
Budget interior paint
- Inexpensive
- Durable
- Coverage not as good
- Less easy to apply
When it comes to Behr Premium Plus, which is sold at Home Depot, the difference in opinion between professional painters and review sites is vast and jarring. The brand usually fares well in professional reviews, but is the source of pointedly negative comments from most painting professionals. A major reason is that numerous reports say Behr is harder to work with, needing more prep time, better care in application and sometimes more coats to achieve the same results as more expensive paints, especially in the case of darker colors. But, while the extra time represents lost profit for professionals, homeowners say that the cost savings is often worthwhile and most say that they are pleased with the results. Overall, contractors recommend spending more on Benjamin Moore Aura (*est. $55 per gallon) or Sherwin-Williams Harmony (*est. $40 per gallon).
The best professional review for Behr Premium Plus interior paint can be found at Consumer Reports. Paints are graded on their performance in key areas, and recommendations are made. However, there's no discussion of paints other than the recommended ones, and even that discussion is limited. Jim's Home Repair Stuff has even less discussion, does not explain how it determines its top choices, and the latest update is now dated. User forums such as DIYChatroom.com and DoItYourself.com have lots of conversation and some interesting insights from both professional painters and homeowners.
Our Sources
1. ConsumerReports.orgDetails/Subscribe
Three finishes of Behr Premium Plus are tested in Consumer Reports' most recent evaluation of interior paints. Paints are rated for eight important factors, including hiding, scrubbing, fading and more. However, ease of application is not addressed and discussion is very brief.
Review: Interior Paint, Editors of Consumer Reports, Mar. 2008
2. DIY Chatroom
Professional painters and contractors, retailers, and homeowners trade ideas here about paint and the task of painting. Most experts say to avoid Behr Premium Plus, but some say that with patience, good results can be achieved. Homeowner reaction is generally more positive.
Review: Painting Forum, Contributors to DIYChatroom.com
This is another site where professional painters, contractors and homeowners can meet to exchange views on paints and painting. Following a pattern that repeats elsewhere on the web, most professional painters say "stay away" when it comes to Behr Premium Plus, but some homeowners report being pleased with the results.
Review: Painting Forum, Contributors to DoItYourself.com
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