Paints, interior.(Home and Yard: Reap the Savings)(Buyers guide)

A fresh coat of paint is an easy, inexpensive way to freshen a room. Today's paints spatter less, keep stains at bay, and have ample tolerance for scrubbing. They also resist mildew (important if you're painting a kitchen, a bath, or a basement room that tends to be damp). Some are labeled low-VOC (volatile organic compounds), emitting less fumes. So it's little wonder that painting is one of the most popular home-improvement projects in the U.S.

WHAT'S AVAILABLE

Major brands include Ace, Behr (sold at Home Depot), Benjamin Moore, Dutch Boy, Glidden, Kilz (sold at Wal-Mart), Olympic, Sears, Sherwin-Williams, and Valspar (sold at Lowe's). You'll also see designer names such as Martha Stewart and Ralph Lauren, as well as many regional brands. Price: $15 to $45 per gallon.

FEATURES THAT COUNT

Paint typically comes in a variety of sheens--flat, low luster, and semigloss. Glossiness can differ from one manufacturer to another. Flat paint is dullest and best at hiding surface imperfections, though it tends to pick up stains. It's well-suited for formal living rooms, dining rooms, and other spaces that don't see heavy use. Low-luster (often called eggshell or satin) has a slight sheen and is good for family rooms, kids' rooms, and hallways. Semigloss, shinier still, usually works best on kitchen and bathroom walls and on trim because it's generally easier to clean. Low-luster and semigloss paints look best on smooth, well-prepared surfaces, since their shine can accentuate imperfections. Most brands come in several tint bases--the uncolored paint that forms the foundation for ...