M.A.B., Kilz, and Valspar perform best; Self-priming paints and opaque stains earn respect

YONKERS, NY — Consumer Reports’ tests of 58 exterior paints and stains reveal that big box brand paints sold at Walmart (Kilz) and Lowe’s (Valspar) perform as well or better than several more expensive brands.  

While M.A.B. Sea Shore Satin ($40 per gallon) was Consumer Reports’ top overall pick, less expensive Kilz Casual Colors Semigloss ($23 per gallon), Kilz Casual Colors Flat ($20 per gallon) and Kilz  Casual Colors Satin ($22 per gallon) scored high in the ratings.

In the past, self-priming paint products, which eliminate the need to prime bare surfaces, have not held up over time in Consumer Reports tests. However, Valspar Ultra Premium Duramax Satin ($33 per gallon) was among the best performing paints, in CR’s latest round of tests, and can offer consumers significant time and money savings.  

Regional brands California and Kelly-Moore, which have dominated Consumer Reports Ratings in the past, continued to do well among fully tested paints.

Full tests and Ratings of exterior paints and stains appear in the June issue of Consumer Reports, on sale May 5. The report is also available to subscribers at www.ConsumerReports.org.

Traditionally in Consumer Reports tests opaque stains outlast semitransparent ones, but generally don’t match the performance of paint. But in CR’s latest test, two top-rated opaque stains, Behr Deck Plus 200 Line and Olympic Premium Acrylic, are still resisting cracking, color change, dirt and mildew after the equivalent of nine years on the siding of a house.

For consumers looking for a more semi-transparent stain look,Consumer Reports also recommends Thompson’s Water Seal Deck & House ($23 per gallon). 

The report also includes a sneak peak at several paint and stain products still being tested. While the results reflect only three to six years of simulated exposure, consumers can get an early look at these products ongoing performance.

Most homeowners repaint or refinish their siding every six to 10 years. To find out which paints and stains would probably last that long on houses,CR spread finishes over untreated yellow-pine boards, which tend to swell and crack, creating an especially tough test surface. Testers faced the boards south at a 45-degree angle on the roof of CR’s Yonkers, N.Y. headquarters to intensify the effects of sun and the elements. Each year of outdoor testing equals roughly three years on a home. Boards are also placed perpendicular to the ground facing north in a shaded area to promote mildew growth.  CR’s experts checked products for dirt buildup, color change, mildew, and cracking.  Consumer Reports Recommendations are based on full test representing up to three years of testing or about nine years on a house.

Because manufacturers often revamp their recipes to improve performance or cut cost, Consumer Reports removed all products from its Ratings that were reformulated after testing began. That’s why a few familiar brands, including some of last year’s top scorers, are not included in the current Ratings.

Tips to save on painting costs

Most of the time and expense of painting or staining your house goes into the prep work, so get a coating that can last longer even if it costs a few dollars more per gallon. Here are some tips to keep in mind when getting ready to paint:

• Pick the right color. Some historic districts and homeowners’ associations mandate colors. Even if there are no rules to abide by, check your neighbors’ homes for visual cues. “Creative” paint jobs can lower a home’s resale value. Stuck for ideas? Many manufacturers offer online design programs that let consumers view a variety of palettes on a sample house or even on a downloaded image of your own abode. If you want to change from a dark color to a light one, you’ll almost definitely need to apply two top coats, so budget accordingly.
• Look for deals. Holiday weekends are a common time for special promos, especially on the top-performing brands sold at big-box stores. If you prefer shopping at independent retailers, ask about discounts on high-volume purchases. And remember that paint sold in 5-gallon containers sometimes costs half as much as the same product packaged in 1-gallon cans. Cover extra paint containers with plastic wrap to help make them airtight. Dispose of old paint at a household-hazardous-waste center.
• Weigh convenience vs. performance. Multisurface stains, which can be used on decks, siding, and fences, sound like a great idea. And the industry is starting to make more multisurface products. Some, such as Behr Deck Plus 200 line, performed well on siding and decks. But in CR’s tests, that convenience wasn’t always worth it.