Benjamin Moore tops tests for interior paint

February 26, 2012 at 12:00a.m.

Benjamin Moore beat Behr by a nose as the top-performing interior paint in two of three major categories in Consumer Reports’ recent tests. But when it came to value, Behr remained several lengths ahead.

Benjamin Moore’s Aura Satin and new Regal Select Semi-Gloss were front- runners in part because CR’s tests showed that they’re better than earlier products at maintaining their gloss after cleaning.

Both also leave a smoother finish and stand up better to scrubbing. But at $50 per gallon, even the less-pricey Regal Select costs almost $20 more than the Behr paints, which performed almost as well.

Paints that require less work and have fewer toxins are a bonus this year, as are more top choices for less than $30 per gallon. But CR’s tests of almost 60 paints showed that some low-priced lines trail the pack in performance. Here are the details:

Low VOCs become the norm. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are linked to air pollution and respiratory problems. All of CR’s top paints — and all but three in CR’s Ratings — claim to meet even the toughest Southern California limits of 50 grams per liter or less. Many of the best paints that CR tested have zero-VOC claims as manufacturers get better at making greener paints that perform well. Benjamin Moore, Olympic paints from Lowe’s and Valspar also specify zero VOCs for the tints used in their paints; Behr offers low-VOC colorants.

More paints save you some hassle. The ability to hide the old finish with one coat continues to top shoppers’ wish lists, which is why CR weighs this attribute most heavily in its tests. Eleven of its top 24 picks are designed to go on over old finishes or even bare wood and wall-board without the usual primer coat.

Some paints have hidden costs. You can buy a gallon of Color Place at Walmart for as little as $8. But so-so results put all three versions of the Glidden-made paints at the bottom of CR’s Ratings. And because many inexpensive paints require more coats for hiding, you might have to buy more than you bargained for. Two better low-priced bets: Glidden’s Premium Flat, $19 per gallon, and Satin, $23 per gallon, plus the other CR Best Buys.

For Satin and Eggshell, CR Best Buys are Kilz Casual Colors Satin ($27 per gallon), Glidden Premium Satin (Home Depot, $25 per gallon) and Behr Premium Plus Satin Enamel (Home Depot, $26 per gallon). For Flat and Matte, the Best Buys are Behr Premium Plus Flat Enamel (Home Depot, $25 per gallon) and Glidden Premium Flat (Home Depot, $20 per gallon). Semigloss CR Best Buys include Royal Interiors by ACE Semi-Gloss ($28 per gallon) and Glidden Brilliance Semi-Gloss (Walmart, $27 per gallon).

HOW TO CHOOSE

Start by matching the sheen to the area. Low-luster satin and eggshell paints are ideal for most surfaces because they best blend easy flaw-hiding and durability.

Flat paints are better at hiding flaws, though less stain resistant, making them a dubious choice for kitchens and other busy rooms. Consider semigloss paints for trim and other spots you’ll wipe infrequently because most dull after repeated or vigorous cleaning. Here’s what else to remember:

Get extra savings. Doing many rooms with the same color? You’ll cut costs roughly in half by getting a five-gallon can rather than five one- gallon cans. You can also save by wrapping brushes and rollers tightly in plastic wrap so that you can reuse them over several days without cleaning them.

Don’t assume greener is better. CR’s Ratings include many subpar low- and no-VOC paints along with those that made its winners’ circle. You’ll also find a growing array of green logos, though some of those certifications are self-awarded.

Don’t buy strictly by brand. Even within a brand, performance often varies widely among finishes and lines.