Ad-free. Influence-free. Powered by consumers.
The payment for your account couldn't be processed or you've canceled your account with us.
Re-activateDon’t have an account?
My account
Other Membership Benefits:
Suggested Searches
Cars
Car Ratings & Reviews
Car Buying & Pricing
Car Maintenance & Repair
Key Topics & News
Home & Garden
Bed & Bath
Lawn & Garden
Home Improvement
Home Safety & Security
Appliances
Small Appliances
Laundry & Cleaning
Heating, Cooling & Air
Electronics
Home Entertainment
Home Office
Smartphones & Wearables
Digital Security & Privacy
Take Action
Release date 02/03/2010
YONKERS, NY – Consumer Reports’ March issue features the biggest interior paint test ever of more than 50 paints. For the first time, Consumer Reports found nearly all top-scoring paints to be among the lowest in volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are linked to pollution, smog, and respiratory problems. The full report appears in the current issue of Consumer Reports and online at www.ConsumerReports.org and includes the best paints to make projects easier, faster and greener for less.
Nearly all the top-scoring paints in Consumer Reports’ tests contain no more than 50 grams of volatile organic compound per liter, a fraction of the 380 grams once common in the most-used low-luster paints.
Greener paints are becoming more popular and can mean less work — paints that scored Very Good or Excellent in Consumer Reports’ hiding tests provided thorough coverage with just one coat, something only two low-VOC paints managed in the last round of tests. But Consumer Reports notes that low-VOC paints aren’t necessarily odorless, so consumers should plan on adequate ventilation.
“Paints have advanced in their ability to perform and be green,” said Bob Markovich, senior home editor for Consumer Reports. “Our tests demonstrate that painting no longer needs to be expensive and time consuming as long as the consumer invests in the correct paint for their project.”
Consumer Reports’ scrubbing, staining, and mildew tests put Home Depot’s Behr brand the top performer in all three categories: low-luster, flat and matte finishes, and semigloss. Behr Premium Plus Ultra ($33), showed impressive one-coat hiding, stain resistance and other strengths, making it Consumer Reports’ top paint overall.
Low-luster and semigloss versions of Kilz Casual Colors ($22, Walmart) are formulated for indoor and outdoor use. Both versions did well at hiding during tests and evaluations will be done on their outdoor performance soon. Consumers who are willing to shell out up to $45 per gallon for maximum fade resistance for a sunny room can consider Benjamin Moore Regal. But tests show little reason to consider others in that price range.
But Consumer Reports recommends that consumers proceed with caution when purchasing green paints. Freshaire Choice ($39, Home Depot) and Mythic ($48) claim to have zero VOCs and to be as durable and cover as well as top-quality paint, but Mythic was mediocre at hiding and Freshaire Choice scored no better than Fair.
How to Choose
The full Ratings of interior paints appear in the March issue of Consumer Reports, available wherever magazines are sold. This report is also available to subscribers of www.ConsumerReports.org.
Consumer Reports is a nonprofit membership organization that works side by side with consumers to create a fairer, safer, and healthier world. For 80 years, CR has provided evidence-based product testing and ratings, rigorous research, hard-hitting investigative journalism, public education, and steadfast policy action on behalf of consumers’ interests. Unconstrained by advertising or other commercial influences, CR has exposed landmark public health and safety issues and strives to be a catalyst for pro-consumer changes in the marketplace. From championing responsible auto safety standards, to winning food and water protections, to enhancing healthcare quality, to fighting back against predatory lenders in the financial markets, Consumer Reports has always been on the front lines, raising the voices of consumers.
© 2010 Consumer Reports. The material above is intended for legitimate news entities only; it may not be used for advertising or promotional purposes. Consumer Reports® is an expert, independent, nonprofit organization whose mission is to work side by side with consumers to create a fairer, safer, and healthier world. We accept no advertising and pay for all the products we test. We are not beholden to any commercial interest. Our income is derived from the sale of Consumer Reports® magazine, ConsumerReports.org® and our other publications and information products, services, fees, and noncommercial contributions and grants. Our Ratings and reports are intended solely for the use of our readers. Neither the Ratings nor the reports may be used in advertising or for any other commercial purpose without our prior written permission. Consumer Reports will take all steps open to it to prevent unauthorized commercial use of its content and trademarks.
Consumer Reports is a nonprofit membership organization that works side by side with consumers to create a fairer, safer, and healthier world. For 80 years, CR has provided evidence-based product testing and ratings, rigorous research, hard-hitting investigative journalism, public education, and steadfast policy action on behalf of consumers’ interests. Unconstrained by advertising or other commercial influences, CR has exposed landmark public health and safety issues and strives to be a catalyst for pro-consumer changes in the marketplace. From championing responsible auto safety standards, to winning food and water protections, to enhancing healthcare quality, to fighting back against predatory lenders in the financial markets, Consumer Reports has always been on the front lines, raising the voices of consumers.
© 2010 Consumer Reports. The material above is intended for legitimate news entities only; it may not be used for advertising or promotional purposes. Consumer Reports® is an expert, independent, nonprofit organization whose mission is to work side by side with consumers to create a fairer, safer, and healthier world. We accept no advertising and pay for all the products we test. We are not beholden to any commercial interest. Our income is derived from the sale of Consumer Reports® magazine, ConsumerReports.org® and our other publications and information products, services, fees, and noncommercial contributions and grants. Our Ratings and reports are intended solely for the use of our readers. Neither the Ratings nor the reports may be used in advertising or for any other commercial purpose without our prior written permission. Consumer Reports will take all steps open to it to prevent unauthorized commercial use of its content and trademarks.