brand selection.
Denver homeowners, if you’re planning an interior repaint in the Denver metro area, our Denver-based team can help with paint selection and professional application. We work with all four brands and will recommend the right product for each room based on traffic patterns, lighting, and your budget. See details about our interior painting services or call 720-831-8998 to discuss your project.