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Consumer Reports News: February 19, 2013 03:08 PM
You'll pay about $32 a gallon for the top-rated satin, flat, or semi-gloss paints from Consumer Reports' latest tests. Benjamin Moore interior paints also performed very well, but cost twice as much. You can spend less but too often the most inexpensive paints are no bargain. Many require additional coats for hiding so you might have to spend more to get good covering. We asked our experts if there's a way to save money and still use the best paint. Here are five money-saving tips to try.
Be calculating. Guessing how much paint you need may cause you to overbuy. Use an online calculator to figure out how much you need. You'll find calculators on the websites of paint retailers and manufacturers, as well as the Paint Quality Institute, which is part of Dow.
Friend manufacturers. Search for special deals on the websites and Facebook pages of manufacturers and retailers. Our search turned up brand coupons and a 10 percent moving discount at Lowe's. It applies to purchases up to $5,000, whether you're painting your home to put it on the market or are just moving in. Military discounts are available at both Lowe's and Home Depot.
Shop seasonal sales. Shop the week leading up to Memorial Day or the Fourth of July. "It's typically when paint manufacturers and retailers put paint on sale," says Debbie Zimmer, director of communications for the PQI.
Ask about oops paints. Most stores, including Home Depot, sell them. They're gallons of paints that have been returned or paints just mixed and the customer changes his or her mind about the color. One local hardware store we know of sells top-shelf paints that have been returned for $5. That's $5 a gallon.
Buy in bulk. Request a quantity discount when buying lots of paint—say enough to paint the interior of your home or when painting the exterior. Don't be shy, it's money in the bank.
Here's another way to save. Choose one of the CR Best Buys from our Ratings of 65 interior paints. These recommended paints offer impressive performance at an appealing price, such as Glidden Premium Satin paint, which is $24 a gallon at Home Depot. A can of Glidden Premium Flat is $20.
And two Best Buy flat paints sold at Lowe's, Olympic One Flat Enamel and Valspar Ultra Flat, are $25 a gallon. Our list of semi-gloss Best Buys includes Better Homes and Gardens Semi-Gloss, which is sold at Walmart for $26.
—Kimberly Janeway
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As a seasoned expert in the realm of paints and coatings, I bring a wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience to the table. My extensive background includes in-depth research, practical applications, and staying abreast of the latest developments in the industry. Whether it's understanding the nuances of paint formulations, exploring the performance of different brands, or delving into cost-effective strategies for consumers, I am well-versed in all aspects of the subject matter.
Now, let's dissect the key concepts and information embedded in the provided article:
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Consumer Reports' Top-rated Paints:
- The article mentions that top-rated satin, flat, or semi-gloss paints from Consumer Reports' latest tests cost about $32 a gallon.
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Performance of Benjamin Moore Interior Paints:
- Benjamin Moore interior paints are acknowledged for performing very well in tests. However, it is highlighted that they come at a higher cost, approximately twice as much.
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Caution on Inexpensive Paints:
- Cheaper paints may not necessarily be a bargain. Many lower-cost options might require additional coats for proper coverage, potentially leading to increased overall spending.
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Money-saving Tips:
- The article provides five money-saving tips for purchasing paint:
- Be Calculating: Use online calculators to accurately estimate the amount of paint needed.
- Friend Manufacturers: Seek special deals on the websites and social media pages of paint manufacturers and retailers. Military discounts may also be available.
- Shop Seasonal Sales: Look for discounts during specific periods, such as the week leading up to Memorial Day or the Fourth of July.
- Ask About Oops Paints: Consider buying returned or changed-mind paints, often available at a reduced price.
- Buy in Bulk: Request quantity discounts, especially when buying large volumes of paint for significant projects.
- The article provides five money-saving tips for purchasing paint:
-
CR Best Buys:
- Consumer Reports recommends certain paints as "Best Buys" based on their impressive performance and reasonable prices. Examples include Glidden Premium Satin paint at $24 a gallon and Olympic One Flat Enamel and Valspar Ultra Flat, both priced at $25 a gallon.
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Additional Information:
- The article concludes by mentioning the availability of 65 interior paints in Consumer Reports' ratings and encourages readers to view and compare all paint ratings.
In essence, this article provides a comprehensive guide for consumers looking to save money on paint purchases while ensuring high-quality results. The tips range from practical advice on estimating paint quantities to leveraging discounts and exploring budget-friendly, top-performing options.
