Behr Marquee Interior Matte “Ultra Pure White” No. 1450
PRICE
$40.98/gallon at Home Depot
THE SCOOP
Sold at Home Depot stores nationwide, Behr offers loads of color, finish, and coverage options. Their top-of-the-line Marquee paint-and-primers guarantee one-coat coverage and are available in matte, eggshell, semi-gloss, and satin finishes. We fought the huddled, home-improving masses; took a number at the counter; and received friendly, helpful service.
HOW THEY PERFORMED
We’ve been burned by false promises before, so we were skeptical. But to our surprise, this paint delivered—covering our dark gray wall with a single coat. It also dried the fastest, and marker and makeup smudges cleaned away easily. The base white has a nice, rich tone to it, too. What’s not to love?
VERDICT
Superior performance at a stellar price. Color us impressed!
Benjamin Moore Regal Select Interior Paint and Primer Matte “White” 548 01
PRICE
THE SCOOP
A friendly salesman asked about our project and gave suggestions and advice, explaining the difference in the lines, coverages, and finishes. We ultimately went with the Regal Select, a paint-and-primer that promises excellent hide, washability, and mildew resistance. It’s also zero VOC (volatile organic compounds) and low odor. Available in flat, matte, eggshell, pearl, and semi-gloss finishes.
HOW THEY PERFORMED
The paint-and-primer combo performed perfectly. One coat truly did the trick, and it dried quickly, too. The tone was nice—more buttery than some of the other, cooler-toned paints we tried. The only knock was that cleaning took a smidge more elbow grease than the Behr Marquee.
VERDICT
Great price, great results, and great customer service. Win-win-win.
Farrow & Ball “All White” No. 2005, Estate Emulsion Finish
PRICE
THE SCOOP
The sweet owner of Artifkt, the exclusive carrier of Farrow & Ball paint in Dallas, loaded us up with F&B literature and helpful painting advice. All F&B paints are water-based, low-VOC, and low-odor and come in 132 designer shades. Available in Dead Flat, Estate Emulsion, Modern Emulsion, Estate Eggshell, and Full Gloss finishes.
HOW THEY PERFORMED
After our first test patch showed significant gray bleed, we were convinced user error was to blame and tested a second area. Sadly, the results were the same. A second coat made a world of difference, but for the designer price, we wanted the walls to practically paint themselves.
VERDICT
Not worth the splurge.
Sherwin-Williams Emerald Interior Acrylic Latex Matte “Extra White” SW 7006
PRICE
THE SCOOP
For painting over dark walls, staffers pointed us to their Emerald paint-and-primer line, which promises exceptional hide, anti-microbial protection, and washability. It meets stringent VOC regulations and is available in matte, satin, and semi-gloss finishes. There was a staggering array of whites to choose from, but we opted for the base shade. We were out the door in less than 10 minutes.
HOW THEY PERFORMED
This formula offered good coverage, though the color appeared slightly inconsistent in spots and would’ve benefitted from a second insurance coat. The white had a cool tone (though with so many color options, you could easily find any shade of white you like). It dried quickly and cleaned easily.
VERDICT
Solid performer; hefty price tag.
Restoration Hardware “Right White,” Subtle Velvet Finish
PRICE
$45/gallon at Restoration Hardware
THE SCOOP
HOW THEY PERFORMED
Though we felt the Behr and Benjamin Moore slightly outperformed, this gave more than adequate coverage with one coat. We liked the color quite a bit—it had a nice, creamy quality—but if you prefer a different tone, you’ve only got two other whites to choose from. Average dry time; cleaned well.
VERDICT
Good results, but limited options.
