Best interior paints?

Question

and does a primer significantly make a difference when using the best paints? How much more will it cost to prime first? Let's say I'm just doing 1 10x10 room (although I'm doing most of the main rooms of the house). :-)

Oh, and what is best for looks and washing both (matte, semi gloss, ?)

Answer 1

Benjamin Moore. I almost never use a primer. I also always use an eggshell finish (basically 1/2 satin- 1/2 flat mix). Sherwin Williams is my second fav.

Answer 2

Primer is usually cheaper than paint (especially the good stuff). If you don't use primer, particularly if you are painting a different color over the old paint, you may need two or three coats of paint to cover correctly. And, you run the risk of peeling later, as the primer helps the new paint adhere to the old.

If you primed the old paint - particularly with a primer that is close in color to the new paint - you will probably get away with one color coat plus some touch-up.

As far as good paint, it's kind of a direct correlation to how much it costs. You can get Behr at the Home Depot, sometimes at a discount. And, it will work. Or, you can go to a Frazee, Sherman Williams, Dunn-Edwards, etc., and pay more for the paint. But, it will cover better and more evenly.

As far as a texture, I recommend eggshell. It has a nice sheen, as opposed to a flat. And, it isn't as shiny as a semigloss.

Answer 3

I've repainted my entire condo -- didn't use any primer, didn't need it. If you want to be able to wipe down the walls regularly, use a semi-gloss. I used a semi-gloss in the bathroom and kitchen where I knew I'd be using harsher chemicals on the wall and the paint would need to be more resistant to water and cleansers. Throughout the rest of the house I used a matte finish.

I've used paints from both Sherman Williams and Home Depot (brand is called Behr's), and could not tell any difference at all in quality of paint. The containers that the Sherman Williams paint comes in are easier to use, though -- they are plastic and have a molded "pour spout."

Good luck!

Answer 4

Primer makes it so even the best paints adhere better and will require fewere coats. A can of primer is about $20. Semi-gloss has always been what we have picked. It gives it a little shine so it doesn't look dull and is easy to wash.

Answer 5

Primer does make a huge difference. If you skip a good primer, you can end up with a sloppy looking paint job. For primer, go with Kilz Odorless Primer or Kilz Premium Primer. For paint, go with Kilz Casual Colors which are one coat paints.

Answer 6

Use a good primmer A good primmer will cost as much as a good paint, I.C.I or C.I.L. same company makes the best I,ve used Problem solver Or C.I.L Smart paint, Have your primmer tinted close to finish coat, Semie Gloss will was better, or try kitchen and bath paint with teflon works GREAT, A gal of Problem solver $35.00 in Canada , medium finish$45.00 paint $35.00- Best $70.00-$85.00 Stick with I.C.I Paint there good for the price .Good coverage

Answer 7

I like Kilz primer and Behr paint. Priming is important; if you are spending your money you might as well do it right.

The glossier the paint is the more cleanable it is. Gloss is slickest so it is the most cleanable. Semi gloss is next and then satin.

Answer 8

primer is cheap, if the walls are allready painted you may not need it, but with primer you are not trying to coverup old paint like if you dont use it..........if u can understand that I barely do