Kilz

Spread Rate: ~300–400 sq ft/gal.

Hide: Exceptional; thick film structure yields superior coverage on color transitions.

Application: Smooth, heavy body with advanced leveling to eliminate tool marks.

Washability: Outstanding; dense 100% acrylic film resists high-scrub burnishing.

Durability: Premium; highly resilient matrix resists scuffs and interior wear.

VOC/Odor: Low VOC; minimal application odor that clears quickly.

Best Use: High-visibility rooms, accent walls, and active family living spaces.

Pros: Excellent leveling; solid block resistance; paint and primer in one.

Cons: Higher price point; thick consistency requires careful wet-edge control.

Verdict: A top-tier, luxury-class interior coating that easily matches flagship brand performance metrics. It offers a highly refined, low-splatter finish and remarkable hide that fully justifies its premium cost for high-traffic residential spaces.

Spread Rate: ~350–400 sq ft/gal.

Hide: Very good; dense pigmentation provides sharp coverage over sharp edges and corners.

Application: High-flow formula with excellent leveling; self-smoothes to eliminate brush marks.

Washability: Exceptional; hard urethane-modified surface resists heavy scrubbing and chemical cleaners.

Durability: Premium; advanced block resistance prevents doors and windows from sticking when closed.

VOC/Odor: Low VOC; mild water-base odor that dissipates rapidly during application.

Best Use: Kitchen cabinets, interior trim, baseboards, crown molding, and exterior residential doors.

Pros: Excellent enamel-like hardness; superior sag resistance; great scuff and scratch protection.

Cons: Longer initial cure window required before heavy use; highlights surface prep imperfections.

Verdict: A highly specialized, premium water-base urethane acrylic formulation that dries to a hard, factory-like finish. It provides the heavy-duty durability and block resistance needed for high-contact architectural surfaces, making it a reliable choice for demanding trim and cabinetry projects.

Spread Rate: ~60–100 sq ft/quart.

Hide: Excellent; highly concentrated, calcium carbonate-modified formula blocks old finishes quickly.

Application: Thick, high-build consistency; holds texture well but requires rapid work to minimize deep brush drags.

Washability: Poor; porous matte film absorbs oils and stains easily unless sealed with a dedicated clear wax or topcoat.

Durability: Moderate; excellent raw adhesion to unprimed surfaces, but prone to chipping without a protective top layer.

VOC/Odor: Very low VOC; exceptionally mild water-base odor making it ideal for indoor crafting and detailing.

Best Use: Upcycling old wooden furniture, accent pieces, distressed cabinetry, and interior decorative crafts.

Pros: Minimal surface prep required; excellent raw adhesion; fast drying time; easily distressed or sanded.

Cons: Very small container sizing; highly susceptible to liquid damage and staining if left unsealed.

Verdict: A highly effective, specialized water-base decorative coating that delivers an authentic, ultra-matte vintage look. It eliminates the need for extensive sanding and priming on most furniture substrates, though a clear topcoat or wax sealer remains mandatory to ensure long-term durability against daily wear and handling.

Spread Rate: ~300–400 sq ft/gal.

Hide: Excellent; specialized color-changing indicator formula ensures complete visual coverage over existing white ceilings.

Application: Applies with a distinct pink hue that dries to ultra-white; high-viscosity body minimizes overhead roller spatter.

Washability: Poor; highly porous, ultra-flat sheen is not designed for regular scrubbing or wet wiping.

Durability: Moderate; reliably seals minor water rings and smoke stains, preventing bleed-through on overhead surfaces.

VOC/Odor: Low VOC; mild water-base odor during application that clears entirely upon color transition.

Best Use: Smooth or textured interior residential ceilings requiring stain remediation or high-contrast visibility during rolling.

Pros: Color-change tracking prevents missed spots; integrated stain-blocking chemistry; exceptionally flat non-reflective finish.

Cons: Pink phase requires optimal lighting to track; can demand a heavy second coat over severe water damage.

Verdict: A highly functional, problem-solving interior ceiling coating featuring a dependable color-changing application indicator. Its ability to lock down minor surface stains while curing to a completely dead-flat, non-glare white makes it an exceptional choice for challenging overhead prep work.

Spread Rate: ~300–400 sq ft/gal on smooth surfaces; ~200–300 sq ft/gal on rough surfaces.

Hide: Very good; uniform film opacity effectively masks color variations on concrete and wood.

Application: High-flow, self-leveling consistency; spreads easily with a brush or dedicated floor roller.

Washability: Exceptional; hard enamel film withstands heavy pressure washing and non-abrasive cleaners.

Durability: High; 100% acrylic latex formula resists scuffing, fading, cracking, and outdoor peeling.

VOC/Odor: Low VOC; mild water-base odor that dissipates rapidly in outdoor or ventilated settings.

Best Use: Properly prepared concrete or wood porches, covered patios, basements, and outdoor walkways.

Pros: Excellent weather and UV resistance; integrated mildew-resistant finish; easy soap-and-water cleanup.

Cons: Not for use on garage floors or automotive traffic; requires extensive concrete etching prep.

Verdict: A tough, highly dependable water-base floor coating engineered specifically for foot-traffic surfaces. It provides excellent long-term protection against weathering and everyday scuffs on porches and walkways, though strict adherence to surface preparation limits its convenience.

Spread Rate: ~250–300 sq ft/gal on rough surfaces; ~400 sq ft/gal on smooth surfaces.

Hide: Excellent; heavy acrylic latex body shields deeply grooved, high-porosity masonry surfaces efficiently.

Application: High-viscosity formula engineered to cling to vertical tracking without sag; fills small pores smoothly.

Washability: Moderate; flat sheen can burnish if scrubbed roughly, but resists dirt pickup and light rinsing.

Durability: High; alkali-resistant chemistry up to pH 12 prevents salt blistering and outdoor peeling.

VOC/Odor: Low VOC; exceptionally low odor signature during application and moisture evaporation.

Best Use: Interior/exterior vertical brick walls, concrete blocks, stucco siding, and raw masonry finishes.

Pros: Excellent water repellency; built-in mildew-resistant film package; requires no standalone masonry primer.

Cons: Vertical surfaces only; absolutely not formulated for heavy foot traffic, floors, or patios.

Verdict: A specialized, high-adhesion water-base coating built to protect and accentuate textured masonry surfaces. Its built-in resistance to high-alkali substrates and excellent water repellency make it a highly dependable, cost-effective choice for transforming raw brick and stucco without an extra priming step.

Spread Rate: ~200 sq ft/gal on porous wood; up to ~500 sq ft/gal on smooth substrates.

Hide: Very good; heavy oil-latex body completely blocks weather-worn shadowing and deep wood grain.

Application: High-penetration fluid dynamics; brushes and rolls smoothly with excellent back-brushing behavior.

Washability: High; rugged exterior film withstands seasonal pressure washes and heavy rain scour.

Durability: High; hybrid oil-latex resin system limits cracking, peeling, and blistering from UV exposure.

VOC/Odor: Moderate; unique oil-water emulsion carries a stronger application odor than pure acrylics.

Best Use: Exterior vertical wood siding, agricultural fences, barns, shingles, shakes, and outdoor laminates.

Pros: Superior raw wood penetration; livestock-safe dry film; excellent cross-linking adhesion properties.

Cons: Vertical surfaces only; prone to tannin bleed on raw redwood or cedar without a standalone primer.

Verdict: A highly specialized, high-utility exterior hybrid coating that bridges the gap between traditional oil penetration and water-base flexibility. It delivers maximum weatherproofing protection and exceptional grain adhesion across expansive agricultural and residential structures, though it requires specific chemical wood prep to avoid tannin issues.

Spread Rate: ~300–400 sq ft/gal. Hide: Exceptional; acrylic-modified epoxy system provides heavy-duty barrier blocking against tough stains.

Application: Smooth flow and leveling with a fast 1-hour dry-to-recoat window; sands cleanly to a powder.

Washability: N/A; non-topcoated primer film is matte and porous, requiring a dedicated finish paint layer.

Durability: Premium; provides an anchoring profile on drywall, woodwork, and brick that prevents topcoat peeling.

VOC/Odor: Low VOC; engineered with a minimal odor signature compared to classic oil-base equivalents.

Best Use: Interior walls and trim requiring heavy water, smoke, tannin, grease, or nicotine stain remediation.

Pros: Exceptional severe stain-blocking performance; easy soap-and-water cleanup; effortless sandability.

Cons: Not for exterior use; cannot be applied over active mold or mildew; requires a topcoat for washability.

Verdict: A specialized, high-performance water-base primer that successfully mirrors the severe stain-blocking and sandability metrics of traditional oil formulas. It delivers a fast-drying, highly uniform anchor coat across a wide variety of challenging interior substrates while keeping application odors down.

Spread Rate: ~350–450 sq ft/gal.

Hide: Good; two coats recommended for uniform color and protection.

Application: Smooth, controlled flow; dries to a hard, durable film; brush, roller, or spray friendly.

Washability: Excellent; withstands repeated cleaning and routine maintenance.

Durability: High; abrasion‑resistant; designed for foot traffic, light commercial use, and seasonal wear.

VOC/Odor: Low VOC; mild odor; interior/exterior latex formula.

Best Use: Basement floors, porches, patios, steps, utility areas, light‑duty commercial floors.

Pros: Durable finish; good adhesion; scuff‑resistant; interior/exterior versatility.

Cons: Not suitable for garage floors or heavy vehicular traffic; requires proper surface prep.

Verdict: A tough, versatile floor coating built for foot‑traffic durability — ideal for porches, patios, basements, and utility spaces needing a long‑lasting enamel finish.

Spread Rate: ~400–450 sq ft/gal.

Hide: Excellent; two coats standard for full, uniform enamel coverage.

Application: Smooth, long open time; levels exceptionally well; brush, roller, or spray friendly.

Washability: Excellent; hard, scrubbable enamel finish after full cure.

Durability: High; resists wear, moisture, and repeated cleaning; ideal for cabinetry and trim.

VOC/Odor: Low VOC; mild odor; waterborne alkyd formula.

Best Use: Cabinets, trim, doors, built‑ins, furniture, high‑touch surfaces.

Pros: Outstanding leveling; durable enamel finish; water cleanup; long open time.

Cons: Longer dry and cure time; not for walls; requires proper prep for adhesion.

Verdict: A premium waterborne alkyd delivering a smooth, durable, furniture‑grade finish — ideal for cabinets and trim where leveling and hardness matter most.

Spread Rate: ~400–450 sq ft/gal.

Hide: Excellent; ultra‑flat finish masks minor surface imperfections.

Application: Smooth, low spatter; long open time; designed for easy, uniform ceiling coverage.

Washability: Limited; intended for ceilings where cleanability is not a priority.

Durability: Good for ceilings; non‑yellowing; resists flashing and roller marks.

VOC/Odor: Low VOC; low odor; Gennex colorant system.

Best Use: Interior ceilings, especially large areas needing uniform, non‑reflective finish.

Pros: Ultra‑flat sheen; hides imperfections; minimal spatter; consistent finish.

Cons: Not for walls; limited washability; not suitable for high‑moisture ceilings.

Verdict: A purpose‑built ceiling coating delivering a smooth, ultra‑flat, uniform finish — ideal for clean, professional ceiling results with minimal effort.

Spread Rate: ~400–450 sq ft/gal.

Hide: Good; flat finish helps minimize minor surface imperfections.

Application: Smooth, low spatter; easy rolling; designed for fast production work.

Washability: Limited; intended strictly for ceilings with minimal cleaning needs.

Durability: Basic; suitable for standard residential and commercial ceilings.

VOC/Odor: Low VOC; low odor; contractor‑friendly formula.

Best Use: Rental units, production repaints, standard residential ceilings, commercial ceilings.

Pros: Budget‑friendly; easy application; consistent flat finish; good coverage.

Cons: Not for walls; limited washability; less uniform than Waterborne Ceiling Paint.

Verdict: A dependable, cost‑effective ceiling coating built for speed and volume — ideal for everyday ceilings where affordability and ease of use matter most.

Spread Rate: ~400–450 sq ft/gal.

Hide: Very good; pink tint ensures full coverage before drying white.

Application: Smooth, low spatter; pink color helps track missed spots; dries to a uniform flat finish.

Washability: Limited; intended strictly for ceilings with minimal cleaning needs.

Durability: Good for ceilings; non‑reflective finish minimizes flashing and roller marks.

VOC/Odor: Low VOC; low odor; waterborne acrylic formula.

Best Use: Ceilings where visibility during application matters — bedrooms, living rooms, hallways, rentals.

Pros: Pink‑to‑white color change; excellent visibility; low spatter; consistent flat finish.

Cons: Not for walls; limited washability; not ideal for high‑moisture ceilings.

Verdict: A smart, user‑friendly ceiling coating that goes on pink for perfect coverage and dries white for a clean, uniform finish — ideal for DIY and pro ceiling work.

Spread Rate: ~250–350 sq ft/gal.

Hide: Excellent; strong coverage with two coats for full color depth.

Application: Thick, smooth body; superb leveling; fast dry; self‑priming on most surfaces.

Washability: Excellent; resists dirt pickup and cleans easily.

Durability: Exceptional; long‑term fade resistance, mildew resistance, and weather protection.

VOC/Odor: Low VOC; low odor; Gennex colorant system.

Best Use: Siding, trim, doors, fascia, high‑exposure exteriors, premium residential projects.

Pros: Color Lock technology; extreme durability; superior fade resistance; self‑priming.

Cons: Premium price; thicker formula requires consistent technique.

Verdict: Benjamin Moore’s highest‑performing exterior coating — unmatched color retention, durability, and weather resistance for premium exterior work.

Spread Rate: ~250–400 sq ft/gal.

Hide: Excellent; strong coverage with two coats for full, even color.

Application: Smooth, consistent flow; self‑priming on most surfaces; low spatter.

Washability: Excellent; resists dirt pickup and cleans easily.

Durability: High; long‑lasting finish with strong mildew resistance and color retention.

VOC/Odor: Low VOC; low odor; Gennex colorant system.

Best Use: Siding, trim, doors, fascia, premium residential exteriors.

Pros: Durable finish; excellent hide; mildew‑resistant; self‑priming; strong value.

Cons: Not as thick or fade‑resistant as Aura Exterior.

Verdict: A high‑performing premium exterior coating offering excellent durability, coverage, and weather resistance — ideal for homeowners wanting top‑tier results without Aura’s price.

Spread Rate: ~250–400 sq ft/gal.

Hide: Very good; two coats recommended for full, even color.

Application: Smooth, controlled flow; moisture‑tolerant formula reduces early‑washout risk.

Washability: Excellent; resists dirt pickup and cleans easily.

Durability: High; engineered for humid, coastal, and variable‑weather environments.

VOC/Odor: Low VOC; low odor; Gennex colorant system.

Best Use: Coastal homes, humid climates, shaded exteriors, areas prone to dew or early rain.

Pros: Rain‑ready in 60 minutes; strong adhesion; mildew‑resistant; reliable in tough weather.

Cons: Not as thick or fade‑resistant as Aura; sits below Regal Select Exterior in overall premium tier.

Verdict: A weather‑tough, moisture‑tolerant exterior coating built for unpredictable conditions — ideal for coastal, humid, or variable‑weather environments needing dependable protection.

Spread Rate: ~250–400 sq ft/gal.

Hide: Good; two coats recommended for uniform color and coverage.

Application: Smooth, predictable flow; low spatter; fast dry; production‑friendly.

Washability: Good; resists routine dirt pickup; cleans acceptably for commercial use.

Durability: Solid; designed for commercial exteriors, repaints, and maintenance cycles.

VOC/Odor: Low VOC; low odor; Gennex colorant system.

Best Use: Commercial buildings, rental properties, maintenance repaints, budget‑driven exterior work.

Pros: Reliable performance; good adhesion; economical; consistent finish.

Cons: Less fade‑resistant and less durable than Element Guard, Regal, and Aura.

Verdict: A dependable, cost‑efficient exterior coating built for commercial and high‑volume work — ideal when reliability and value matter more than premium longevity.

Spread Rate: ~150–350 sq ft/gal depending on opacity and wood porosity.

Hide: Varies by opacity; transparent shows full grain, solid provides full color coverage.

Application: Smooth, even flow; fast dry; minimal lap marks; brush, roller, pad, or spray friendly.

Washability: Not applicable; exterior stain designed for weather exposure, not scrubbing.

Durability: High; advanced acrylic resin resists UV, mildew, peeling, and fading.

VOC/Odor: Low VOC; low odor; water cleanup.

Best Use: Decks, siding, fences, shakes, outdoor furniture; ideal for cedar, pine, fir, and pressure‑treated lumber.

Pros: Fast dry; low odor; excellent color retention; strong UV and mildew resistance; easy cleanup.

Cons: Less grain‑enhancing than the oil version; shorter open time in hot weather.

Verdict: A premium, durable water‑based stain delivering strong UV protection, rich color, and easy application — ideal for homeowners wanting long‑lasting performance with low odor and fast dry.

Spread Rate: ~150–350 sq ft/gal depending on opacity and wood porosity.

Hide: Varies by opacity; transparent shows full grain, solid provides full color coverage.

Application: Long open time; deep penetration; smooth, even flow; brush, roller, pad, or spray friendly.

Washability: Not applicable; exterior stain designed for weather exposure, not scrubbing.

Durability: High; oil formula penetrates deeply for strong water resistance, UV protection, and reduced peeling.

VOC/Odor: Higher odor than water‑based; compliant oil‑based formula.

Best Use: Decks, siding, fences, shakes, outdoor furniture; ideal for softwoods like cedar, pine, fir, and pressure‑treated lumber.

Pros: Deep wood penetration; rich grain enhancement; long open time; excellent water resistance.

Cons: Slower dry; higher odor; requires mineral‑spirit cleanup.

Verdict: A premium, deeply penetrating oil‑based stain delivering rich color, strong water resistance, and long‑lasting protection — ideal for decks and siding where natural grain and durability matter most.

Spread Rate: ~350–450 sq ft/gal.

Hide: Excellent; high‑hide formula blocks uneven color and improves topcoat uniformity.

Application: Smooth, easy brushing and rolling; strong adhesion on most surfaces.

Washability: Not applicable; primer designed for topcoating, not cleaning.

Durability: High; seals porous surfaces and improves long‑term paint performance.

VOC/Odor: Low VOC; low odor; waterborne acrylic formula.

Best Use: New or previously painted drywall, wood, masonry, vinyl, aluminum, and lightly chalky surfaces.

Pros: Strong adhesion; high hide; versatile interior/exterior use; fast dry.

Cons: Not a stain‑blocking specialist; for heavy stains, use a dedicated blocker.

Verdict: A reliable, high‑hide, multi‑surface primer that improves adhesion and topcoat performance — ideal for everyday interior and exterior prep work.

Spread Rate: ~350–450 sq ft/gal.

Hide: Excellent; strong stain‑blocking and high‑hide coverage for uniform topcoat results.

Application: Smooth, controlled flow; sands easily; ideal for leveling trim and sealing problem surfaces.

Washability: Not applicable; primer designed for topcoating, not cleaning.

Durability: High; seals porous surfaces, blocks stains, and improves long‑term paint adhesion.

VOC/Odor: Higher odor; compliant oil‑based formula.

Best Use: Trim, doors, cabinets, woodwork, glossy surfaces, tannin‑bleeding woods, problem substrates.

Pros: Strong adhesion; excellent stain blocking; sands to a smooth finish; reliable on difficult surfaces.

Cons: Longer dry time; higher odor; requires solvent cleanup.

Verdict: A dependable oil‑based primer delivering strong adhesion, stain blocking, and a smooth, sandable base — ideal for trim, cabinets, and problem surfaces needing maximum holdout.

Spread Rate: ~300–400 sq ft/gal.

Hide: Excellent; high‑hide formula blocks most common stains and evens out surface color.

Application: Smooth, easy brushing and rolling; strong adhesion on most substrates; fast dry.

Washability: Not applicable; primer designed for topcoating, not cleaning.

Durability: High; seals porous surfaces and improves long‑term topcoat performance.

VOC/Odor: Low VOC; low odor; waterborne acrylic formula.

Best Use: Drywall, wood, masonry, plaster, previously painted surfaces, light‑to‑moderate stains.

Pros: Strong adhesion; excellent hide; blocks many stains; interior/exterior versatility; fast dry.

Cons: Not as aggressive as Prime Lock for heavy stains; not as specialty‑bonding as Stix.

Verdict: A reliable, high‑hide acrylic primer offering strong adhesion and stain blocking — ideal for everyday interior and exterior prep where versatility and performance matter.

Spread Rate: ~300–400 sq ft/gal.

Hide: Excellent; high‑hide formula blocks heavy stains and uneven color.

Application: Smooth, controlled flow; strong sealing; sands acceptably for an oil primer.

Washability: Not applicable; primer designed for topcoating, not cleaning.

Durability: High; seals porous surfaces, blocks stains, and improves long‑term adhesion.

VOC/Odor: Higher odor; compliant oil‑based formula.

Best Use: Water stains, smoke damage, tannin bleed, knots, graffiti, problem substrates.

Pros: Powerful stain blocking; strong adhesion; reliable on difficult surfaces; interior/exterior use.

Cons: Longer dry time; higher odor; requires solvent cleanup; not as bonding‑specialized as Stix.

Verdict: A heavy‑duty oil primer delivering strong adhesion and aggressive stain blocking — ideal for problem surfaces needing maximum sealing and holdout.