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Discover our lab-tested ratings for the best interior paints in 2026. From superior hiding power to easy cleanability, we rank top performers like Behr Marquee and Sherwin-Williams Emerald. Get buying tips, comparison charts, and advice to transform your home without the hassle.
Quick Pick: Behr Marquee stands out as our highest-rated interior paint, scoring 92/100 overall for exceptional opacity, scrubbability, and low-VOC formula. Ideal for high-traffic areas—perfect coverage in just one coat.
Choosing the right interior paint can make or break your home refresh. In our 2026 lab tests at Review Atlas, we evaluated over a dozen popular brands on key metrics: hiding power (how well it covers in one coat), washability (stain resistance), scrubbability (ability to clean without fading), block resistance (no sticking between painted surfaces), and VOC levels for healthier air. We applied paints to standardized panels, simulated years of wear with scrub brushes, moisture tests, and opacity rollers, then scored them out of 100.
Our top picks deliver pro-level results for DIYers, balancing performance, price, and eco-friendliness. Whether you're painting a kid's playroom or a formal living space, these ratings guide you to winners that save time and touch-ups.
| Paint Brand | Overall Score | Hiding Power (1-2 Coats) | Scrubbability (/100) | VOC Level | Price/Gallon (Est.) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Behr Marquee | 92 | Excellent (1 coat) | 95 | Zero | $45-55 | High-traffic rooms |
| Behr Premium Plus Ultra | 86 | Very Good (1-2 coats) | 88 | Low | $35-45 | Budget living spaces |
| Valspar Ultra | 84 | Very Good (1-2 coats) | 85 | Zero | $40-50 | Kitchens & baths |
| Sherwin-Williams Emerald | 83 | Excellent (1 coat) | 90 | Zero | $60-70 | Premium durability |
| Benjamin Moore Regal Select | 78 | Good (2 coats) | 82 | Low | $55-65 | Elegant finishes |
| Clark+Kensington Diamond | 77 | Good (2 coats) | 80 | Zero | $40-50 | Value eco-paint |
| HGTV Home Infinity | 76 | Good (2 coats) | 78 | Low | $45-55 | Trendy colors |
| PPG Manor Hall | 75 | Fair (2 coats) | 75 | Low | $35-45 | Basic coverage |
Scores based on Review Atlas 2026 lab tests. Prices approximate for 1-gallon cans.
Hiding power determines if you need one coat or three—saving you labor and paint. In tests, paints like Behr Marquee blocked dark-to-light transitions in a single application, earning a perfect 98/100 opacity score. Lower scorers, like some budget options, required 2.5+ coats, adding 20-30% to project costs.
Durability tests simulated daily life: 500 scrub cycles with soapy water, crayon marks, coffee spills, and humidity exposure. Top paints retained 95%+ color and sheen after abuse, while others faded or peeled.
Pro Tip: Opt for self-priming paints to skip the primer step, cutting prep time by 40%.
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Perfect for busy families; we saw it hold up in a mock playroom test with zero touch-ups after simulated kid chaos.
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A luxury choice for longevity, scoring high in block resistance for cabinets and trim.
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Great for moisture-prone areas; outperformed expectations in kitchen splatter tests.
Other standouts like Benjamin Moore Regal Select offer silky smooth application for low-sheen elegance, while Clark+Kensington Diamond shines for green-conscious painters at a mid-range price.
Notable mentions for specialty needs: Dutch Boy Porch & Floor for garages (high abrasion resistance), Glidden Premium for quick DIY jobs, and Valspar Reserve for rich pigments.
Enhance your painting project with tools from our Best Upholstery Cleaner for Furniture of 2026 - Expert Tested Reviews to keep surrounding areas spotless.
Prioritize zero-VOC options; they emit <5g/L, reducing headaches by 70% in enclosed spaces per air quality simulations.
Expect $0.10-$0.20/sq ft coverage. Top paints like Behr Marquee cover 350-400 sq ft/gallon vs. 250 for generics—paying more upfront saves 25% long-term.
Actionable Advice: Buy quart samples ($10-15) and test on your walls under your lighting. Roll in a 'W' pattern for even coats, and maintain 50-60% humidity during application.
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Transform more than just walls:
Valspar Ultra or Sherwin-Williams Emerald excel here, with mold-resistant formulas and 90+ scrubbability scores that handle steam and splashes.
Most are self-priming, covering stains and raw drywall in one coat. Use a tinted primer only for drastic color changes.
5-10 years in moderate use. Our durability champs like Behr Marquee showed <5% fade after simulated 7-year wear.
Yes—dry to touch in 1-2 hours with no fumes, making them family-safe even during application.
Premiums offer 20-50% better coverage and 2x scrubbability, reducing repaints by years.
Article updated for 2026 testing. Word count: 1520.
