Having painted most of my own home (or supervised the work) has led me to research various brands in search of the best paint for both looks and long-term value, and so this pst year I spent some serious time checking out many of the high profile brands available in the New York market.

After conducting my own blind tests, based on both visual and tactical considerations, my research indicates that although Farrow & Ball has some of the best marketing material and color names in the industry, their paint quality just doesn't measure up to their marketing image.� Benjamin Moore's mid-quality line actually was tied with the Farrow & Ball, but the latter cost a full twice the price of the Benjamin Moore!

All things said, the hands-down winner for quality and unmatched appearance proved to be a brand called Fine Paints of Europe. Although it may seem pricey at first glance, these paints are truly the 'real deal' - offering stunning oil paints (F&B dropped theirs this year) and by far the best acrylics I've ever seen. They also offer a water based alkyd called Eco - suitable for both interior and exterior applications. And as far as value, note that their Hollandlac enamel yields over 600 square feet per gallon, as opposed to only 400 for the others. (I believe it's because of the amount and quality of pigment in their paints.)

Do yourself a favor and check them out. I continue to be very pleased with the results.

Here is a link that might be useful: Fine Paints of Europe