Best Paint for Walls

Choosing the best paint for walls isn't just about color — it's about finding a formula that applies smoothly, covers well, holds up to everyday life, and looks great for years. With hundreds of options on the market, knowing what to look for makes the decision much easier. Here's what the best wall paints have in common and the tools that help you get a professional result.

What Makes a Great Wall Paint

The best wall paints share several qualities: excellent hide (coverage over the existing color), good leveling (self-smoothing to minimize brush and roller marks), durability (resistance to scuffs and cleaning), and the right sheen for the room. For most interior walls, eggshell or satin finish strikes the best balance between appearance and durability.

Tools for the Best Wall Paint Results

• Floetrol paint conditioner — add to any latex wall paint to improve leveling, reduce brush marks, and extend open time
• Mini foam roller kit — for smooth, even application on walls with minimal texture
• Painter's tape 1-inch — for clean edges at trim and ceiling
• Painter's tape 2-inch — for masking baseboards and wider surfaces
• Krud Kutter deglosser — for prepping glossy walls before repainting without sanding

Top Wall Paint Brands

Sherwin-Williams Emerald

Consistently rated the best interior wall paint for coverage, durability, and finish quality. Emerald is a self-priming formula with excellent hide — often covering in one coat over similar colors. It's available in matte, eggshell, satin, and semi-gloss. Premium price, but the coverage and durability justify the cost for most homeowners.

Benjamin Moore Aura

Benjamin Moore's top-tier interior paint, known for exceptional color accuracy and depth. Aura uses Color Lock technology that locks color into the paint film, preventing fading and maintaining vibrancy for years. Excellent coverage and a beautiful finish in all sheens.

Behr Premium Plus Ultra

The best value option among premium wall paints. Available exclusively at Home Depot, Behr Premium Plus Ultra offers paint-and-primer-in-one performance at a significantly lower price than Sherwin-Williams or Benjamin Moore. Good coverage, durable finish, and wide color selection.

The Secret to a Professional Wall Paint Result

The paint brand matters less than the application technique. Adding Floetrol to any latex wall paint dramatically improves the result — it slows drying time, improves leveling, and reduces brush and roller marks. Use a quality foam roller for the smoothest finish, and apply two thin coats rather than one thick coat.

Prep: The Most Important Step

The best paint in the world won't look good on a poorly prepared surface. Clean walls with Krud Kutter to remove grease and residue. Fill holes and cracks with spackle. Sand smooth. Mask edges with painter's tape. Good prep is what separates a professional-looking paint job from an amateur one.

The best wall paint is the one applied correctly on a well-prepared surface. Choose a quality latex paint in eggshell or satin, add Floetrol for a smoother finish, use a foam roller, and apply two thin coats. The result will look professional regardless of which brand you choose.