Walmart Paint Overview
Walmart is one of the largest retail corporations in the world. It functions as a retail store, a grocery store, and a department store all in one. It is a place where you can make value purchases and still get the best customer service. Walmart was founded in 1962 by Sam Walton. However, it was incorporated in 1969.
Now, if you are reading this, you have a painting project in your hands, and you’ve realized how expensive it can get (whether you hire a painting professional or do it yourself). Quality interior or exterior painting results require the use of quality paint. Walmart provides affordable paint options. But is it any good for your project?
Some user reviews claim Walmart’s paint isn’t good. And on the flip side, some users swear by it. In this piece, we shall answer all questions you might have about Walmart paint (exterior, interior, and spray paint).
Walmart paint colors
Before we get into the paint colors that Walmart offers, here is a brief overview of why paint colors are essential.
There is a lot that one should learn about paint color before they make their final decision on which to use in their home. Paint color goes beyond what stands out and which colors go well together. It’s about the emotion it evokes and the effect it has on humans.
According to experts, different paint colors affect how we approach a given space or item. And understanding these effects helps you to make your home more appealing and inviting. Paint colors are split into several categories;
- Warm colors – these are the colors that we associate with heat and sunlight. They include yellow, orange and red.
- Cool colors – these make you think of the sky, water or peaceful things. They include purple, green and blue.
- Neutral colors – in this category, most people think of earthy tones like beige and brown. However, other colors, including black and white fall under this category as well.
- Neutral colors are ‘neutral’ because they are inoffensive and often have different effects depending on the audience. Basically, when you use neutral paint colors, you are playing it safe.
Now, back to the effect that paint has on people and why you should make the right choice. In the western hemisphere, some paint colors have different meanings than in South Africa or China. For example, in the west, white represents goodness and purity, and black represents mourning. However, in other countries, the reverse is true – white is stands for mourning and black for purity.
Whether you are shopping for exterior or interior paint, the color you choose will affect what people think of your home. And because of this, having a vast paint color variety is important. Walmart knows this and offers a range of paint colors. They offer more than 700 paint colors. To make it easier for you to choose, it groups paint colors into;
- Blue and Teal
- Violet and purple
- Beige and brown
- Cream and white
- Pink and red
- Sage and green
- Silver and gray
Charcoal and black
And though having color choices is great, it is confusing. The reality of how hard it is to, choose a shade dawns on you when you dive into the different categories. For some shades, the difference is subtle. And if you are not keen, you might not even notice the difference until you’ve made a purchase and painted your surfaces.
To make it easier to choose the best paint color, Walmart has a paint visualizer. With this technology, you can download a photo or use the ones available to see how different paint colors will look in different spaces, including exteriors, kitchens, bathrooms, living rooms, bedrooms, dining spaces, and nurseries.
Walmart interior paint
After picking a paint color, the next step is choosing the best Walmart interior paint. This step requires some research as well, mainly because Walmart offers a variety of paint finishes. And in case you were wondering, these finishes are appropriate for different surfaces and have different effects. Understanding sheens helps you make the right choice.
Matte paint
The matte paint color is by far the most common of all interior paint sheens. It doesn’t have a shine, which makes it perfect for walls where you don’t want to distract guests.
Matte paint is easy to use. However, you should note that it usually requires more than a single coat to get a solid color. Walmart matte paint is applied using a roller or a brush – whichever works perfectly to cover the imperfections on your wall.
Because of this, it is ideal for old houses with lots of flaws. But on the flip side, matte paint is marked easily. And though you can remove the marks using a damp cloth, you will spend a lot of time retouching the surface.
Matte enamel
This paint is similar to matte paint only that it is more durable. Moreover, matte enamel is easier to clean and needs minimal retouching over time. It is perfect, especially if you have kids who will want to express their artsy sides on your walls. Matte enamel achieves the same visual effects and is applied in the same way.
Satin
Most homeowners know satin paint finishes exist but they don’t truly understand how they are used. This finish lies somewhere between gloss and matte. The result is a soft and low sheen. This makes it perfect for walls that will need regular cleaning.
However, satin paint should not be used on walls with lots of imperfections. Why? Well, instead of covering these imperfections, it makes them more visible.
Eggshell
An eggshell finish has a subtle shine like that of a satin finish only without the smoothness. This inhibits it from enhancing the imperfections on walls. However, it is easy to apply and often covers surfaces in a` single coat. Most people prefer it to a satin finish.
Expert tip – semi-gloss and eggshell Walmart paint covers more surface with less paint than Walmart matte paint.
Semi-gloss
This finish is common as well. But it is mostly used on trim instead of walls. It results in a hard finish and is perfect for heavy painting. You can clean dirt off the surface with soap and water. Though the shine is less than what a full gloss paint achieves, it offers a good covering with only a single coat of paint.
Like satin paint finishes, shiny Walmart paint also enhance imperfections. But there’s a way around this with shiny paints – you can use flat paint to cover imperfections under the shiny paint.
Gloss paint
Aside from matte paint, gloss paint is common on interior walls as well. But despite this, most homeowners use it less on wall surfaces and more on woodworks because of the high shine. Glossy paint shows wall imperfections and requires several coats to achieve a smooth and even finish.
If you intend to use Walmart shiny paint, you should know that they take a little longer to dry than matte paints. You, therefore, need to plan your project around these longer drying times. Alternatively, you can use a fan to speed up the drying process.
Walmart stocks interior paint from a variety of paint brands, including Aervoe, 3dRose, 1Shot, AW Perkins, AFCO Racing, Benjamin Moore, Kilz, Rust-oleum, Glidden, Krylon, DAP, Colorbond, and more.
Walmart exterior paint
Like interior Walmart paint, there are several options and a couple of factors to consider. At the top of the list is the type of paint finish. However, these finishes are similar to what the interior Walmart paint features. In this section, let’s learn more about Walmart’s exterior paint.
But first, you should know that painting the exterior of your home is different from painting the interior because the surfaces are exposed to harsh weather. As such, the paint needs to be durable and have several features, including waterproof to be ideal. Also, prepping exterior surfaces is more important for a great finish.
Now, aside from inherent paint durability, how long your exterior painting lasts depends on the type of paint you use. Below is a brief description to help you make a choice.
Primer paint
Admittedly, this is not true paint. Primer is more of a base coat designed to prepare the surface for the paint. Using primer enables the paint to adhere to the surface, thereby improving its longevity. You must use a primer with the right paint. This means that water-based paint should be paired with a water-based primer and oil-based paint should be paired with an oil-based primer.
Latex paint
The name given to this type of paint is misleading. Why? Well, because latex paint is actually water-based and doesn’t contain latex components. Water-based paint is simple to clean and remove marks. But if you are going for longevity, water-based Walmart paint isn’t the ideal choice.
Acrylic paint
Like latex paint, acrylic paint is also water-based. The difference is in the fact that acrylic paint contains a binding agent. Acrylic paint is available in several types, including;
- Acrylic enamel
- Acrylic latex
- Acrylic latex enamel
In comparison to latex paint, acrylic paint is more durable. It’s therefore perfect for siding (including cement, aluminum, and fiber), plaster, and drywall, stucco, and porch floors.
Oil-based paint
Walmart’s oil-based paint is the ultimate exterior paint. It provides a strong and durable finish. It is, therefore, the go-to paint for most experts. But with improved durability, oil-based paint takes longer to cure in comparison to water-based paint.
Moreover, oil-based paints are usually mixed with harsh chemicals and emit VOCs. And depending on the weather, oil-based paint tends to crack and yellow with time, especially when it is applied to the wood siding, which tends to contract and expand with time.
So does this mean that Walmart’s oil-based paint is your best bet? Well, not quite. For a long time, oil-based paint was the ideal choice for experts with large and small projects. However, with recent tech advancements in the water-based paint space, the latter is a better choice.
Acrylic paint is currently the most durable, flexible and resistant to damage by weather elements.
Walmart spray paint
Painting your home will pump new life into it. But which option do you paint with; a brush or spray paint? Well, the choice of which method to use will depend on the finish and look you want. The beauty of spray painting is that it allows you to complete a large project in a short time. Below are some pros of spray paint over brush painting:
- Spray painting achieves even coverage and doesn’t leave brush strokes
- It is fast
- Spray paint is usually oil-based paint, which has an arguably durable finish in comparison to latex paint
- Spray paint is used on any surface, including plastic, resin, wicker, metal or wood
- It dries faster than brushed-on paint
- It is easier to apply and clean up once you are done
To achieve the above benefits, you need to choose the best spray paint. Luckily for you, Walmart’s spray paint checks most of the below characteristics.
High solids – spray paint is a mixture of solids and solvents. Quality spray paint has a high solid to solvent ratio. Spray paint with high solids offers more coverage. Moreover, the paint has reduced overspray.
- Coverage – this refers to the surface area that the spray paint covers. As pointed out above, a high solid to solvent ration in your spray paint means better coverage.
- Hide – this refers to the ability of the paint coating to hide the surface underneath with its color. This is critical as it determines the number of coats you’ll apply. Low-quality spray paint requires more coats to achieve a high-quality finish.
- Fast-drying – Walmart’s spray paint is difficult to keep contained. But the fast drying time helps to contain the paint job better. It also improves the paint’s quality.
- Durability – on metal, the spray paint protects against corrosion, rust and other deterioration. Also, on wood, the paint protects against weather and rot.
Common Questions
1. Can you return paint to Walmart?
If you purchase paint from Walmart, you can return it even if you opened it. However, this has to be done within 90 days of purchase, and you need to have the original receipt. The 90-day return policy applies to paint products as well as other home improvement products. The returns are done as per the return policy. Some of the reasons for returning paint include:
- The paint was mixed incorrectly
- You made the mistake of buying too much paint
- You don’t like the color
Aside from having the receipt and making the return within 90 days, you should ensure the paint is in its original call. If you don’t have the receipt, you can still get a refund, but only if the paint was less than $25. All other paint volumes are subject to the discretion of the store manager.
2. Does Walmart carry Glidden paint?
Walmart offers a variety of paint colors and brands. Some of these paint brands include Glidden, Kilz, ColorPlace, 1Shot and more. They are all about offering high-quality paints at affordable price points.
3. Does Walmart sell Annie Sloan chalk paint?
Walmart stocks a lot of paint types and brands. However, it does not stock Annie Sloan’s chalk paint. Is there a reason for this? Well, yes. You can think of Annie Sloan chalk paint as a bespoke paint product. The company has an elaborate and closed distribution system. It only sells its products through its official stockists spread out across the U.S.
Their stockists go through a rigorous selection process and receive continuous training and development, which helps to make them the best they can be.
4. Do you have to be 18 to buy paint?
If you are asking this question, then you are probably too young. Yes, it may come as a shock to many, but if you look young, the shop attendant will ask for your ID before they can sell you paint. This sounds crazy, right? Well, it’s not. If you read the laws and see to understand the reason behind this, it makes perfect sense.
First, this rule applies to spray paint. And if you’ve worked with spray paint before (either for a painting project or graffiti), you are aware of the health hazards and the safety precautions one needs to take to reduce the risk associated with the fumes. Individuals below 18 years are not responsible enough to take the necessary precautions. So, the law is meant to protect them from themselves.
So yes, you have to be over 18 to buy paint from Walmart. Most paint products (especially spray paints even have an age limit on their labels).
5. How much does a bucket of paint cost at Walmart?
Walmart carries different types of paints and brands. As such, the quality and cost vary. But even then, you can expect the cost of paint to be cheaper at Walmart than in other stores. With that said, the cost of paint at Walmart varies between $9 and $30.
6. Can you get samples of paint?
Choosing the right paint is not a walk in the park. It is a tedious and confusing process, especially for a newbie DIYer. Walmart knows this and therefore leaves a little room for error in the paint purchase process.
Before you purchase paint for your entire project, you should purchase samples and use them to determine whether the paint is the right fit.
7. Does Walmart match paint colors?
If you have a small touch-up project on your hands, you are probably specific on your paint color needs. You want to use the exact color you used before to ensure the paint color is uniform. So, does Walmart match paint colors? Well, it tries to.
You see, matching paint colors is a tasking process and quite frankly, it’s not accurate.
Between the different paint brands, their tinting machine with slightly different calibrations, and not so professional painters running the mixing equipment, Walmart paint matches aren’t exact. But this is okay.
To ensure you get the exact paint, you can paint the plane edge to edge. But this trick will only work if the color match is really close to the original. Actually, any time you decide to switch to a different can, it’s a good idea to do this.
Your other option is to go to the source of your original paint. This improves your chances of getting an exact match.
8. Does Walmart stock face paint?
Body and face paint has been around for quite some time. Eons ago, women and men face painted for wars and other rituals. Today, instead of war, it is used for concerts, birthday parties, films, and cosplay events. With the increased demand, Walmart stocks on face paint.
At this point, we should point out that not all paint is safe for the skin. These include:
- Water-based paint
- Metallic body paint
- Alcohol-based paint
- Latex body paint
- Henna
- Commercial body paint
And while we are at it, is acrylic paint safe for use as body and face paint? No, it’s not. Acrylic paint hardens on the skin, deprives its flexibility and chokes it. This could cause skin irritations or make current skin problems even worse. Moreover, acrylic paint has harmful chemical substances, including ammonia, and formaldehyde. These chemicals could cause serious health issues when they seep into the body.
And even if the paint is labeled non-toxic, we advise not using it as face paint. This is because even the ‘non-toxic’ forms of acrylic paints contain chemicals that are harmful to the body.
Conclusion
Walmart is a large corporation that has been around for ages. It makes a couple hundred million dollars in profit every year – a clear sign that they are doing something right. Walmart’s paint sale might not be the best, and they might not have the exact paint color you need (highly unlikely), but they do have some great options. You can also use their visualizer to purchase the best paint for your exterior and interior.
Sources:
https://specialtycoatingspainting.com/choosing-the-right-paint-color.html
https://www.rd.com/home/improvement/the-abcs-of-color-a-primer-on-color-psychology/
https://www.countryliving.com/home-design/color/g1297/paint-finishes/?slide=8
https://www.diy.com/ideas-advice/exterior-paint-buying-guide/CC_npcart_400129.art
https://www.stupidlaws.com/you-must-be-18-years-old-to-buy-spray-paint/
https://www.hunker.com/13411401/painting-vs-spray-painting-furniture
