Humidity. Heat. Sudden cold snaps. North Carolina’s weather puts interior paint to the test, season after season. Whether you’re freshening up a dining room or finally tackling that new drywall in the hallway, the paint you choose matters.
Not all paint is built to handle moisture, temperature swings, and the wear-and-tear of daily life, especially if you want fewer coats, better coverage, and a finish that actually lasts.
These seven interior paints have stood out time and time again, especially in homes across the state. Here’s what makes them the top choices, from durability to finish to stain resistance.
1. Benjamin Moore Aura® – Premium Durability, Even in Humidity
Benjamin Moore Aura is widely known for its exceptional durability and depth of color. Its proprietary Color Lock® technology helps dark colors stay bold and true, even after scrubbing. This formula is ideal for North Carolina homes where the summer humidity can take a toll on lesser-quality interior painting services.
- Resists mildew and fading
- Excellent coverage with fewer coats
- Available in multiple sheen options, including matte and satin
- Low VOC and low chemical emissions
Perfect for: high-traffic areas, moisture-prone rooms, bold accent walls
2. Sherwin-Williams Emerald® – Smooth Finish with Excellent Washability
Sherwin-Williams Emerald is a favorite among professional painters for good reason. It offers a smooth, rich finish and holds up well under frequent cleaning, making it great for families or homes with pets. Even in humid conditions, it resists blistering and peeling.
- Stain-resistant and scrubbable
- Great adhesion to new drywall or previously painted surfaces
- Offers a luxurious look without sacrificing performance
Perfect for: kitchens, bathrooms, and trim work
3. Benjamin Moore Regal Select® – Versatile and Reliable
Regal Select is a solid all-around option. It’s one of those paint brands that consistently delivers results, regardless of the room. Its formula includes a built-in primer, helping you save time without sacrificing coverage.
- Easy application with a smoother finish
- Great coverage even over darker or uneven colors
- Works well on walls, ceilings, or wood trim
Perfect for: living rooms, bedrooms, and other everyday spaces
4. Behr Premium Plus® – Affordable with Good Stain Resistance
For homeowners looking for a more budget-friendly option without compromising on durability, Behr Premium Plus is worth considering. While it might not have the premium feel of Benjamin Moore or Sherwin-Williams, it still performs well in most North Carolina homes.
- Low odor and low VOC
- Mildew-resistant finish
- Ideal for light to moderate traffic areas
Perfect for: guest rooms, ceilings, or rental properties
5. Sherwin-Williams SuperPaint® – Excellent Coverage for Fewer Coats
SuperPaint is a go-to for jobs that need to be completed quickly but still done right. It’s thicker than many other interior paints, so it can cover large areas with fewer coats saving time and effort.
- Offers good stain resistance
- Smooth application on both old and new drywall
- Works well with trim and doors when using semi-gloss or satin
Perfect for: full house interior painting or touch-ups in high-traffic areas
6. Benjamin Moore ben® – Great Value with Easy Application
If you’re tackling a DIY paint project and want something fairly easy to work with, ben® by Benjamin Moore might be the right choice. It’s not as premium as Aura or Regal, but it still provides strong performance and a nice finish.
- Lower price point for the Benjamin Moore line
- Available in matte, eggshell, and semi-gloss sheens
- Good for homeowners who want a smoother finish without overcomplicating things
Perfect for: dining rooms, home offices, and ceilings
7. Valspar Signature® – Strong Option for Color and Durability
Valspar Signature may not always be a top-tier mention, but it’s grown in popularity especially in southern states like North Carolina. It has good adhesion and covers well, even when changing from dark to light colors.
- Offers a satin finish that hides imperfections
- Great for humid environments
- Works on a wide range of surfaces, including walls and cabinets
Perfect for: bathrooms, entryways, and other high-moisture rooms
What to Consider When Choosing Interior Paint in North Carolina
Climate, surface type, and how much traffic a room gets all play a part in what painting is suited. Here’s what matters most if you want a paint job that actually lasts:
- Humidity resistance – Look for mildew-resistant formulas, especially for bathrooms or basements.
- Durability – High-traffic areas need paint that can handle frequent cleaning without tearing or wearing down.
- Sheen selection – Matte and flat finishes hide imperfections but aren’t always scrubbable. Satin, eggshell, and semi-gloss offer better protection for walls and trim.
- Coverage per coat – Premium paint usually covers better in fewer coats, which saves time on larger jobs.
- Low VOC – If you’re painting in winter with the windows closed, low chemical emissions matter more than ever.
Flat vs. Matte vs. Eggshell vs. Satin: Which Sheen Should You Choose?
- Flat Paint: Best for ceilings or rooms with minimal contact. Hides surface flaws but shows every smudge.
- Matte Finish: Slightly more durable than flat, good for adult bedrooms or formal dining areas.
- Eggshell: A popular choice for walls. Easy to clean and still soft-looking.
- Satin Finish: Ideal for bathrooms, kitchens, or hallways. More stain-resistant and easier to scrub.
- Semi-Gloss and Gloss: Great for trim, doors, and cabinets. Reflective and easy to wipe down.
The sheen you pick can affect how a room looks, feels, and functions. If you’re unsure, it’s often better to stay within the same brand when selecting different sheens for walls, trim, and ceilings.
Bonus Tip: Use the Right Primer for a Stronger Finish
A good primer helps paint stick better, especially on new drywall or darker colors. Many premium paints now come with primer built in, but in some cases, like bare wood trim or stained cabinets, a separate primer layer still makes a difference.
Priming properly can also improve stain resistance and help paint last longer in high humidity. It’s one of those extra steps that’s easy to skip but almost always pays off.
You Could Test All These Paints… Or Let Us Do It for You
Trying to figure out which paint has better coverage, smoother application, or the perfect finish can be overwhelming, especially when each room has its own quirks. Some paints dry too fast. Others don’t cover it quite right. And let’s be honest: nobody enjoys repainting a ceiling twice because the flat paint didn’t stick.
If you’d rather skip the guesswork and save yourself the time, our crew at Sherwood Paint is ready to help. We work with top interior paint brands and use the right products for every surface, room, and challenge that North Carolina homes throw at us.
Call us at (704) 924-1800 or Contact Us to get expert interior painting help without the hassle.