
In the past, car owners stored their vehicles in sheds and stables with doors detached from the main house. Later, architects incorporated garages into the home’s design, which meant that it had to match the house in design and paint. (1) Which leaves you wondering what the best paint is for your garage walls…
The best paint for your garage walls will depend on the garage itself. Generally, a lighter colored paint will help improve the garage lighting conditions, and a durable, more resilient paint is ideal if you have any condensation issues in your garage.
In this article, we’ll show you:
- the best paints available for garage walls
- how to paint choose the best paint for your garage walls
- what to finish your garage walls with for durability and great looks.
The 9 Best Paints for Your Garage Walls
Anytime you renovate your home, choosing the right color must be an essential part of the design. Therefore, selecting the garage wall paint shouldn’t be different. And with the garage being an extension of your home, a well-picked color can highlight the improvements made on the garage walls.
A fresh coat of paint for the garage walls can improve the garage’s lighting conditions. It is a crucial factor to consider for a place where you will be parking your vehicles and doing some repair work with electronic tools. Therefore, a lighter wall and ceiling can reflect the light better.
A lighter color tends to reveal grime and dirt quickly. And if you are planning on applying a lighter color on your garage wall, you should go for semi-gloss paints. Light from the windows tends to bounce off Semi-gloss paints quickly. (3)
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If your garage has condensation issues, then a more resilient paint will be ideal for the walls. Neutral colors can be far easier to clean than white. Some soothing tones like grey, green or blue can make your garage more relaxing.
Let’s take a look at some of the best paints available today when it comes to your garage walls:
HGTV Home By Sherwin-Williams
HGTV Home paint is a unique primer and paint by Sherwin-Williams that can improve our garages. You can use this paint on both the exterior and interior walls. And thanks to its stain-resistant formula, this product will keep your garage shining even after being scrubbed numerous times.
This paint is ideal for high traffic parts of the house, including the garage, and it applies in a single coat. HGTV Home Sherwin William will stay clean for a very long time, making it perfect for the garage. After all, the garage wall experiences exposures to grease, oil, and other kinds of dirt. (4)
Therefore, with this paint, you can easily wipe the walls clean and never worry about scratches. The 100% acrylic, unique, anti-microbial formula offers an excellent mildew-and-mold resistant finish. Unfortunately, some users complained that this product ruined their brushes.
Specs
Brand | Sherwin Williams |
Manufacturer’s finish/color | ultra-white |
Sheen | satin |
Paint color family | white |
Pros
- Scrubbable
- Tintable
- Easy to apply
- Washable
- Non-flammable
- Stain blocking
- Mildew resistant
Cons
- Ruins the brushes
Overall rating: 4.4 out of 5
Verdict: The HGTV Home Sherwin Williams is mildew resistant and scratch-resistant, making it an excellent option for garage walls.
You can buy it online from Lowe’s here.
Zinsser-Perma-White Satin Interior Paint
This paint was formulated to tolerate the harsh condition of most moisture-prone regions in the house, like the garage walls. Its unique formula prevents mildew growth on the walls even under harsh conditions. Available in Semi-gloss sheens, eggshell, and Satin, this paint can provide you more than enough options to make your garage stand out.
Zinsser Perma paint is a low-odor paint that is relatively easy to apply, and the fact that it’s self-priming means that it can stick to the walls without sanding. The mold & mildew protection offered by this paint can last for more than five years. This highly durable paint will keep your garage walls clean and shiny for a very long.
This paint is washable and scrubbable, so you can wipe any stain from the walls without worrying about scratches. And the fact that it’s fade resistant is what makes it stand out. Its low-odor formula prevents the growth of mildew and mold. (5)
Specs:
Brand | Zinsser |
Color code | white |
Finish type | satin |
Color | white |
Recommended surface | walls |
Pros
- Easy to apply
- Dries faster
- Scratch-resistant
- Scrubbable
Cons
- Some users have complained that its quite costly
Overall rating: 4.3 out of 5
Verdict: Zinsser-Perma-White paint is a unique paint for walls exposed to high moisture levels. And the fact that it dries within half an hour is a bonus.
You can find it on Amazon here.

Rust-Oleum 1990502 Latex Paint
Rust-Oleum 1990502 is a multi-purpose brush-on paint that provides a durable and smooth finish on the exterior and interior surfaces. You can use this Rust-Oleum paint for a wide range of outdoor and indoor surfaces, including unglazed ceramic, masonry, plaster, metal, and wood. Therefore, it is the best option for a wide range of garage walls. (6)
Its water-based acrylic formula can provide long-lasting protection, resist chips, and low odor. This paint dries to touch in half an hour; therefore, you can still use the garage the same day you repaint it. Plus, its unique flat finish reduces surface imperfections, provides excellent hide, and goes on smoothly.
But before you paint your walls, you should sand the surface using 180/200 grit and then wash it with a degreaser. Allow the surface to dry for a few minutes before applying the paint. However, some users have complained that this paint dries to bluish-gray color instead of white.
Specs
Brand | Rust-Oleum |
Size | Quart |
Color | flat white |
Paint-type | acrylic |
Pros
- Easy to apply
- Dries within 30 minutes
- Low odor formula
- Provides long-lasting protection
Cons
- Dries to bluish-gray color instead of white
Overall rating: 4.5 out of 5
Verdict: Rust-Oleum 1990502 paint is a fast-drying paint that dries within 30 minutes of painting. But you have to prepare the walls before painting them.
It’s available from Amazon here.
Glidden Premium Interior Paint and Primer
Environmental awareness is a crucial factor for the general health of your family. Glidden recognizes this factor, and to protect our families, it has produced durable paint with zero VOCs and low odor. And once painted, this product has a high-quality finish with a scrubbable and mildew resistant coating with more than 1,100 colors to choose from; so you’ve got lots of variety.
This product is ideal for garages due to formulation intended for high-traffic regions; therefore, it can last for a long time. This paint dries to touch in about 30 minutes, and you can easily wash it with water and soap. The mildew resistance also comes in handy in the garage environment, which has higher humidity than most rooms in the house.
With a gallon, you can cover about 400 sq. ft. In most cases, it only requires a single coat. However, some colors will require multiple coats, mainly when painting light colors on a dark wall. But you will have to wait for it to dry before applying another layer of paint.
Specs
Brand | Glidden |
Weight | 1 gallon |
Color | white |
Sheen | semi-gloss |
Protection type | fade/UV resistant |
Pros
- Low VOC
- Low odor paint
- Durable
- Dries within 30 minutes
- Easy to apply
- Offers a lifetime guarantee
Cons
- Some colors will need multiple coats to take effect.
Overall rating: 4.3 out of 5
Verdict: Glidden Premium interior paint and primer is a unique wall paint that, in numerous cases, will requires only a single coat.
You can find a full range of color over at Amazon here.
Behr Pro i300 Interior Latex Paint
Behr proi300 is a water-based paint that provides more coverage with less paint, making it one of the best value paint you will ever find. This paint is mildew resistant, GreenGuard certified, VOC-free, plus a single gallon can cover over 400 sq. ft. with this paint, you will need two coats to cover a well-prepared wall. (8)
Behr pro i300 is an excellent option for people looking for high-quality and yet affordable paints for their garages. Plus, it does offer excellent and durable coverage and dries faster. However, this is not a 2-in-1 paint, so you must prime the walls before painting.
And with it being considered GreenGuard certified, it releases less chemical emissions into your home when used. You can apply this paint by brush, roller, or spray. It is white with a semi-gloss finish that leaves your walls with a clean and stunning look and subtle sheen.
Specs
Brand | Behr |
Sheen | semi-gloss |
Paint-type | interior paint |
Protection-type | mildew resistant |
Pros
- Produces less chemical emissions
- Dries faster
- Affordable
Cons
- You must prime the walls before painting
Overall rating: 4.2 out of 5
Verdict: the fact that it produces zero VOC makes Behr Pro i300 interior latex paint ideal for painting the interior walls of the garage.
Here’s the product from Home Depot.

Behr Ultra Paint: Smart White
Behr Ultra paints are pretty popular because they are both washable and stain-resistant, making them relatively easy to clean. And the fact that it is almost impossible to scuff sets a new standard for durability. This paint features a breakthrough innovation that delivers an excellent finish that is durable for high traffic regions. (9)
Its plush, versatile sheen produces a pearl-like look ideal for numerous surfaces, including garage walls. It is highly durable and only requires a few coats to cover your wall. Its antimicrobial mildew-resistant finish makes it ideal for garage walls, which are affected by high humidity levels.
The formulation of the paint creates a straightforward cleaning surface once dry. All you have to do is wash the stain off with soap and water without leaving any stain. And the fact that it’s stain-resistant is a bonus.
Advanced mar and scuff resistance can protect the garage walls of extra busy garages. Just make sure you apply it when the surface and air temperatures range from 10°C to 32°C.
Specs
Brand | Behr |
Sheen | satin |
Paint type | interior paint |
Color | smart white |
Pros
- Easy to apply
- Mildew resistant
- Easy to clean
- Durable
Cons
- At times you might have to apply numerous coats to get the desired shade
Overall rating: 4.8 out of 5
Verdict: Behr Ultra paint: smart white is an easy to apply and durable paint that will leave your garage walls looking tremendous and dirty-free for a very long time.
The Diamond Brite 31000
Diamond Brite 31000 is a high-quality oil-based paint that ensures you will get a durable and rugged surface that won’t peel, crack or scuff easily. Besides being ideal for exterior and interior usage, you can also use this paint on other surfaces ranging from masonry, concrete to metal. Therefore, you can use it on any garage wall. (10)
This paint can give you flexibility in terms of application as it can be brushed, rolled, or sprayed on the wall. And thanks to its durability, this paint can withstand high traffic parts of the house, including the garage. Unfortunately, it takes too long to dry and may even leave an odor for a very long time.
The odor is typical with oil-based paints, and it can dissipate after a few weeks. Plus, its glossy finish will provide a stunning shine on any surface.
Specs
Paint-type | exterior paint |
Sheen | gloss |
Protection type | stain resistant |
Container size | 1 gallon |
Pros
- Leave a very durable surface that can serve you for years
- Versatile for usage, meaning that you can use it on different surfaces and materials
- Ideal for heavy traffic regions of the house
- Scuff resistant
Cons
- It leaves a strong odor
- It takes a very long time to cure
Overall rating: 4.0 out of 5
Verdict: Even though this oil-based paint leaves a pungent odor, very few garage walls paint in the market can rival its durability.
It’s available at Home Depot here.
Behr Premium Plus Exterior/Interior Paint
The Behr premium is a unique paint that lets you sample a color before trying one. This paint is 100% acrylic latex paint that provides a tough and long-lasting finish. And for an accurate idea of how this will look like, you can try it on any surface, and it covers about 16 sq. ft., depending on your garage walls’ porosity.
Plus, its satin enamel sheen will offer you a pearl-like, soft appearance. And being easy to clean with water and soap makes it a better option for garage walls. And most importantly, this paint comes backed with a lifetime limited warranty. (11)
Specs
Brand | Behr |
Sheen | satin |
Protection type | mildew resistant |
Paint-type | interior paint |
Pros
- Low odor
- Easy to apply
- Lets’ you try the color before buying one
- Easy to clean and wash
Cons
- It can cover over 16 sq. ft. depending on the wall’s porosity.
Overall rating: 4.8 out of 5
Verdict: being an acrylic latex garage wall paint, Behr premium plus exterior/interior paint will leave your garage walls stain and oil-free for a very long time.
You can find it at Home Depot here.
Glidden Professional Speed-Wall Semi-Gloss Interior Paint
The Glidden professional paint is an economical vinyl acrylic latex paint for massive garage projects. This paint delivers high-end results with its quick-drying feature and recoats when applied by spray, roller, and brush. And the fact that it is a low odor and low VOC paint means that you can paint the garage with the family inside the house. (12)

You can use this speed-wall latex paint on previously painted, primed, and adequately prepared drywall, plaster, metal surface, wood, and masonry surfaces. And after the first coat, you will have to wait for two hours before applying the second coat. A gallon of this paint can cover about 400 sq. ft.; therefore, the more coats you apply, the more paint you will require.
This paint can also be applied to the ceiling and drywall using a sprayer or roller. This high-quality paint can save you time and money on the entire repainting job with quick application and a durable professional look.
Specs
Brand | Glidden |
Protection-type | fade/UV protection |
Drying time | 30 minutes |
Pros
- Low VOC levels
- Ideal for most surfaces
- Low odor
- User friendly
- Quick-drying
Cons
- Although it dries within 30 minutes, you will have to wait for two hours before applying the second coat.
Overall rating: 3.7 out of 5
Verdict: The 5 gallons Glidden Professional Speed-wall is a unique paint that can have your garage walls looking great within hours without affecting the people in the house. This paint is affordable and very easy to clean; plus, it can enhance the brightness in the garage when also applied to the ceiling.
It’s available at Home Depot here.
Guide to Selecting the Best Garage Wall Paint
Our garages are the most forgotten parts of our homes that are always in need of renovation. And being the only place where we can store our expensive cars, we have to make sure that it feels safe, comfortable, and well-lit.
And one of the best ways to upgrade our garages is by repainting them; however, choosing the right paint for the garage can be pretty challenging. So here are a few factors to consider when buying the right garage wall paint.
What Type of Paints Do You Use in Garages?
The condition in the garage is not the same as the ones in our houses, and that is because a garage wall can sustain abuse that you can never inflict on your house. Therefore, you need tougher-grade paint for your garage. (12)
Water-Based vs. Oil-Based Paint
Water-based wall paints use a solvent made from water. The water-based formulation guarantees that it will produce a tiny percentage of the VOCs, making them more eco-friendly than oil-based paints. Water-based paints dry quickly and release less odor.
But in most cases, water-based paints are less durable than oil, latex, or acrylic-based paints. With 100% acrylic paint, all you need is soap and water to keep it clean. Luckily, the most common types of water-based paints in the market are latex and acrylic paint.
The Drying Times of Water-based & oil-based paints
Water-based drying times | Oil-based drying times | |
Touch-dry | 30-60 minutes | 6-8 hours |
Recoat-ready | 2-3 hours | 16-20 hours |
Fully Cured | 1-4 weeks | 2 to 3 days |
Due to the high level of volatile solvents, numerous states have limited oil-based paints in houses. But exterior alkyd enamel paint can be ideal for the walls thanks to its smooth patina and durability. Latex paints are also great for garage walls, but the modern paints are glossy and durable.
Latex paint is generally created by mixing PVC and latex, which provides an extremely high tolerance to condensation. But its main advantage is the ability to be used outdoors and indoors without undergoing any form of degradation.
Of the two, latex paints are more expensive and produce an excellent finish that you cannot get with acrylic paint.
Types of Finish Available for Garage Paints
Different paints provide a wide range of finishes; therefore, you need to know which type of finish you need when buying paint. Here are some of the most common finishes:
- Eggshell: This finish has the unique color of eggshells and satin finish. This finish works perfectly on most garages.
- Matte: matte garage paint finish looks dull as it absorbs more light than it reflects. But mixing it with a dark color will do wonders for your garage, particularly in a well-lit garage.
- Satin: A satin finish is a unique finish that reflects light in all directions. This finish will leave you with a velvety surface.
- Semi-gloss: semi-gloss is a perfect combination of high-gloss and matte finishes.
- High-gloss: this finish reflects a lot of light, giving it a glossier look. And one of the most significant benefits of this finish is that it looks great in bright and low lighting conditions.
Exterior vs. Interior Wall Paint

Even though the exterior paint is ideal for outdoor usage, there is a lot to be said when used for interior walls. Exterior paint is ideal for solid binders; it contains mildewcide and is more resistant to moisture. All these factors make it ideal for a garage, which is more susceptible to high condensation and humidity.
But it’s always a good idea to use interior paint if the garage doubles as a living or recreation space. Never use exterior paints to decorate the inside parts of your home, and this includes the garage. And that is because they contain high levels of ineffective toxins outside, indoors where you will circulate the air repeatedly, they can be pretty dangerous.
How Will You Finish Your Garage Walls?
Garage walls may have masonry, vinyl paneling, wood, or drywall, which will affect your choice of paint. Some of the most common ways you can finish your garage walls are:
Garage Wall Insulation
Adding insulation can improve your house’s energy efficiency. With proper insulation, your home will never lose heat during the cold winter nights. The most common kinds of insulation for garage walls are blow-in cellulose insulation and spray foam insulation.
Drywall the Garage
Insulating your garage is an excellent investment, and that is because the sight of exposed framing studs and insulation is not visually appealing. So you can get your garage walls a step closer to having a finished look by adding drywall. Drywall can help cover all the unattractive features of your garage walls.
Some of the benefits of installing drywall are:
- Drywall is cost-effective.
- It will improve the garage’s energy efficiency.
- It will make it easier for you to add storage systems and decorate the walls.
Drywall can give your garage walls a level 2 or 3 finish, but you will have to prime it before painting it either way. a PVA primer will help seal the paper and make it possible for the topcoat to bind correctly.
Wood Paneling
A raw wood paneling finish also requires priming, and instead of a PVA primer, you should use a shellac-based wood primer. This primer will seal the wood and also prevent tannins from bleeding through the top layer.
Once you have finished paneling your walls, you can clean them with water and TSP and then scuff them before painting. If the old finish is peeling or cracked, then you can use a primer. Finally, you can apply any form of paint on finely prepared or primed paneling.
Masonry
Brick and cement walls typically have moisture seepage; therefore, you will need a unique sealer to keep the moisture out. Once the sealer dries, you can apply concrete primer on the wall and finish with masonry paint. Masonry paint is an elastomeric paint that also prevents moisture seepage through the wall.
FAQs
What is the best paint for garage walls and ceiling?
The best paint for the garage ceiling and walls is the interior latex paint. Latex paint is water-based; therefore, it’s quick-drying and produces less odor.
What should I finish my garage walls with?
Well, the best material is drywall. Drywall is easy to install and increases the fire resistance of the walls.
How much paint do I need for a two-car garage?
To get the exact amount of paint needed, you need to calculate the surface area of the walls, and if the total is 800 sq. ft. and the paint selected covers 400 sq. ft. per gallon, you will need two gallons of paint. Another factor that will play a vital role in the amount of paint purchased is the number of coats needed to transform your garage walls.
Final Thoughts
To most homeowners, a garage is more than a place where they park their cars; a garage is also their storage place and one of the entrances into the house. Therefore, the sight of a bare and unfinished wall can be pretty unappealing to everyone. So it’s worth painting your garage walls using the correct paint.