Check Out The Latest Rankings Of Interior Paint From Consumer Reports Mag.

Dorman Painting

top five for low luster
1) Behr, premium plus satin enamel (Home Depot)
2) Kilz Casual Colors Satin ( Wal Mart)
3) Valspar American Tradition (Lowe's)
4) True Value E-Z Kare
5) Dutch Boy Home(Wal Mart)

Behr also was the leading paint in the flat and semi gloss categories. I'm baffled by these results, when I think of Dutch Boy I'm thinking cheapola. Kilz?? Hell I've painted for almost ten years and didn't realize they had anything outside of a good primer. These results must be from a lack of true understanding of paint performance. I'm a Sherwin Williams man, and while they have cheap products, most of their stuff is good to excellent. SW got low grades in the three major categories, always towards the bottom of the barrell. Is Behr really that good? What do you all think of these results?

Brushslingers

Sounds like sales volumes to me.

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Benn

reveivl

Are they saying it's better paint or just better value? If the criteria involves cost then I can see how the premium paints might not make it on the list.

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From where does knowledge come? If you need to know what is in a box, you could ask someone (not reliable), you could pray, (not useful), you can consult with the scripture (not helpful) or you could open the box (science)

Double-A

Ya, that's sorta like reviewing full-sized pick-up trucks for under $14,000 MSRP. Slim pickings.

Our painters prefer BM or SW paints over anything else. I don't argue. If they're happy and the client is happy, I'm happy.

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"My clients’ wishes are the center of my attention." -- David Guido, a contractor in Woodstock, N.Y.
New York Times, July 20, 2006

slickshift

First off, once again that is not the latest test
It's a re-hash and re-package of their previous testing

Secondly, the "test results" are for DIYers, and use DIY criteria for their testing
DIY criteria is significantly different then professional criteria
For example, DIYers will flip if they open the can of paint and the wet in-the-can paint doesn't match the swatch...they are back to the store


I enjoy and support the CU and their magazine CR
They are full of interesting information
When they say that certain home air filters spew more ozone then clean up the air I listen
When they say the new 28volt cordless drills melt their internals driving lag bolts I take note

They certainly do use the Scientific Method (note caps) for repeatable quantifiable tests and test results

However:
When I am buying a new computer I check the ratings from PC World, not CR
When buying a vehicle, I may see what CR says, but will defer to Car & Driver or Autoweek
When CR does not recommend any hammer drills (none!) because of the noise they make, I basically agree with them
For most Homeowners a hammer drill is not the right tool
But if you are building decks....you are going to need one

My point in regards to CRs paint testing is:

CR does not use professional painters, or professional painting criteria to evaluate paint

They certainly use a scientific method of evaluation, but look at the little boxes with the points they use to rate the products
There's maybe one or two testing areas out of seven (going from memory here) that mean anything to a professional painter
....and many other areas that are very important to me and you that aren't even touched

In general I find the CR test results interesting
Sometimes even helpful....but the paint testing baffles me

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Quote:

Originally Posted by ModernStyle I have never used this crap before and I pray to the paint gods that I never have to use it again, I would rather use Behr

ProWallGuy

CR suggests paint brand XX is blah blah blah.

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Wallpaper Hanger St. Louis
Digital Murals Installation

AAPaint

That makes me laugh every time I hear it.....

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-AAPaint

AA Quality Painting & Pressure Washing LLC
Jacksonville Painters
Jacksonville, FL.

AllPro_Painting

I use BM or SW paints over anything else. My Co. only stands buy top qulity. that means from the caulk to the finnish

Dorman Painting

Here's the criteria they used, hiding performance which certainly applies to us. Hiding reflects how well two coats cover a contrasting color, whether dark over light or light over dark. Surface smoothness which they say indicates an absence of roller marks when the paint drys on the wall. This one shouldn't pertain to us because hopefully we're using proper technique's. Resistance to staining which shows how well paints resist a greasy stain. This one really doesn't apply to us as much IMO. If people get grease on their walls that's not my fault. Another area they test for is scrubbing which shows how well paint holds up to an abrasive cleaner. Gloss change is another area, it shows how well the finish retains it's shine when cleaned with an abrasive cleaner. Sticking- indicates the tendency for paints to not remain soft or tacky even when dry. Mildew- is the ability to inhibit mildew growth. FAding- reflects color change when exposed to UV light. Better one coat hiding- this one is VERY important to me, this indicates how well a paint covers in just one coat. Price- meaning the approximate price of one gallon of paint at retail cost.

They use some interesting criteria, but only about half of them truly apply to the professional IMO. The criteria based on abrasive cleaning and getting grease on the walls is out of our control IMO. I'm only worried about the things I can control. Most paints aren't designed for an "abrasive cleaner" IMO. I like SW 200 Eggshell products and feel like it certainly passes the look and durability tests within reason.

slickshift

...they also are comparing what I would call wall paint against what I would call trim paint, w/o making any distinction between them

But still, I don't see how "needs-three-coats-to-still-look-bad" Behr anything can have "excellent hiding", and can score "excellent" in "sticking" when time everyone who's ever used it knows that stuff can take a week to dry

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Quote:

Originally Posted by ModernStyle I have never used this crap before and I pray to the paint gods that I never have to use it again, I would rather use Behr

Teetorbilt

I know where their exterior paint testing center is in So. FL. Also know where SW's is, not too far away.

I can assure you that they all use diagnostic criteria that are close. The panels (in many colors) are placed on supports that face east and are angled at about 30*.

The sites may have moved around a bit but have been here since the '60's and many were old then. (old Ft. Laud. airport property) across from the Airport Drive-In. I just tossed that in for any OLD spring breakers.

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