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The best paints for streak-free coverage, from Dulux to Farrow & Ball
These outstanding wall paints scored top marks for coverage and finish
If you want to give tired rooms a new lease of life, a lick of paint is the fastest and simplest way to do it. But once you’ve finally decided on a colour, it’s not easy to choose between all the different paint brands out there.
When you're taking on a redecorating project, you want your paint to provide a smooth, mess-free finish in as few coats as possible. The last thing you need is streaks, splattering, or having to buy more tins than you bargained for.
So, to find the best paint for your next makeover, the Good Housekeeping Institute put all the market-leading matt emulsions to the test, from Dulux and Lick to Farrow & Ball and Little Greene. Check out which ones came out on top below – and keep reading for our full reviews, as well as tips on what to consider before you buy.
How we test interior wall paints
To assess the quality of each paint, the Good Housekeeping Institute experts got their overalls on and carried out two key tests. Firstly, we applied two coats to primed plasterboard, assessing the ease of application, appearance of the dry paint, and whether it dried within the specified time. We also considered things like the consistency of the paint and any strong odours.
For our coverage test, we measured how effective the paints were at covering black marks, noting how visible the marks were after one, two and three coats. Any paints that said they were washable got an extra scrub test with a sponge and soapy water to verify the claims.We then used all our expert feedback and test results to award each paint a final score. Ready to zhuzh up your walls? These are the paints to turn to.
The prices listed below are for 2.5 L of paint
Score: 93/100
This super thick paint from Earthborn was the only one we tested that achieved complete coverage in just one coat. It’s on the expensive side, but considering the time, effort and paint saved on extra coats, we think it’s worth investing in if you can.
The ‘Claypaint’ also (unsurprisingly) contains natural clays in its formulation, making it more eco-friendly than acrylic-based paints – and less smelly, too. Unlike acrylic, the clay is also highly breathable, which is ideal for lime plaster or damp-prone areas.
Although our testers found the paint’s thick consistency a little messy to apply, they thought this was a worthwhile sacrifice for the excellent coverage. The paint dried smoothly, though you could see the difference between where a brush or roller was used. So, try to blend as much as possible and make that single coat count!
There are 72 natural shades available in the range, so you’ll have plenty to choose from.
Key specifications
| Recommended number of coats | 1-2 |
|---|---|
| Approx. coverage per 2.5 L | 25m² |
| VOC level | Minimal |
| Number of available colours | 72 |
Score: 91/100
With a beautifully smooth, creamy consistency, we found Valspar’s paint extremely easy to apply. The not-too-thick, not-too-thin ‘Goldilocks’ consistency meant that using a roller was a doddle – to quote our tester, “It felt as though barely any effort was required”.
There was virtually no odour (VOC levels are minimal), and our testers didn’t find it messy to work with. This paint also scored very highly for coverage, so if you’re not making a drastic colour change, you might be able to get away with just a single coat. Now all you need to do is choose from the vast range of over 2,000 colours...
Key specifications
| Recommended number of coats | 1-2 |
|---|---|
| Approx. coverage per 2.5 L | 25m² |
| VOC level | Minimal |
| Drying time | 1h touch dry, 2-4h before recoating |
| Number of available colours | 2000, custom colour mixing available |
Score: 90/100
This great value paint from Crown was an excellent all-rounder in our tests – it’s very easy to apply with minimal mess and very little odour. It scored well for coverage too, with our black marks almost covered after just one coat – and completely invisible after two.
The paint had a nice thick consistency and dried smoothly, with just a little difference noticeable between the brushed and rollered areas. Our tester was also impressed with how well the paint colours matched the labels on the tins. An outstanding value option.
Key specifications
| Recommended number of coats | 2 |
|---|---|
| Approx. coverage per 2.5 L | 35m² |
| VOC level | Trace |
| Drying time | 2h touch dry, 4h before recoating |
| Number of available colours | 80 |
Score: 89/100
As solid and reliable as an Old English Sheepdog, our testers thought this Dulux paint was an excellent all-rounder. Easy to apply with very little mess, it dried within the recommended time and had a nice smooth finish. Once dry, you could tell the difference between the roller and brush application, but careful painting will negate this.
Dulux scored well on the coverage test too, with some marks almost covered after a single coat, and all fully covered after two coats. Our testers also appreciated the lack of odour, clear instructions and easy-to-open lid. A classic, low-cost paint you can buy virtually anywhere.
Key specifications
| Recommended number of coats | 2 |
|---|---|
| Approx. coverage per 2.5 L | 35m² |
| VOC level | Low |
| Drying time | 2-4h touch dry, 2-4h before recoating |
| Number of available colours | 65 |
Score: 88/100
Our testers loved this paint from Lick, raving that it was “easy to apply, with little odour, no splashing or spitting, good consistency – the list goes on!” The paint aced the application test with full marks, leaving an extremely smooth finish once dry – we could barely see the difference between areas painted with a brush and a roller.
You’re unlikely to get away with just one coat, but it covered black marks completely after two. It also claims to be stain- and scuff-resistant, and we found that tea stains were wiped away with ease. We love that Lick is also a B Corp: a sure sign of a good business.
Key specifications
| Recommended number of coats | 2 |
|---|---|
| Approx. coverage per 2.5 L | 25-30m² |
| VOC level | Trace |
| Drying time | 1h touch dry, 2-4h before recoating |
| Number of available colours | 100 |
Score: 87/100
The original ‘posh paint’ may come with a premium price tag, but does the quality justify the cost? Scoring nearly full marks on the application test, we found Farrow & Ball’s paint incredibly easy and smooth to apply. Coverage was good too, with all marks invisible after the recommended two coats.
This paint also claims to be highly washable and durable, and we found that tea stains wiped away with little effort. Another bonus is that you can apply this paint to woodwork and metal (including radiators), and it’s even safe for use on children’s toys. You’ll just need a layer of primer first.
Farrow & Ball paint may be pricey, but its versatility could save you from buying multiple tins elsewhere. For many, however, the real appeal of the brand is in the colours – and with over 300 to choose from, you’ll be spoiled for choice.
Key specifications
| Recommended number of coats | 2 |
|---|---|
| Approx. coverage per 2.5 L | 30m² |
| VOC level | Trace |
| Drying time | 2h touch dry, 4h before recoating |
| Number of available colours | 303 |
Score: 85/100
Ticking all the boxes on a tight budget, this wall paint by Wickes is another excellent option for decorating on a shoestring. It scored highly in our application test, with a smooth, mess-free finish and no noticeable odour. However, our testers thought using a roller took a little more effort than with other paints.
Coverage was good too, with marks completely invisible after the recommended two coats. It’s not scuff or stain resistant, but this paint quite literally does what it says on the tin – at a great price.
Key specifications
| Recommended number of coats | 2 |
|---|---|
| Approx. coverage per 2.5 L | 35m² |
| VOC level | Minimal |
| Drying time | 2h touch dry, 4h before recoating |
| Number of available colours | 91 |
Score: 85/100
Another really solid budget paint. Although our testers thought this formula by Johnstone’s was quite thin in consistency, this didn’t impact coverage – black marks were completely covered after the recommended two coats.
It was also easy to apply, requiring just a little extra effort with a roller. The results were smooth, mess was minimal and odour was low, too. On the downside, this paint only comes in a limited range of colours – just 38 – whereas other brands were in the hundreds. But if there’s a colour you love, this is a really good value option.
Key specifications
| Recommended number of coats | 2 |
|---|---|
| Approx. coverage per 2.5 L | 32m² |
| VOC level | Low |
| Drying time | 1-2h touch dry, 2-4h before recoating |
| Number of available colours | 38 |
Score: 84/100
This multi-surface matt emulsion from Little Greene comes with a lot of promises – it claims to be washable, suited to high-traffic areas and fit for use on almost any surface (walls, wood, trims, panelling, radiators, tiles, glass) without priming first.
We found that its thick consistency made it somewhat messy to apply, causing a little splashback with the roller. However, the application was still very smooth – as was the final finish. It also had good coverage after two coats.
For an additional test, we applied the Intelligent Matt to an old chair covered in chipped, worn paint, which it covered up beautifully after a single coat. We also found that tea stains could be wiped away with ease. This paint may be pricey, but it could be the only product you need!
Key specifications
| Recommended number of coats | 2 |
|---|---|
| Approx. coverage per 2.5 L | 35m² |
| VOC level | Low |
| Drying time | 4h touch dry, 4h before recoating |
| Number of available colours | 208 |
How to decide on the best paint colour
Before you start browsing paint colours, consider your room’s natural light. For example, in a sun-drenched, south-facing room, soft and pale tones will maximise the brightness. For a dark north-facing room, you can warm up the walls with yellow-based colours – or cocoon yourself in dark shades.
Above all, think about what you’re using the room for, and the feelings you want to create. For a home office you’re working in all day, you might want something fresh and airy. On the other hand, a living room you barely see until evening might call for something richer and cosier.
Ultimately, decorating your home is all about self-expression, so you should choose the colours that simply feel right. If you’re stuck, we suggest looking to your wardrobe, which will be full of the colours you’re naturally drawn to.
A quick guide to paint finishes
What does silk mean again...? Here are the most common paint types you’ll encounter when shopping for your project.
- Matt – Provides a super flat finish. Gives your colours depth and impact and hides surface imperfections.
- Satin – A subtle, soft finish that’s slightly more reflective than matt. Tends to be a little more durable and washable than matt, too.
- Silk – A mid-sheen finish that sits between matt and gloss. Durable and washable – a good choice for high-traffic areas where you want to bounce light, such as hallways.
- Gloss – Very shiny and hardwearing, a classic choice for skirting boards and doors. Traditionally oil-based, but water-based gloss is now available.
- Kitchen or bathroom – These special formulations are resistant to moisture, grease or mould, and are available in a range of finishes.
For a more exhaustive list of paint types, read our ultimate paint buying guide.
And if you're looking to transform your outside space too, we've also tested the best exterior paints.
How to prep your walls for painting
Putting time into preparing your walls is key to making your room look its best. Before you get the rollers out, take a good look at the state of the walls and fill in any holes or cracks. Remove any flaking paint with a scraper.
Then, rub down your walls with sandpaper, before giving them a thorough clean with a damp sponge and some sugar soap. Cleaning the walls of dust and dirt will help guarantee a smooth, even finish.
To prime or not to prime?
Before you apply your chosen paint colour, starting with a layer of primer can help with paint adhesion, coverage and long-term durability. If the walls have never been painted, you’re making a big colour change, or you notice any stains that might bleed through, we recommend priming your walls first.
However, if your walls are in good condition and are already painted in a similar colour, it’s probably fine to skip the primer. Some paint formulations also claim to be ‘self-priming’, which may allow you to skip this step.
What order to paint a room
If you’re painting an entire room, start with the ceiling to avoid splattering your freshly coated walls. Then, ‘cut-in’ with a brush around the ceiling, trim and floor to create a clean line. Good quality painter’s tape will help!
Next, the main event: paint the walls with rollers in two coats (or one if you can get away with it!), allowing the recommended drying time in between. Finally, finish by painting the trimmings, such as skirting boards and mouldings.
What are VOCs, and are they dangerous?
VOC stands for volatile organic compounds, which are chemicals in paints that evaporate into the air after application. When you smell fresh paint, you’re smelling VOCs.
While generally not considered a health concern, high levels of VOCs can irritate the eyes, nose and throat – especially for those with conditions such as asthma. And not only are the fumes unpleasant, but they also contribute to the formation of greenhouse gases.
This is why low-VOC paints are a more planet-friendly choice for decorating projects. And with less chemical odour to deal with, you won’t have to air out your freshly-painted room before you can comfortably use it. Note that all paints will contain trace amounts of VOCs, which is why even the safest ones will be labelled things like ‘virtually VOC free’.
Why trust the Good Housekeeping Institute?
The Good Housekeeping Institute has been testing products for over 100 years. Each of these paints was put through its paces by our experts at our state-of-the-art facility in Feltham. Our homes testing manager, Blossom Boothroyd, developed the testing protocols to ensure we analysed every claim and reviewed each paint against the same stringent criteria.
Our homes writer, Jasmine Vorley, takes these rigorous test results and turns them into digestible buying guides. As a DIY lover herself, Jasmine knows all too well how much time and money the wrong paint can cost you – as well as the satisfaction of a well-chosen tin.
Jasmine is the Good Housekeeping Institute’s homes writer. With a background in design, she is committed to sorting the good products from the great –and helping Good Housekeeping readers do the same.
Throughout her career, Jasmine has written extensively about product quality, craftsmanship and sustainability, and is passionate about consumer rights. She previously worked as a writer and researcher at the product longevity platform Buy Me Once.
If she isn’t reviewing the latest gadgets for your home, you can probably find Jasmine cooking elaborate meals or crafting something weird and wonderful!
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