Last Updated: November 2023
Choosing a paint brand for your rental property can seem overwhelming at first. The reality is that each major brand offers different levels of quality, which can be used depending on the job. If painting an apartment living room, you may want to use a mid to higher quality of paint to holdup throughout the years. If painting the inside of a garage, spending extra for a higher quality might not be the best decision. While each brand may have different levels of quality, it is important to at least be familiar with major brands.
Best Rental Property Paint Brands
Sherwin-WilliamsBelow we explore the top 5 paint brands for rental properties based on 5 different factors that landlords should consider when determining which brand of paint is best for their rental property investment.
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Benjamin Moore
Known for its higher-standard of quality, Benjamin Moore Paints originated in 1883 by a few brothers, and in 1982 introduced one of the first-ever computerized color-matching systems. Benjamin Moore can be found at independent retailers or at any Ace Hardware store.
Pros
- Offers a premium range of paints with excellent color retention and longevity.
- Provides a variety of specialized finishes and eco-friendly options appealing to a broad audience.
Cons
- Generally more expensive, which might be prohibitive for larger projects or budget-conscious renters.
- Not all lines offer the same coverage, meaning some might need multiple coats.
Why We Like Benjamin Moore
Readily available at any Ace Hardware store, Benjamin Moore is a high-quality paint that is pricey, but provides easy application and great coverage.
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Behr
Sold exclusively at Home Depot, Behr paint is a supplier of architectural paint and exterior wood care products to the United States and Canadian do-it-yourself markets.
Pros
- Renowned for its durability and wide range of colors, catering to various design preferences.
- Often praised for its one-coat coverage and affordability relative to its quality.
Cons
- Some users report inconsistency in finishes, requiring more than one coat despite promises.
- May not be as readily available internationally as some other brands.
Why We Like Behr
As the exclusive paint of Home Depot, Behr has many options to choose from and is readily available.
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Dunn-Edwards
Dunn Edwards is a superior quality paint brand often the primary choice of painting professionals. The quality and durability is commonly believed to be well worth the price. Dunn Edwards paint products can be most commonly found in its own Dunn-Edwards branded retail stores.
Pros
- Recognized for its high-quality paints especially in the Southwest due to its formulations designed for harsh climates.
- Provides a vast selection of colors with good coverage in various finishes.
Cons
- Can be pricier than some competitors, potentially straining budgets.
- Limited availability outside of the American Southwest can make it less accessible for some users.
Why We Like Dunn Edwards
As a frequent choice of paint professionals, Dunn Edwards paint is a top quality and long lasting paint for your project.
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Rust-Oleum
Founded in 1921 by a sea captain after he noticed that fish oil spilled on rusty metal decks stopped corrosion from spreading, this brand is the industry leader in specialty rust-preventative, decorative, specialty, industrial paint products.
Pros
- Specializes in protective paints and coatings, perfect for surfaces that require extra resilience.
- Products are often lauded for their ability to prevent rust and corrosion effectively.
Cons
- More specialized, so might not offer the broadest range of interior design colors.
- Some products have longer drying times compared to competing brands.
Why We Like Rust-Oleum
As a paint brand used for primarily painting metals, rest assured that your paint job is preventing corrosion while looking great at the same time.
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Sherwin-Williams
As the pioneer of selling ready-mixed paint in 1875, Sherwin-Williams is a longstanding brand of paint used by professionals. It can be most commonly found in its own Sherwin-Williams branded retail stores.
Pros
- Globally recognized brand offering a diverse palette of colors with reliable quality across its product lines.
- Has paints that offer superior washability, making them ideal for high-traffic areas or rentals with children.
Cons
- Premium lines can be more costly, which might deter some from opting for them.
- Some users report varying quality across different product lines, necessitating research before purchase.
Why We Like Sherwin-Williams
While Sherwin Williams may be a little pricey, you’ll be sure that you have a quality paint that covers well and lasts.
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Rental Property Painting FAQ
Should a Landlord Let the Tenant Paint Their Rental Unit?
Short Answer: Yes – As long as there are written rules in place and sufficient security deposit to cover the cost of repainting back to the original color, allowing tenants to paint the interior of their unit can increase their satisfaction with the rental unit, potentially encouraging them to stay longer and take better care of the property.
Whether a landlord should allow a tenant to paint the inside of their rental unit is a common request among residential rental properties. Some landlords have a standard no-policy, and others will consider the request within certain guidelines. The no-policy can be good for simplicity and standardized operating procedures; especially when there are many tenants to manage. Conversely, allowing tenants to paint can increase their satisfaction with the rental unit, potentially encouraging them to stay longer and take better care of the property. If it is approved, there will need to be written guidelines regarding the quality of the work, color choice, and costs associated with remedying potential damage to floors, fixtures, or other surfaces, if the tenant fails to return the walls to their original color.
Painting Pros
How to Hire a Rental Property Painter
A fresh coat of paint can drastically transform a rental property, enhancing its appeal to potential tenants and increasing its market value. Understanding the process of how to hire a painter to paint a rental property can make the job a smooth experience.
Where to Find Rental Property Painters
Finding qualified, honest, and reliable service pros can easily be done with online service directories. These platforms directly connect customers and service providers who can work on whole home repairs from rental property water heaters to apartment washer and dryers.
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What Supplies are Needed to Paint a Rental Unit?
When planning to refresh the look of a rental unit with a fresh coat of paint, it’s essential to gather the right supplies to ensure a smooth, professional-looking finish. The correct tools can make the job more efficient and result in better paint application. Consider the size of the space, the type of surfaces you’ll be painting, and the desired finish when purchasing your supplies. Also, remember to protect the furniture and floors before starting the project. Below a list of supplies needed:
- Paint: Choose a high-quality paint in your desired color and finish. The amount will depend on the size of your space. See the above list of recommended rental property paint brands.
- Primer: This is needed to ensure proper paint adhesion and to help cover any existing dark colors or stains.
- Paint Brushes: A variety of sizes and types for cutting in around windows, doors, and trim.
- Rollers and Roller Covers: These are used for efficiently painting larger surfaces.
- Paint Tray and Liners: For holding and applying the paint.
- Painter’s Tape: For masking off areas that you don’t want to paint, like trim or ceiling edges.
- Drop Cloths: To protect your floors and furniture from paint drips and splatters.
- Ladder or Step Stool: For reaching high places.
- Putty Knife and Spackle: For filling in any holes or cracks in the walls.
- Sandpaper: To smooth out the spackle and any rough spots on the walls.
- Paint Can Opener and Stir Stick: To open and mix the paint.
- Paint Roller Extension Pole: To reach higher areas without a ladder.
- Rags or Cloth: For cleaning up any spills or drips.
About the Author
Ryan Nelson
I’m an investor, real estate developer, and property manager with hands-on experience in all types of real estate from single family homes up to hundreds of thousands of square feet of commercial real estate. RentalRealEstate is my mission to create the ultimate real estate investor platform for expert resources, reviews and tools. Learn more about my story.
