Paint with higher levels of titanium provides much better coverage, or "hideability." A can of paint can completely transform the look of a room, and it won't cost you an arm and a leg. But what kind of paint gives you the most for your money? Per-gallon prices range from less than $8 to more than $30. Are the most expensive paints really worth the money? One factor that affects the cost is the type of paint -- alkyd oil paint or water-based latex. Although the alkyd oil-based paints are more durable and can provide a slightly smoother coat, they are more difficult to work with and to clean up, and some states restrict the areas in which alkyd paints can be used. On the other hand, the improved chemistry of today's latex paints make them much more durable and easy to work with, and they can be cleaned up with water. So what's the difference between a $30 can of paint and an $8 can? First, it's the amount of work it takes to apply the paint. The higher grades of paint contain titanium, which gives the paint more coverage so it does a better job of concealing the surface it covers.

Cheaper paints contain little or no titanium, relying instead on clay. As a result, it may take three or more coats of cheap paint to equal the coverage of one coat of high-quality paint. When applied by paintbrush, cheaper paints show brush marks and provide poor coverage. Higher-quality paints provide smooth, one-coat coverage. Another big difference is in durability. The more expensive paints are also more washable and offer greater scrub resistance. If you try washing dirt off a cheaper paint, you're likely to wash off some of the paint itself. Another benefit of higher-quality paints is their reduced tendency to spatter. They contain an antispattering agent that produces less mess than inferior paints. When choosing paint colors, pick a paint chip that appeals to you, and match it to the store's fan deck; the colors are listed alphabetically and numerically. Next, check the light reflective value (LRV) of the paint. This is a scientific measurement of how dark or light the paint will be once it's on your walls.

As a general rule, interior paints should have an LRV of 50 percent or more. Keep in mind that the color will appear more vibrant when you apply it to the walls. Paints come in a variety of finishes, including flat, eggshell, semigloss/satin and high gloss. wall decor ideas for collegeFlat paint is more forgiving and hides flaws well, but it doesn't stand up well to scrubbing. best sugar cookie recipe and frostingHigh-gloss paint is washable and easier to maintain, but it reveals surface imperfections and painting errors.wall decor for country kitchen Most people start by choosing a color. wedding decor rentals connecticut

Color-matching systems have improved to the point where you can get close to the color your crave in just about any brand. But performance varies by brand and that can affect your perception of color. So choose the hue you love, then the best paint for the job.wedding table decorations cheap ideas Despite all the colors available, whites and off-whites remain the top-selling interior colors. home decor stores in ncWith dozens to choose from, zeroing in on just the right white can be tricky; read "How to Pick The Right White Paint" for tips on nailing it. For exterior palettes, it's smart to take a cue from other homes in the neighborhood, as well as nature. For example, ochre and forest green play well in wooded regions, while earth tones are more suited to desert landscapes. Here are some additional pointers.

Look at the biggest paint chips the store offers. A store’s lighting affects your take so step outside to get another look in natural light. Once home, place the chips on the wall, next to the trim, and look at them at different times throughout the day as the natural light changes. Do this over the course of several days, omitting colors that aren't working. Keep in mind that on indoor projects, color tends to intensify over large areas, so it's generally better to go too light than too dark in a given shade. But the opposite is true outdoors, where what you see on a paint chip will likely look darker than what ends up on your house, because natural light tends to soften color. Flat finishes absorb light, making the paint look darker. Glossy reflects light, so it looks brighter. In between there are eggshell and satin finishes. Many interior eggshells and satins have become much better at standing up to scrubbing, so semi-gloss is no longer a must for indoor trim. Once you’ve narrowed your choices, buy small cans for testing.

For interior projects, paint sample colors on large sheets of heavy paper so you can move them from place to place without having to paint the walls. Live with them for at least a few days. Observe the effects of changing light on the color throughout the day, both natural and light provided by bulbs. For exterior projects, paint a sample board with each color you're considering. Again, observe the paint at different times of day as the natural light changes. You can choose the most beautiful shade, but if the paint itself is mediocre the end result is likely to disappoint. Our tests find that economy grades of paint don't perform well overall. A top-quality interior paint can cover the darkest colors in two coats, while lower-quality paints might need three or four. The best cover old paint well with just one coat—and most claim to eliminate the primer coat. Economy exterior paints don't weather as well as top-of-the-line products from the same brand. Manufacturers have reduced the levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), some of the noxious chemicals that can make paint smell like paint, in their products, in response to stricter federal and regional standards.

Earlier low-VOC paints lacked the durability of higher-VOC finishes, but now all of the paints in our tests claim to have low or no VOCs, and many performed very well. Flat paints (and textured walls) absorb light, so colors seem darker. Glossy paints and smooth surfaces reflect, so colors look brighter. The degree of glossiness may differ from one manufacturer to another. Our ratings tell you how well a paint hides what’s underneath it, how smooth the finish will be, and whether the paint resists stains, scrubbing, gloss change, sticking, mildew, and fading. Because a brand's flat, eggshell, and semi-gloss formulations perform similarly overall, we've combined the scores into one to make it easier for you to choose. Flat: These finishes hide imperfections well, but are the least stain-resistant and better suited for low-traffic areas. Eggshell and Satin: Use only on fairly smooth, well-prepared surfaces since their shine can accentuate imperfections on the walls.

These paints are tough enough to be used in family rooms, kids' rooms, and hallways. Some might change sheen when scrubbed. Semi-Gloss: Shinier still, these paints are formulated to stand up to stains. They're generally the easiest to clean, but some may tend to dull when scrubbed. They're ideal for kitchen and bathroom walls, windowsills, and other woodwork. Semi-gloss paints require a very smooth, well-prepared surface with few imperfections. Explore Our Interior Paint Ratings Wild temperature swings that cause wood and other siding materials to expand and contract are also tough on paint, prompting less-flexible formulas to crack and flake. Our exterior-paint test was designed with this in mind, so the paints we recommend should perform predictably well in all conditions. But always check the weather forecast before applying. Paints applied in cold weather might not dry properly, resulting in poor adhesion. Daytime temps between 50° and 90°F and little or no wind are ideal.

We painted pine panels and placed them outside under conditions that would intensify the effects of weather. A year of our test is equal to about three years on a typical house. The best paints still looked fine after the equivalent of nine years. Like interior paints, exterior paints come in a variety of sheens, but we've combined scores of the various exterior-paint sheens into one to make it easier for you to decide. Here are the types to consider. Flat: This dullest of finishes is the best choice if you need to mask imperfections. Flat finishes look best on exterior walls, especially those that are older and more weather-worn. Eggshell and Satin: These finishes have a slight gloss and can also work well on walls, especially those that are newer and smoother. Semi-Gloss and Gloss: Most often used for trim because they highlight the details of the woodwork and are easy to clean. Check Out Our Exterior Paint Ratings Need to Hire a Painter? If you're overwhelmed by the idea of painting your home, perhaps it's best to hire a professional.