Canada’s Best Interior Paints: How to Make a Wise Choice

Interior paint is a crucial part of a home’s design and aesthetic. It enhances the overall appeal of the living spaces and doubles as a protective coating against long-term wear. Hence, choosing high-quality home interior paint is beyond paramount.

But, how can you pick the best, room-specific paint type? What criteria should you consider? What are the most recommended or leading brands? Discover everything you should know to make a well-informed decision about your interior painting project. 

How to Choose the Best Home Interior Paint

Source: RenoQuotes

Determine Your Needs and Goals

Before choosing the best interior paint in Canada for your needs, it’s important to determine your needs and goals. Consider the paint colour you want, the durability you’re looking for, the price you’re willing to pay, and the quality you desire. 

In other words, it’s important to take into account the specifics of your home, such as: 

• Natural sunlight

• Foot traffic

• Humidity level

Doing so will help you ascertain what you need for your home painting project. 

If you plan, for example, to paint a sun-drenched room, choose UV or fade-resistant paint to guarantee a decent, long-lasting colour. Likewise, if you plan to paint bathroom or kitchen walls, favour moisture-resistant paint to ensure maximum durability. 

Lastly, it’s also important to consider the cost of paint and the available discounts to allocate your budget efficiently, especially if you’re comparing options to find the best-quality paint in Canada. Weigh your options, and find interior paint brands that best suit your needs and goals. 

Consider Various Paint Types

Source: Construction TRC

There are two main types of interior paint: water-based and oil-based. Both types have advantages and disadvantages. 

Water-Based Paint (Acrylic and Latex)

This paint category includes acrylic and latex paint, which is specially designed for interior use. 

Acrylic paint is a sought-after option due to its easy application and excellent durability. This type of paint is compatible with high-moisture areas. It also contains very few volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and is practically odourless. Its only downside is that several coats are needed to achieve the desired result.

Oil-Based Paint

Oil-based paints allow for excellent coverage and incredible long-term durability. However, this type of paint is harder to clean and can take longer to dry. 

Glycero paint—oil-based paint—is perfect for high-moisture or mess-prone areas, and has a high-coverage quality that allows homeowners to paint over dark walls. It’s highly resistant and washable. It does, however, have the downside of being rather potent and a pollutant. That said, it’s not as favoured. 

Consider Prices

Project costs and interior paint coverage are two important factors to consider. Choose an affordable paint that can easily cover the surface you intend on painting without applying an infinite amount of coats. And, shop around to find the best cost-effective product on the market.

Before Buying: Why Paint Samples and Testing Matter

Before committing to a paint colour or finish, it’s wise to test a sample in your space. Paint can look dramatically different depending on lighting, time of day, and surrounding décor. By applying a sample or using a peel-and-stick swatch on your wall, you’ll see how the colour truly appears in your home—helping you avoid costly mistakes and disappointment.

Many brands now offer convenient sample options, making it easier than ever to compare shades and finishes side by side. Taking this extra step ensures you’ll be happy with your final choice and confident in your investment.

What's the Most Resistant Paint Type?

Source: RenoQuotes

For maximum resistance, you have two product choices:

• Alkyd paint (water-based, like acrylic paint): Its superior resistance results from an alkyd resin and a urethane binding agent. It’s mostly used to paint over garage and basement floors. However, it can also be used to repaint interior residential walls, provided they’ve been prepped accordingly.

• Epoxy paint (oil-based): Its composition allows for maximum resistance, making it suitable for all paint projects, whether indoor or outdoor. It also has a very aesthetically pleasing finish. As for drawbacks, it’s a pollutant and the drying time between coats is rather lengthy. 

What Are the Leading Brands of Wall Paint Available in Canada?

Source: RenoQuotes

There are numerous brands of interior paint available on the market, including some of the top paint brands in Canada. Amongst these, the most sought-after and best paint brands in Canada are Behr, Benjamin Moore, Sherwin-Williams, and PPG. Each has product-specific advantages.

Behr

Available exclusively at Home Depot, Behr is a leading interior paint brand known for its excellent coverage and strong adherence.

They offer a wide variety of finishes that deliver professional-looking results. Popular product lines include Premium Plus Ultra, which is a paint-and-primer-in-one with superior stain resistance, and Marquee, which is famous for its one-coat coverage. Both are highly valued by DIYers and professionals across Canada.

Behr paints are easy to apply, durable, and formulated for simple cleaning. This makes them a practical and affordable choice for lasting results in busy Canadian households.

Benjamin Moore

Benjamin Moore is a high-end paint brand recognized for outstanding durability, rich colours, and innovative features.

Its premium lines—like Regal Select, known for exceptional coverage and washability, and Aura, praised for colour richness and durability in high-traffic areas—are favourites among professionals and discerning homeowners in Canada.

Benjamin Moore also offers eco-friendly options such as the zero-VOC Natura line, and helpful tools like their interactive Paint Colour App for easier colour selection. If you’re looking to invest in a top-tier finish and want access to designer shades and specialty products (including Aura Bath & Spa for mould-resistant, matte bathroom walls), Benjamin Moore is an excellent choice.

Sherwin-Williams

Sherwin-Williams is widely regarded as one of the top interior paint brands, offering products made with high-quality ingredients for deep colours and durable finishes.

Their lines, such as Emerald (for excellent hide and durability) and Cashmere (for a smooth, luxurious finish), are designed to meet a range of needs—including specialty paints for high-humidity or high-traffic areas. Sherwin-Williams is also known for innovative technology, a user-friendly Pro App, and broad accessibility through dedicated stores and select retailers, making it a reliable option for Canadian interior projects.

PPG

PPG is a water-based interior paint brand that stands out for quick drying and above-average scratch and stain resistance.

With a broad selection of shades and finishes, PPG is ideal for many interior projects. Their specialty lines, such as Diamond (for premium durability and washability) and Lifemaster (a low-VOC, eco-friendly choice), reflect a commitment to innovation and versatility. PPG paints are a strong option for Canadians seeking both performance and environmental responsibility in their interior paint.

Another Top-Notch Alternative: Eco-Friendly, Washable Paint

VOC-free paint is an excellent alternative to paint your house, especially when it comes to bedrooms, worry- and health-hazard-free. Although this type of paint has an undeniable appeal, note that it's a bit more on the expensive side.

Make the Right Choice

Ultimately, choosing the perfect interior paint for your house is paramount to create the desired vibe and ensure long-lasting results. By considering factors like finish, colour, quality, and lifestyle compatibility, you can make a well-informed decision to transform your home.

Whether you’re looking for washable paint for high-foot-traffic areas or a specific, soothing colour scheme for a relaxing atmosphere, it’s important to dedicate some time for thorough research and, if necessary, consult with professionals to ensure satisfying results in the long run.

FAQ About the Best Interior Paint

What is the best interior paint in Canada for use in your house?

The best interior paint hinges on the room itself and its use. For walls, acrylic latex paint with an eggshell or satin finish is ideal. For kitchens and bathrooms, prioritize washable and moisture-resistant paint. Brands like Behr, Benjamin Moore, and Sico offer quality products tailored to residential needs.

Where is Behr paint available to buy?

Behr paint is sold exclusively at Home Depot and can be purchased in-store or online via their official website.

What brand of paint do most professional painters use?

Most professional painters in Canada and the United States commonly use premium brands such as Benjamin Moore and Sherwin-Williams, as these are recognized for their high quality, durability, and ease of application. Other popular choices among professionals include Behr and PPG, but Benjamin Moore and Sherwin-Williams are especially favored for their lasting finishes and extensive colour selections.

Price check: How much does Sherwin-Williams paint cost?

Sherwin-Williams paint prices vary depending on the product line and finish. For example, basic interior paints like Painters Edge start around $16–$19 per gallon, while mid-range options such as SuperPaint are typically $34–$36 per gallon. Higher-end lines like ProClassic can cost $43–$45 per gallon. These prices are for reference and may vary by region and store.