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When it comes to painting your home, quality matters—but so does price. The last thing you want is to spend a fortune on paint only to get streaky, uneven coverage. Luckily, there are budget-friendly paint brands that can give you a professional finish without breaking the bank. Whether you’re tackling an interior refresh, an exterior facelift, or even a cabinet transformation, the right paint can make all the difference.
I’ve spent years working with different brands, testing their durability, ease of application, and overall finish. Some budget paints feel like they’re made of chalky water, while others genuinely rival high-end brands at a fraction of the price. So, if you want the best bang for your buck, here are my top picks for budget-friendly paints that still deliver top-notch results.
1. Behr Premium Plus – Best Overall Budget Paint
Price: Around $30 per gallon
Sheens Available: Flat, Eggshell, Satin, Semi-Gloss
Behr Premium Plus, available exclusively at Home Depot, is one of the best budget paints for homeowners and DIYers. It’s often overlooked in favor of the more expensive Behr Marquee line, but for the price, Premium Plus is a steal.
What I love about this paint is its coverage and durability. It has a built-in primer, which means fewer coats to get full coverage. If you’re covering a lighter color, you can often get away with just one coat. It also has a low-VOC formula, so it won’t leave you with a headache from strong fumes.
Best for: Walls, trim, ceilings, and general home projects.
Pro Tip: Use Behr’s Ultra Scuff Defense version if you have kids or pets. It’s more resistant to scuffs and scratches without costing much more.
2. Valspar 2000 – Best for Large Projects on a Budget
Price: Around $25 per gallon
Sheens Available: Flat, Eggshell, Satin
Valspar 2000, found at Lowe’s, is a solid choice for anyone repainting multiple rooms on a budget. It offers good coverage, decent durability, and a smooth finish that doesn’t feel cheap. While it’s not the most luxurious paint out there, it holds up well over time and is easy to work with.
Best for: Rental properties, apartments, and large walls.
Downsides: It’s not the most scrubbable paint, so if you need something more durable for high-traffic areas, opt for the Valspar Signature line instead.
Pro Tip: For even better results, use Valspar’s dedicated primer first—especially if you’re covering dark walls.
3. Glidden Premium – Best Low-Cost Paint for Light Colors
Price: Around $22 per gallon
Sheens Available: Flat, Eggshell, Satin, Semi-Gloss
Glidden Premium is one of the cheapest paints on this list, but don’t let the price fool you. While it might not be as thick as Behr or Valspar, it’s a surprisingly good performer for light-colored walls and ceilings.
The biggest advantage of Glidden is its smooth finish and low splatter formula, which makes it easy to apply. It also dries quickly, so you can get the job done faster.
Best for: Ceilings, light-colored walls, and quick refreshes.
Downsides: Darker colors may require extra coats, and it’s not the most durable option for high-traffic areas.
Pro Tip: Use a high-quality roller for best results, as thinner paints like Glidden Premium can streak if applied too thinly.
4. PPG Speedhide – Best Budget Paint for Professionals
Price: Around $28 per gallon
Sheens Available: Flat, Eggshell, Satin
If you’re looking for a contractor-grade paint that won’t cost a fortune, PPG Speedhide is an excellent choice. It’s designed for professionals, meaning it has solid coverage, good adhesion, and dries quickly.
PPG Speedhide is especially popular for painting rental units, commercial spaces, and house flips because it’s affordable and can cover large areas efficiently.
Best for: Contractors, house flippers, and landlords.
Downsides: It’s not as widely available as some other brands, and it works best when used with a primer.
Pro Tip: If you want even better performance, upgrade to PPG Break-Through—it costs a little more but is one of the most durable budget-friendly paints out there.
5. Kilz Tribute – Best for Stain Blocking & Cabinets
Price: Around $35 per gallon
Sheens Available: Matte, Eggshell, Satin, Semi-Gloss
Kilz is famous for its primers, but their Tribute line is an underrated budget paint that works wonders—especially on problem surfaces. If you’re dealing with stains, water marks, or even nicotine residue, this paint can cover it up effectively.
It’s also a fantastic choice for cabinets and furniture, thanks to its smooth finish and excellent adhesion. It dries to a hard, durable surface that resists scratches better than some high-end paints.
Best for: Cabinets, furniture, and problem walls with stains or discoloration.
Downsides: It’s a bit pricier than other budget options, but the stain-blocking power is worth it.
Pro Tip: Always sand and prime cabinets before painting for the best adhesion.
How to Get Professional-Looking Results with Budget Paints
Even the best budget paints won’t look great if they’re applied poorly. Here are a few simple tips to get professional-looking results without spending a fortune:
1. Prep is Everything
Before painting, always clean the walls, patch holes, and lightly sand surfaces for the smoothest finish. A little extra prep work goes a long way in making a budget paint look high-end.
2. Use the Right Tools
A cheap brush will leave streaks no matter what paint you use. Invest in a high-quality roller and angled brush to get clean edges and smooth walls.
3. Don’t Skip the Primer
Some budget paints claim to be paint & primer in one, but that’s not always true. If you’re covering dark colors, stains, or glossy surfaces, use a dedicated primer first for the best results.
4. Apply Thin, Even Coats
Thick coats lead to drips and uneven drying. Always apply two thin coats instead of one heavy coat for a smooth, professional finish.
5. Let the Paint Cure
Paint takes time to fully cure—even if it feels dry to the touch. Wait at least a week before scrubbing or touching up to ensure it sets properly.
Final Thoughts: Can Budget Paints Compete with High-End Brands?
Absolutely. While premium paints like Benjamin Moore and Sherwin-Williams are fantastic, not everyone needs to spend $60+ per gallon for a high-quality finish. If you prep your surfaces properly, use the right tools, and apply your paint correctly, budget-friendly brands can look just as good as their pricier counterparts.
For the best overall balance of price and performance, Behr Premium Plus is hard to beat. If you need something super cheap but effective, Glidden Premium is a great choice. And if you’re painting a rental or commercial space, PPG Speedhide is a contractor favorite.
At the end of the day, the right paint is the one that fits your budget, covers well, and lasts long enough to be worth the effort. Happy painting!
Views Expressed Disclaimer
The views, opinions, and information presented in this article are for informational purposes only and do not necessarily reflect the official policies or positions of Chagrin Falls Painting. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, Chagrin Falls Painting is not liable for any errors, omissions, or decisions made based on the content provided. Readers are encouraged to consult professionals for specific advice or assistance related to their unique circumstances.
