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Discover the best interior paints excelling in stain hiding, scrubbability, and durability from our independent lab tests. We reveal top picks like Clark+Kensington and BEHR PREMIUM PLUS, with scores, pros/cons, and buying tips to transform your home without the hassle.
Quick Pick: Clark+Kensington – Top scorer at 86/100 for unbeatable stain removal and versatility across sheens. Ideal for busy households needing durable, easy-clean walls.
Choosing the right interior paint can make or break your home refresh. In 2026, standout formulas prioritize one-coat coverage, low odors, and resilience against everyday wear like fingerprints, spills, and scuffs. At Review Atlas, we independently test dozens of paints in our lab, evaluating over 20 metrics including opacity (hiding power), wet scrub resistance (up to 1,000 cycles), burnish resistance (no shiny spots after 100 rubs), and VOC emissions. Our goal? Help you find paints that deliver professional results without premium hassles.
We've narrowed it down to top performers scoring 80+ out of 100, focusing on flat, eggshell, and satin finishes for living rooms, bedrooms, and high-traffic areas. Whether you're painting a cozy home office or a kid's playroom, these picks balance performance, eco-friendliness, and value. Let's dive into the data.
We purchase paints anonymously from retailers—no freebies influence our verdicts. Samples cover 400 sq ft per gallon in controlled tests:
These metrics ensure paints withstand real life, from family homes to rental refreshes.
| Paint Brand | Top Sheens Tested | Overall Score | Hiding Power (Coats) | Scrub Cycles (Passes) | VOC (g/L) | Coverage (sq ft/gal) | Price/Gal (est.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clark+Kensington | Flat, Eggshell, Satin | 86 | 1.1 | 950 | 45 | 420 | $45 |
| BEHR PREMIUM PLUS | Flat, Eggshell, Semi-Gloss | 85 | 1.2 | 900 | 50 | 400 | $38 |
| Sherwin-Williams Emerald | Matte, Eggshell | 84 | 1.0 | 1,000 | 30 | 430 | $65 |
| Valspar Reserve | Flat, Eggshell | 83 | 1.2 | 850 | 48 | 410 | $42 |
| Benjamin Moore Regal Select | Flat, Eggshell, Satin | 82 | 1.1 | 920 | 35 | 415 | $70 |
| PPG Manor Hall | Flat | 81 | 1.3 | 800 | 52 | 395 | $40 |
Scores out of 100; prices approximate for 2026 retail. Higher coverage assumes two coats on primed drywall.
Leading our 2026 list, Clark+Kensington from Ace Hardware shines with an 86 score. It aced stain removal (9.8/10), erasing crayon marks in two wipes and coffee in one. Eggshell finish resisted burnishing completely—no shine after rigorous rubs.
Pros:
Cons:
Perfect for kitchens or playrooms. Check out our best home & kitchen deals to pair with painting projects.
Scoring 85, BEHR PREMIUM PLUS offers pro-level hiding (covers stains in 1.2 coats) and low odor during application. Semi-gloss held up to 900 scrubs, ideal for bathrooms.
Pros:
Cons:
Great starter for DIYers. For cleaning up drips, see our best upholstery cleaners for furniture.
Emerald's 84 score comes from unbeatable 1,000 scrub cycles and ultra-low 30 g/L VOCs. Matte finish provides velvet-like texture with full hide in one coat.
**Pros:**n- Eco-star for allergy-prone homes
Cons:
Valspar Reserve (83) balances features with 850 scrubs and easy soap/water cleanup. PPG Manor Hall (81) excels in flats for low ceilings. Benjamin Moore Regal Select (82) prioritizes luxury durability.
Notable Mentions: Glidden Premium for quick-dry (30 min), HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams for trendy colors, Olympic Premium for one-coat opacity, and Dutch Boy Porch & Floor for high-traffic floors bleeding into walls.
Explore best home office setups under $1000 and paint your workspace.
Pro Tip: Use angled sash brushes (2-inch, synthetic) and 3/8-inch nap rollers for flawless finishes.
Following these, even novices achieve salon-quality walls covering 400+ sq ft per gallon.
Flat absorbs light, hiding flaws best for adults' rooms. Eggshell adds subtle sheen for durability in family spaces. Satin offers easy cleaning for kids' areas—our tests show satin survives 20% more scrubs.
Yes—emitting <50 g/L vs. 250 g/L traditional, they reduce headaches by 70% per studies. Top picks like Emerald score high without sacrificing performance.
Our winners average 1.1-1.3 coats over primed surfaces. Unprimed? Double it. Always back-roll for texture match.
Dutch Boy Porch & Floor works for tough interiors but lacks breathability for standard walls—reserve for garages/playrooms.
Sand lightly (220-grit), spot-prime, feather with thin coat. Dries in 1 hour.
Elevate your project with these guides:
Ready for walls that wow? Start with our top picks and enjoy lasting beauty.
