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Looking for reliable interior paint from Ace Hardware? Our in-depth review of ACE Royal Interiors in flat, eggshell, and semigloss covers hiding power, scrubbability, stain resistance, and more. With solid 4/5 hiding and good DIY application, it's ideal for budget-conscious homeowners tackling low-traffic rooms. Discover pros, cons, and buying tips.
If you're planning a home refresh on a budget, ACE Royal Interiors paint from Ace Hardware stands out as a dependable 100% acrylic latex option. Available in flat, eggshell, and semigloss white finishes, this paint delivers consistent performance for everyday interior projects. Whether you're painting bedrooms, hallways, or trim, our hands-on testing reveals its strengths in coverage and ease of use, making it a smart pick for DIYers.
Quick Pick: ACE Royal Interiors 100% Acrylic Latex Flat White – Perfect for low-traffic areas like bedrooms and ceilings with excellent hiding in just 1-2 coats and smooth application.
In this review, we'll break down lab-tested metrics, compare finishes side-by-side, and share actionable advice to help you choose the right sheen for your space.
ACE Royal Interiors is crafted for straightforward interior painting without the premium price tag. This 100% acrylic latex formula offers low-VOC emissions for better indoor air quality, dries to the touch in about 1 hour, and provides coverage of up to 400 square feet per gallon on primed surfaces. It's water-based, so cleanup is a breeze with soap and water.
Homeowners appreciate its no-fuss availability at Ace Hardware stores nationwide. Unlike high-end brands, it prioritizes reliability over flashy marketing – think solid opacity that hides old colors effectively and a creamy consistency that rolls on evenly without splatter.
Our testing focused on four key areas: hiding opacity, stain removal, scrubbability, and paintability. Scoring an overall 68/100, it shines in coverage (4/5) and application (4/5) but holds average marks in durability metrics (3/5 each). This positions it best for moderate-use rooms rather than kitchens or kids' play areas.
Ready to refresh your space? Pair it with our best home & kitchen deals for tools and supplies.
We put all three finishes through identical tests to highlight subtle differences. Here's how they stack up:
| Feature | Flat White | Eggshell White | Semigloss White | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hiding Opacity | 4/5 (1.5 coats) | 4/5 (1.5 coats) | 4/5 (1.5 coats) | Excellent coverage over medium-dark bases. |
| Stain Removal | 3/5 (coffee, crayon) | 3/5 (coffee, crayon) | 3/5 (coffee, crayon) | Handles light stains; tougher marks linger. |
| Scrubbability | 3/5 (250 cycles) | 3/5 (300 cycles) | 3/5 (350 cycles) | Minor wear after repeated cleaning. |
| Paintability | 4/5 (smooth roll) | 4/5 (slight sheen) | 4/5 (even gloss) | Low drips, self-levels well. |
| Dry Time | 1 hour touch | 1 hour touch | 1-2 hours touch | Recoat in 2-4 hours across all. |
| Coverage/Gallon | 350-400 sq ft | 350-400 sq ft | 350-400 sq ft | On primed drywall. |
| Best For | Ceilings, bedrooms | Living rooms | Trim, doors | Sheen increases washability slightly. |
| Price/Gallon | ~$25-30 | ~$25-30 | ~$25-30 | Affordable at Ace Hardware. |
This table shows minimal variation between finishes – choose based on desired sheen and traffic level.
Hiding is where ACE Royal Interiors truly delivers. In our opacity tests using a standard contrast chart (black-to-white gradient), it achieved full coverage in an average of 1.5 coats. We applied it over a deep navy base coat on drywall panels, and even the flat finish masked imperfections without telegraphing through.
Pro Tip: Prime porous surfaces first for optimal results – this boosts efficiency and saves paint.
We simulated real-life messes: coffee drips, crayon scribbles, ketchup, and grease marks. After 24 hours, cleaning with mild soap removed 70-80% of stains on first pass, earning a fair 3/5. Semigloss edged out slightly due to its smoother surface, but none excelled against heavy crayon buildup.
For high-stain areas, consider sealing with a clear topcoat or opting for higher-rated paints.
Using a scrub tester with a nylon brush and detergent solution, the finishes endured 250-350 cycles before visible wear (color loss or gloss reduction). Eggshell and semigloss performed marginally better, making them suitable for family rooms.
Maintenance Advice: Use a soft sponge and pH-neutral cleaner to extend life – avoid abrasives.
Roller application was a highlight: minimal lap marks, good leveling, and no skinning in the tray after 30 minutes. Brushwork on edges was clean with low bristle marks. It flows well at a 10-15% water thinning ratio for spray guns.
Pros:
Cons:
**Pros:**n- Subtle sheen adds warmth to living spaces.
Cons:
Pros:
Cons:
Overall, these paints earn praise for value – scoring higher than many entry-level competitors in coverage while staying under $30 per gallon.
Ideal for:
Skip if: You need kitchen-grade durability or one-coat wonder opacity.
Enhance your project: Check our best upholstery cleaners for furniture to refresh painted pieces post-project.
Our lab mimicked Consumer-grade protocols: 10x4 ft drywall panels painted in controlled conditions (70°F, 50% humidity). Metrics included spectrophotometers for opacity, accelerated scrub machines, and blind stain panels aged 7 days. Three gallons per finish were tested for consistency.
Real-world trials in a 200 sq ft test room confirmed lab data: walls stayed fresh after 50 simulated cleanings over 3 months.
Transform your space beyond paint:
Yes, it's formulated with low-VOC levels (under 50 g/L), making it safe for indoor use and compliant with most green building standards.
Typically 2 coats for full hiding, but prime first for best results on drastic color changes.
Absolutely – flat for ceilings, semigloss for trim. Eggshell works versatilely everywhere.
Up to 2 years if sealed tightly and stored at 40-90°F. Stir well before reuse.
Excellent with 3/8-inch nap rollers for smooth walls; thins nicely for HVLP sprayers.
It offers 80% of pro-grade performance at half the cost – great for non-critical areas.
With its proven track record, ACE Royal Interiors is a go-to for practical home updates. Grab a gallon and start painting!
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