Thinking about painting your place but worried about the cost? You’re not alone. Finding the best affordable paint can feel like a treasure hunt, but it doesn’t have to be. We’ve looked into some popular options to help you get a great look without emptying your wallet. Let’s figure out how to make your next project look good and feel good on your budget.

Key Takeaways

• Behr Premium Plus is a solid choice for DIYers, offering good coverage at a reasonable price, easily found at Home Depot.
• Valspar, available at Lowe’s, provides decent performance for its cost, making it suitable for less-trafficked areas.
• Sherwin-Williams Pro-Mar lines (200, 400, 700) are contractor-grade options, with Pro-Mar 400 often recommended as a good middle-ground choice.
• Glidden paint, especially the lower-priced options, might seem appealing but can lack durability, potentially costing more in the long run.
• Consider looking for sales, mistinted paints, or even checking local landfills for usable paint to save money on your project.

1. Behr Premium Plus

When you’re looking for paint that won’t break the bank but still gets the job done, Behr Premium Plus is a solid contender. You can find this brand pretty easily at most Home Depot stores, which is super convenient. It’s known for having pretty good coverage, meaning you might not need as many coats as you would with some other budget paints. This can save you time and a bit of frustration, especially if you’re tackling a big room.

People often mention that Behr Premium Plus is a decent choice for general home projects. It’s not usually the first pick for high-end finishes or areas that get a lot of wear and tear, but for walls in a living room or a spare bedroom, it holds up well enough. Plus, the price point is usually quite reasonable, making it a go-to for many DIYers.

Here’s a quick look at what you might expect:

• Availability: Widely available at Home Depot.
• Coverage: Generally good, often requiring fewer coats than cheaper alternatives.
• Price: Affordable, fitting most budgets.
• Finish: Comes in various finishes like satin, eggshell, and semi-gloss, suitable for most interior walls.

While Behr Premium Plus is a great option for many projects, remember that for areas that see a lot of action, like hallways or kids’ rooms, you might want to consider a paint with enhanced durability. However, for most standard applications, it’s a reliable and cost-effective choice.

If you’re painting a large area and want to get good results without spending a fortune, Behr Premium Plus is definitely worth considering for your next project. It’s a dependable paint that offers good coverage for its price.

2. Valspar

Valspar is a brand you’ll often find at big box stores, and it generally sits in the budget-friendly category. It’s a decent choice if you’re trying to keep costs down, especially for rooms that don’t see a lot of action. Think guest bedrooms or formal living rooms.

The paint offers reasonable coverage and holds up okay, but don’t expect it to perform like the high-end stuff. It’s widely available, which is a plus when you’re in a pinch.

Here’s a quick look at what you might expect:

• Price: Generally in the lower to mid-range for gallons.
• Availability: Easy to find at major home improvement retailers.
• Performance: Decent for basic projects, but may require more coats for deep colors or in high-traffic areas.
• Finish: Available in standard finishes like flat, eggshell, and satin.

If you’re looking for a solid, no-frills paint that won’t break the bank, Valspar is worth considering. It’s a reliable option for many DIYers, and you can often find good deals on their Ultra Ultra White Base A Flat Tintable Interior Paint if you need a good starting point for custom colors.

When choosing Valspar, it’s often a good idea to check for mistinted cans. These are perfectly good paints that were mixed incorrectly and are usually sold at a steep discount. You might get lucky and find a color that works for your project, saving even more money.

3. Sherwin-Williams Pro-Mar 400

Sherwin-Williams Pro-Mar 400 is a paint that’s been around for a while. It’s generally considered a more basic option, often used by contractors for jobs where budget is a big factor. You’ll mostly find it in a flat finish, which is good for hiding imperfections but not the easiest to clean.

If you’re looking for something that’s super durable or has a lot of sheen, this might not be your first pick. It’s definitely a no-frills paint.

This paint is often described as a ‘bare minimum’ quality by people who work in paint stores. It’s not the easiest to find in finishes other than flat, and some folks suggest looking for mis-mixed paint at Sherwin-Williams stores to get a discount.

It’s one of those paints where you get what you pay for, really. If you need a lot of paint for a large area and cost is the main concern, it could work. But for high-traffic areas or places where you’ll need to scrub the walls, you might want to consider something else. It’s a decent choice if you’re on a tight budget and just need a coat of paint on the walls, but don’t expect it to hold up like some of the higher-end options. You can sometimes find it at a discount if you look around, especially if you’re willing to take a chance on a mis-tinted can, which can save you a good chunk of change. Contractor grade paint can be a good value if you know where to look.

4. Glidden

Glidden is a brand that often pops up when people are looking for budget-friendly paint. You can find it at big box stores, and the price can be pretty tempting, sometimes around $9 a gallon.

However, there’s a bit of a mixed bag when it comes to Glidden. Some folks have had really good experiences, especially with their higher-end lines that you might not find at the usual big box retailers. The idea is that like many paint companies, Glidden has a more basic, cheaper line that might not perform as well. This can mean you end up needing more coats, which kind of defeats the purpose of saving money.

Here’s a quick rundown of what people often say:

• Coverage: This is where opinions really differ. Some say it covers well, even over dark marks, while others report it’s thin and requires multiple coats.
• Durability: Some users have noted that the cheaper Glidden paints don’t hold up as well over time compared to other brands.
• Availability: You’ll mostly find Glidden at places like Home Depot, but if you’re looking for their better quality paints, you might need to search elsewhere.

When considering Glidden, it’s worth remembering that not all paints under a brand name are created equal. The price point can be attractive, but it’s wise to check reviews for the specific product line you’re looking at to avoid needing extra coats or touch-ups down the road.

5. Benjamin Moore Regal Select

Benjamin Moore is a name that often comes up when people talk about really good paint. Their Regal Select line is a solid choice if you’re looking for something that performs well without completely breaking the bank, though it’s definitely a step up in price from some of the more budget-friendly options.

This paint is known for its excellent coverage and how smoothly it goes on. You’ll find that it often takes fewer coats to get the color you want, which can save you time and effort. Plus, the colors tend to be really true to what you see on the swatch, which is a big plus when you’re trying to get a specific look for your room.

Here’s a quick look at what makes Regal Select stand out:

• Coverage: Generally requires fewer coats than cheaper paints.
• Color Accuracy: Benjamin Moore is famous for its rich, accurate colors.
• Finish: Provides a nice, even finish that looks professional.
• Durability: Holds up well over time, especially for interior walls.

While Benjamin Moore paints, including Regal Select, can be a bit pricier, many people find the quality and the final look are well worth the extra cost. It’s a good middle-ground option for those who want a step up from basic paint but aren’t quite ready for the top-tier, most expensive lines.

It’s not usually found in the big box hardware stores, so you might need to visit a dedicated Benjamin Moore retailer or a paint supply shop. This can sometimes mean a bit more effort to find, but the help you get at these specialized stores can be really useful.

6. Sherwin-Williams Pro-Mar 200

Sherwin-Williams Pro-Mar 200 is a solid choice if you’re looking for a paint that can handle a bit of wear and tear without breaking the bank. It’s a step up from some of the more basic contractor-grade paints, offering better durability for everyday use. Think of it for hallways, kids’ rooms, or any area that sees a fair amount of activity. It holds up reasonably well to light cleaning and minor scuffs, which is a big plus when you don’t want to worry about every little mark.

While it’s not going to be as scrubbable as some of the super high-end paints out there, Pro-Mar 200 strikes a good balance between performance and cost. It’s a practical option for many interior jobs where you need something reliable that won’t fade too quickly. You can often find it at Sherwin-Williams stores, and it’s a go-to for many professionals who need a dependable paint for their projects.

Here’s a quick look at what makes it a decent pick:

• Durability: Resists minor scuffs and light cleaning better than lower grades.
• Coverage: Generally provides good coverage, often requiring fewer coats.
• Finish: Available in finishes like eggshell and satin, which offer a nice sheen and some washability.
• Value: Offers professional-grade performance at a more accessible price point compared to premium lines.

When you’re choosing paint, especially for areas that get a lot of use, thinking about how it will hold up over time is important. Pro-Mar 200 is designed with that in mind, giving you a good-looking finish that can take a bit of a beating.

It’s a good middle-ground option if you’re weighing the benefits of professional-grade paint against your budget. It’s not the cheapest, but it’s definitely not the most expensive either, making it a smart choice for many homeowners and contractors.

7. True Value Easy Care

True Value Easy Care is a solid go-to paint for folks aiming to keep costs in check. Walk into most neighborhood hardware stores, and you’ll likely find this brand on the shelf and someone behind the counter willing to talk through your project. Easy Care is known for giving a nice balance between price and performance, which is harder to find in today’s market. It usually lands near the $20–$30 per gallon mark, though the price can go up for specialty finishes or exterior options—the 5-gallon flat exterior latex version clocks in around $185 for those bigger projects, and you can get it same-day at many stores.

Here’s what stands out when you’re considering True Value Easy Care:

• Coverage is better than most budget paints, meaning you might actually get away with fewer coats.
• Durability is decent for the price, holding up fairly well to scrubbing and day-to-day knocks in busy spots like hallways and family rooms.
• Customer service is a selling point—truth is, smaller stores often mean better advice and help with picking colors.

Paint Type	Average Price (per gal.)	Coverage (sq ft)	Finish Options
Easy Care Interior	$20–$30	350–400	Flat, Eggshell, Satin, Semi-Gloss
Easy Care Exterior	~$37+	300–350	Flat, Satin, Gloss
EasyCare Everyday Flat (5 gal.)	$185	1750–2000	Flat

You don’t always need the high-end label to get a paint that does the job. True Value Easy Care is proof you can paint your living room or fence without emptying your wallet—and still be happy with how it looks months down the line.

8. Ace Royal

When you’re looking for paint that won’t break the bank but still gets the job done, Ace Royal is a solid contender. You can find this brand at your local Ace Hardware store, and many people who work there or shop there regularly seem to like it.

It’s often mentioned as a good value for the price.

Here’s a quick look at what makes it a decent choice:

• Affordability: This is where Ace Royal really shines. It sits in that sweet spot where it’s significantly cheaper than the high-end brands but offers better quality than the absolute cheapest options.
• Availability: Being an Ace Hardware exclusive means you can usually find it easily if you have one nearby. It’s convenient for quick projects.
• Performance: While it might not have all the bells and whistles of premium paints, it generally provides decent coverage and a finish that holds up well for everyday use.

If you’re painting a room that doesn’t see a ton of wear and tear, or if you’re on a tight budget, Ace Royal is definitely worth considering. It’s a reliable option that gets the job done without costing a fortune.

9. McCormick Generation LX

McCormick Paints is a brand that might not be on everyone’s radar, especially if you’re not in the Mid-Atlantic region. But if you are, it’s definitely worth a look. They’re a family-owned company that really seems to care about making good paint. Their Generation LX line is one they push, and it’s known for being pretty durable and having some nice, bright colors.

It’s a solid choice if you’re looking for something that balances quality with a more eco-friendly approach.

Here’s a quick rundown of what makes it stand out:

• Regional Focus: Primarily available in the Mid-Atlantic. If you’re outside this area, it’s harder to find.
• Quality and Durability: People seem to like how long it lasts and how well it covers.
• Eco-Conscious: They put an effort into making their products more sustainable.

If you’re in the market for paint and live in the areas where McCormick is sold, it’s a brand that offers good performance without breaking the bank. It’s a nice alternative to the big national brands, especially if you like supporting smaller, regional companies.

10. Sherwin-Williams Pro-Mar 700

Sherwin-Williams has a whole line of paints called Pro-Mar, and the Pro-Mar 700 is their most basic option. It’s definitely on the budget-friendly side, which is great if you’re trying to keep costs down on a big project. Think of it as a solid workhorse paint that gets the job done without any fancy frills.

This paint is often used by contractors for jobs where a lot of square footage needs to be covered quickly and affordably. It’s not going to give you that super-smooth, high-end finish you might get from their more expensive lines, but it does offer decent coverage and is pretty easy to apply. If you’re painting a rental property or a room that doesn’t get a ton of wear and tear, this could be a smart choice.

Here’s a quick look at what you might expect:

• Coverage: Generally good, but might need a second coat for darker colors.
• Durability: It’s okay for low-traffic areas, but don’t expect it to hold up to heavy scrubbing.
• Finish: Usually comes in flat or eggshell, which helps hide imperfections.
• Price: One of the most affordable options in the Sherwin-Williams lineup.

When you’re looking at the Pro-Mar 700, remember it’s designed for practicality. It’s a paint that prioritizes covering walls efficiently over offering a luxurious feel. For basic interior walls, it’s a dependable option that won’t break the bank.

Wrapping Up Your Paint Project

So, you’ve learned a lot about picking out paint without spending a fortune. It turns out you don’t always need the priciest can to get a good look. Paying attention to things like coverage and finish can really make a difference. Sometimes, a mid-range paint with a good reputation is the sweet spot. Don’t forget to check for sales or even mistinted options if you’re really trying to save. With a little bit of looking around and knowing what to look for, you can definitely get that fresh paint job you want without emptying your wallet.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the main difference between cheap and expensive paint?

Think of it like this: cheaper paint is often thinner and might need more coats to cover your walls well. It can also wear out faster and be harder to clean. Better quality paint usually goes on smoother, covers more with fewer coats, and lasts longer, saving you time and hassle in the long run.

Are there ways to save money on paint besides just buying the cheapest option?

Definitely! You can look for ‘paint and primer in one’ products to skip buying primer separately. Using a tinted primer can also help, especially if you’re painting over a dark color. Making sure your walls are clean and smooth before you start means the paint will stick better and you might need fewer coats.

What does ‘VOC’ mean when it comes to paint?

VOC stands for Volatile Organic Compounds. These are chemicals that can be released into the air as paint dries. If you’re concerned about air quality in your home, it’s a good idea to choose paints labeled ‘low-VOC’ or ‘no-VOC’.

How do I know how much paint to buy?

Most paint cans will tell you how many square feet a gallon can cover. You can also find paint calculators online. Measure the walls you want to paint, and these tools will help you figure out pretty accurately how much you’ll need, so you don’t end up with too much or too little.

Is it worth it to buy paint samples?

Yes, it can be! Buying a small sample pot of paint to test on your wall is a smart move. Colors can look very different depending on the light in your room, and testing it out first can save you from buying gallons of a color you don’t love.

What’s the best finish for paint (like matte, eggshell, or semi-gloss)?

It depends on the room! Matte finishes hide wall imperfections well but are harder to clean. Eggshell and satin finishes have a little shine and are easier to wipe down. Semi-gloss and gloss finishes are the most durable and easiest to clean, making them great for kitchens, bathrooms, and trim, but they can show bumps and uneven spots on the wall.