Painting your home doesn’t have to be an expensive project. There are many affordable paint options that can give your walls a fresh, new look without draining your wallet. Whether you’re looking to brighten up your living room, add a splash of color to your bedroom, or refresh your kitchen, we’ve got you covered. Here are the 10 best cheap paints to paint your home.

Key Takeaways

• Behr Marquee Advanced Stain-Blocking Paint & Primer offers excellent durability and one-coat coverage.
• Glidden Premium Interior Paint + Primer is a budget-friendly option with a smooth finish.
• Valspar Signature provides great coverage and a wide range of colors.
• Behr Ultra is known for its stain-blocking capabilities and durability.
• Sherwin-Williams Captivate is a cost-effective choice with good coverage.

1. Behr Marquee Advanced Stain-Blocking Paint & Primer

The Behr Marquee Advanced Stain-Blocking Paint & Primer is a top choice for many homeowners. This paint is known for its durability and even finish. It dries quickly, usually within an hour, making it a convenient option for busy households.

Pros

• Durable, even finish
• Fast drying time
• One-coat coverage

Cons

• On the pricier side

This paint is especially good for high-traffic areas like living rooms, kids’ bedrooms, and kitchens. It can handle abrasions and is highly stain-resistant. The Behr Marquee comes in more than 1,000 colors, giving you plenty of options to choose from. Although it is a bit more expensive, the one-coat coverage and built-in primer can save you time and money in the long run.

The Behr Marquee is an excellent all-around paint that can be used on walls and ceilings throughout the house. Its stain-blocking formula ensures that your walls stay clean and vibrant for a long time.

2. Glidden Premium Interior Paint + Primer

Glidden Premium Interior Paint + Primer is a budget-friendly option that offers good performance for its price. This paint is ideal for low-traffic areas and provides a smooth finish. It comes in a variety of sheens, including flat, eggshell, satin, and semi-gloss, making it versatile for different surfaces like walls, trims, and cabinetry.

One of the standout features of Glidden Premium is its mildew resistance, which helps keep your walls clean and fresh. The paint is also zero-VOC, meaning it doesn’t emit harmful chemicals, making it a safer choice for homes with kids or people with allergies.

However, there are some trade-offs. The paint is not as stain-resistant as some other options, so it might not be the best choice for high-traffic areas like hallways or kitchens. Additionally, while it offers one-coat coverage, you might need multiple coats for surfaces with heavy stains or dark colors.

Product Details

• Dry Time: 30 to 60 minutes
• Re-coat Time: 2 to 4 hours
• Color Selection: 1,200 colors
• Recommended Surfaces: Concrete, drywall, metal, plaster, wood

Glidden paints are always easy to apply, provide excellent coverage, and there’s little effort to clean up. Good color selection – especially when looking for a budget-friendly option.

In summary, Glidden Premium Interior Paint + Primer is a solid choice for those on a budget, offering good coverage and a smooth finish, but it may require additional coats for heavily stained or dark surfaces.

3. Valspar Signature

Valspar Signature is a popular choice for those looking for quality paint at an affordable price. This paint is known for its excellent coverage and durability. It is designed to provide a smooth finish and is available in a wide range of colors.

One of the standout features of Valspar Signature is its ability to cover dark colors with ease. This makes it a great option for those looking to make a significant color change in their home. Additionally, Valspar Signature is formulated to resist fading, ensuring that your walls look fresh and vibrant for years to come.

However, some users have reported that they needed to apply multiple coats to achieve the desired coverage. This can be a drawback for those looking to complete their painting project quickly. Despite this, Valspar Signature remains a reliable choice for many homeowners.

Valspar Signature offers a balance of quality and affordability, making it a top pick for budget-conscious homeowners.

4. Behr Ultra

Behr Ultra is a budget-friendly paint option that you can find exclusively at Home Depot. It offers good hide, durability, and leveling for its price. While it may not match the premium qualities of higher-end brands, it still delivers solid performance.

Key Features

• Price: $45 per gallon
• Coverage: 350 to 400 square feet per gallon
• Dry Time: 2 to 3 hours
• Color Selection: 3,500 colors
• Sheens: Satin, semi-gloss, eggshell, matte
• Recommended Surfaces: Drywall, plaster, wood, metal, wallpaper

Pros

• Easy to apply with limited drip
• Great coverage
• Available in a wide range of colors

Cons

• Requires two full coats for complete coverage
• Not as washable or stain-resistant as some premium brands

Behr Ultra is a reliable choice if you’re looking for an economical paint that still provides high-quality results. It’s especially useful when your preferred brand isn’t available.

For those who want to test the color before committing, Behr offers peel-and-stick paint swatches for $2 each and small paint pots for $4 each.

5. Sherwin-Williams Captivate

Sherwin-Williams Captivate is a budget-friendly option that doesn’t compromise on quality. This paint is perfect for those looking to refresh their home without breaking the bank. It offers good coverage and a smooth finish, making it a reliable choice for any room in your house.

Key Features

• Affordable Price: Captivate is one of the most cost-effective options from Sherwin-Williams.
• Good Coverage: You might need more than one coat for the best results, but it performs well on various surfaces.
• Versatile Use: Suitable for drywall, wood, and plywood, making it a great choice for basic priming at an affordable price.
• Low VOC: This paint has low levels of volatile organic compounds, making it safer for indoor use.

Application Tips

1. Surface Preparation: Ensure the surface is clean and dry before application.
2. Priming: While Captivate has good coverage, using a primer can enhance the finish, especially on new drywall.
3. Multiple Coats: For the best results, apply at least two coats.
4. Dry Time: Allow the paint to dry for at least 4 hours between coats.

If you’re looking for a reliable and affordable paint option, Sherwin-Williams Captivate is a great choice. Its versatility and good coverage make it suitable for various surfaces, including drywall, wood, and plywood.

6. Kilz Tribute Interior Paint & Primer

Kilz Tribute Interior Paint & Primer is a versatile option for those looking to refresh their home on a budget. This paint and primer combo is known for its excellent coverage and durability, making it a popular choice for many homeowners.

Key Features

• Finish Options: Available in a variety of finishes, including semi-gloss, which provides a slick and lustrous finish. This makes it ideal for high-traffic areas like kitchens and bathrooms.
• Coverage: One gallon of Kilz Tribute can cover up to 400 square feet, ensuring you get the most out of each can.
• Durability: This paint is designed to withstand wear and tear, making it perfect for busy households.

Pros

1. Affordable: Priced competitively, it’s a great option for those on a budget.
2. Easy to Apply: The paint goes on smoothly and evenly, reducing the time and effort needed for a professional-looking finish.
3. Low VOC: This paint has low levels of volatile organic compounds, making it safer for indoor use.

Cons

1. Limited Color Selection: While it offers a range of finishes, the color options are somewhat limited compared to other brands.
2. Drying Time: It may take a bit longer to dry than some other paints, so plan accordingly.

Kilz Tribute Interior Paint & Primer is a solid choice for anyone looking to tackle a home painting project without breaking the bank. Its combination of affordability and quality makes it a standout option in the budget paint category.

7. PPG Diamond Interior Paint

PPG Diamond Interior Paint is a great choice for those looking for quality on a budget. This paint offers excellent coverage and durability, making it a popular option for many homeowners.

Key Features

• Coverage: PPG Diamond provides smooth and even coverage, which means fewer coats are needed to get the job done.
• Durability: The paint is designed to withstand wear and tear, making it ideal for high-traffic areas.
• Finish: Available in various finishes, including matte, eggshell, and semi-gloss, to suit different needs.

Pros

1. Great Coverage: You won’t need many coats to cover your walls, saving you time and effort.
2. Durable: This paint can handle bumps and scrapes, making it perfect for busy households.
3. Affordable: Despite its high quality, PPG Diamond is reasonably priced.

Cons

1. Streaky Application: Some users have reported that the paint can be streaky and splotchy after one coat, especially in small spaces like bathrooms.
2. No Stain-Blocking: The paint does not contain stain-blocking properties, so a separate primer may be needed for stained areas.

PPG Diamond Interior Paint is a solid choice for anyone looking to balance cost and quality. While it may require a bit more effort to achieve a perfect finish, its durability and coverage make it a worthwhile investment.

8. Benjamin Moore Ben

Benjamin Moore Ben is a popular choice for those looking for quality paint at an affordable price. This paint is known for its smooth application and excellent finish. Many users have praised its texture, noting that it goes on smoothly with any roller or brush. This makes it a great option for both beginners and experienced painters.

Pros

• Smooth application
• Excellent finish
• Affordable price

Cons

• Not the most stain-resistant

If you’re looking for a good, affordable paint that is easy to apply and looks great, Benjamin Moore Ben is a sensible choice.

In summary, Benjamin Moore Ben offers a balance of quality and affordability, making it a top pick for many homeowners.

9. True Value EasyCare Ultra Premium

True Value EasyCare Ultra Premium is a solid choice for those looking for quality paint without breaking the bank. This paint offers excellent coverage and durability, making it a great option for various home projects. Priced around $20 per gallon, it provides good value for money.

Key Features

• Coverage: One gallon can cover a large area, reducing the need for multiple coats.
• Durability: This paint is designed to withstand wear and tear, ensuring a long-lasting finish.
• Ease of Use: Easy to apply with minimal splatter, making it user-friendly for DIY projects.

Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Affordable	Limited color options
Good coverage	Not as premium as high-end brands
Durable

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly paint that doesn’t compromise on quality, True Value EasyCare Ultra Premium is a fantastic option. You’ll appreciate the balance of cost and performance, especially for large projects.

10. Ace Royal Interiors

Ace Royal Interiors is a budget-friendly option for those looking to refresh their home without breaking the bank. This paint offers excellent coverage and durability, making it a great choice for any room in your house.

• Coverage: Ace Royal Interiors provides good coverage, often requiring fewer coats compared to other budget paints.
• Durability: This paint is known for its long-lasting finish, which can withstand daily wear and tear.
• Finish Options: Available in various finishes, including flat, eggshell, and semi-gloss, allowing you to choose the best look for your space.

Ace Royal Interiors is a solid choice for anyone looking to find the best indoor paint for walls, floors, and ceilings without spending a fortune.

Conclusion

Choosing the right paint for your home doesn’t have to be expensive. With so many affordable options available, you can find quality paints that fit your budget and meet your needs. Whether you prefer a smooth finish, quick drying time, or a wide range of colors, there’s a paint out there for you. Remember, the best paint for your home is one that balances cost with quality, ensuring your home looks great without breaking the bank. Happy painting!

Frequently Asked Questions

What factors should I consider when choosing interior paint?

When picking interior paint, think about quality, sheen, and color. Good paint should protect surfaces from damage and last a long time.

How many coats of paint do I need for good coverage?

Usually, two coats of paint are enough for good coverage. Some high-quality paints offer one-coat coverage, but it’s always best to read the label.

Is it necessary to use a primer before painting?

Using a primer is often a good idea, especially on new drywall or surfaces with stains. Some paints come with primer included, which can save time.

How do I calculate the amount of paint I need?

To estimate the amount of paint, measure the height and width of each wall and multiply to get the square footage. One gallon typically covers about 350 square feet.

Can I use interior paint for exterior surfaces?

No, interior paint is not made to withstand outdoor conditions. Use paint specifically designed for exterior surfaces for the best results.

What is the best way to clean painted walls?

To clean painted walls, use a soft cloth or sponge with mild soap and water. Avoid harsh chemicals that can damage the paint.