help choosing paint brands

paintinGirl · 09-23-2006, 12:32 PM

hi, i'm wanting to paint my room brown, and i don't want to buy just any kind of paint. i don't want it to look like some of those high gloss, shiny paints, i just want a sort of matte look i think. any advice on what brands and where i can get it?

KCnorthernCA · 09-23-2006, 04:48 PM

Consumer Reports rates Behr Premium Plus Enamel highest in many categories. I believe it's also one of the better-priced brands, too, so it gets their "recommend" star.

If you want to get into the various performance features of paint, however, CR and many pro painters will qualify each brand according to what you want to do with it. For example, if I recall, the "fading" category is where Behr is not top rated, but just very good. In the important category of "coverage" there's none better. Home Depot sells Behr.

As for gloss and shine, every brand offers about five "sheens." You just choose one for your purpose. These are like Flat, Satin, Eggshell, Semi-gloss, Gloss, perhaps named differently.

YourWayPainting · 09-23-2006, 05:18 PM

PaintinGirl,
You might want to check with some of your local paint suppliers. I would not recommend Behr, but I’m a painter … and that’s just MY opinion.
Whatever you choose, make sure that you get a good high-end paint. Never pick what’s cheapest … or you will pay for it later.

dougrus · 09-23-2006, 06:33 PM

Most painters I know like Benjamin Moore Paints...Its not cheap but when you start working with it and you see the finish you realize that it is worth the money

It sounds like what you are looking for in terms of sheen is flat or maybe satin if you want a slight slight sheen.

My bedrooms I always paint in a flat.

By the way good to have ya at the forum...

yummy mummy · 09-23-2006, 10:38 PM

I agree with the opinion of Benjamin Moore paints.

We had our home painted 3 years ago, with BM paint and I really love it.
It is washable, (and that is really important)

May cost a bit more, but really worth it.

kellstar painting · 09-24-2006, 09:14 AM

Stay away from Behr.... California...Ben Moore...Sherwin Williams
and the word Matte is the same for flat.

dougrus · 09-24-2006, 09:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kellstar painting

Stay away from Behr.... California...Ben Moore...Sherwin Williams
and the word Matte is the same for flat.

Why would you say to stay away from Ben Moore?...It is a staple for two particular pro painters that I know.

KCnorthernCA · 09-24-2006, 11:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kellstar painting

Stay away from Behr.... California...

I've used Ben Moore once. It wasn't anything to write home about. The Behr in every other room is just fine. So I'm curious about this anti-Behr opinion.

I'm no painting pro, so I can only trust non-profit third party testing labs like CR when it comes to evaluating so many different brands in so many different test categories.

What is it exactly about Behr that's so horrible? Is it just the low price or the fact that big box HD sells it?

Mysticman · 09-24-2006, 04:02 PM

I've used Benjamin Moore and Restoration Hardware brand. I love the Benjamin Moore - it goes on exceptionally well.

However, Behr did win (in 2004 I think) for one of the best paints (price vs. quality) with Benjamin Moore coming in 2nd....

Paintguy26 · 09-24-2006, 04:29 PM

Ok...I AM A PAINTER....I HAVE USED ALL THE PAINTS MENTIONED BY EVERY ANSWER.

Now....Sherwin-Williams is best.

Followed by Ben. Moore. Then maybe Pittsburgh.............

BEHR IS CRAP hence the place you purchase it is NOT a paint store and what they call there "premium paint" goes for $24....

CONSUMER REPORTS ARE FOR BORED HOMEOWNERS WHO WANT TO CHALLENGE CONTRACTORS~SO I DESPISE ANYONE WHO FOLLOWS THEM~AFTER ALL THEY ARE NOT EVER COMPARING SIMILAR QUALITY PRODUCTS

CONGRATULATIONS....I have provided you with some EYE opening facts from......YEP....YOU GUESSED IT...........................A PAINTER!

kellstar painting · 09-24-2006, 06:06 PM

no... I meant... stay away from behr..... use..ben moore ...california...sherwin williams.....sorry 4 the wording

Autumnknight · 09-24-2006, 06:27 PM

What do you think of Pratt & Lambert paints?

dougrus · 09-24-2006, 07:18 PM

There is a thread going on right now about Sherman Williams Duration line of paints...people really seem to like it...Think Ill try some for the trim in my living room.

slickshift · 09-24-2006, 07:26 PM

Out of the paints I've used:

I'd recommend Ben Moore, Sherwin Williams, and Pittsburgh's premium lines
You can usually get them at a Paint Shop

I can not recommend the Behr, AmTrad, Kilz Kolors, Glidden, or any of the other big box, HD, W*M, Lowes, Sears, etc. paints
They are pretty bad
Behr paints and stains being the absolute worse

I've used a little P&L and had no problems
I'd use it again

dougrus · 09-24-2006, 07:53 PM

wow we have really jacked this womens thread...

Slickshift and other pros, what about a recomendation for water or acrylic based primer for bedrooms, living rooms etc...no moisture exposure interior projects...lets just say over a previous coat of latex paint on drywall...I always use Kilz and whatever else jumps off the shelf and my neighbor (a painter) always groans at whatver I get but never has any good input otherwise...