I’m thrilled to share my journey with Clark + Kensington paint, a brand that’s won me over with its quality and versatility. If you’re planning a painting project, whether it’s refreshing your living room or tackling your home’s exterior, this paint is a fantastic choice.
Available exclusively at Ace Hardware, it balances performance, affordability, and ease of use, making it perfect for DIY enthusiasts like me and professionals alike. Trust me, you’ll want to grab a can for your next makeover—it’s a game-changer!
My Hands-On Experience With Clark + Kensington
Let me take you back to last spring when I decided to transform my outdated dining room.
The walls were a dull beige, screaming for a refresh.
I wandered into my local Ace Hardware, drawn by their reputation for quality products, and stumbled upon Clark + Kensington.
The paint + primer in one formula caught my eye, promising fewer coats and less hassle.
I chose a soft gray called “Anchors Away” for a modern, cozy vibe.
The first thing I noticed was how easy it was to work with. The paint’s creamy consistency glided onto my walls with a roller, no splattering or dripping. I was skeptical about the one-coat claim, but after the first pass, the beige was nearly gone.
A second coat polished it off, leaving a smooth, even finish that looked professional. The low odor was a huge plus—my dining room didn’t smell like a chemical factory, so I could enjoy the space right away.
I also painted my front door with their exterior paint in a bold navy. Despite our humid summers, it’s held up beautifully, with no fading or peeling.
What stood out was the color accuracy. The shade on the swatch matched the walls perfectly, which isn’t always the case with other brands I’ve tried. Cleanup was a breeze with soap and water, and the paint dried quickly, letting me move furniture back in record time.
My dining room now feels like a Pinterest board come to life, and friends keep asking who my “pro painter” was. Spoiler: it was just me and Clark + Kensington!
Pros of Clark + Kensington Paint
- Exceptional Coverage
I can’t rave enough about how well this paint covers.
In my dining room, two coats were enough to hide that drab beige, even in low spots where the wall texture was tricky.
For lighter colors, you might even get away with one coat, saving you time and money.
Compared to other brands I’ve used, Clark + Kensington’s ability to hide imperfections is top-notch, making it ideal for both smooth and textured surfaces.
- Low VOC and Odor
If you’ve ever painted a room and felt like you needed a gas mask, you’ll appreciate this. The water-based formula has low volatile organic compounds, meaning less smell and better air quality.
When I painted indoors, I barely noticed an odor, which was a relief with my pets and kids around. It’s a healthier choice for your home, especially if you’re sensitive to strong fumes.
- Wide Range of Finishes and Colors
Whether you’re going for a matte bedroom or a glossy trim, Clark + Kensington has you covered. Their interior paints come in flat, eggshell, satin, and semi-gloss, while exterior options include flat and satin.
The color palette is massive, with thousands of shades to match any vibe. I loved how easy it was to find “Anchors Away” and later a navy for my door that popped against my home’s brick.
- User-Friendly Application
This paint is a dream to apply. Whether you’re brushing, rolling, or spraying, it goes on smoothly without clumping or streaking. As a DIYer, I found it forgiving—even when my roller technique wasn’t perfect, the finish looked seamless.
Professionals will love it too, as it sprays well and dries fast, keeping projects on schedule.
- Affordable Quality
At $30 to $50 per gallon, Clark + Kensington hits a sweet spot. It’s not the cheapest, but you’re getting premium performance without the hefty price tag of some high-end brands.
For my dining room, one gallon covered about 400 square feet with two coats, making it a cost-effective choice for a stunning result.
Cons of Clark + Kensington Paint
- Limited Availability
One downside hit me when I needed an extra quart for touch-ups.
Clark + Kensington is only sold at Ace Hardware, so if you don’t have one nearby, you’re out of luck or stuck ordering online, which can mean shipping costs or delays.
I had to drive 20 minutes to my nearest Ace, which was a minor hassle compared to grabbing paint at a big-box store.
- Longer Drying Times for Some Finishes
While the paint dried quickly in my dining room, I noticed the exterior paint on my door took a bit longer—up to four hours between coats.
If you’re in a rush, this could slow you down, especially compared to some quick-drying competitors. Planning ahead is key to avoid frustration.
- Inconsistent Feedback on Consistency
I had no issues, but I’ve heard some DIYers complain about the paint’s thickness varying between cans.
A few online reviews mentioned it feeling too thin or thick, affecting application. I didn’t experience this, but it’s worth stirring thoroughly to ensure even texture before you start.
- Sheen Availability Challenges
While the range of finishes is great, not every Ace store stocks all sheen options. When I wanted a semi-gloss for my trim, my local store only had satin and flat. I had to order it, which added a couple of days to my project. Checking stock before you shop can save you a headache.
Tips For Clark + Kensington Paint
- Regular Cleaning for Interior Surfaces
To keep your walls looking fresh, wipe them down with a damp cloth and mild detergent. I do this every few months in my dining room, especially near the table where fingerprints tend to appear.
The paint’s washable finish holds up beautifully, with no fading or damage, even after scrubbing. Avoid harsh chemicals, as they can dull the sheen over time.
- Inspecting and Touching Up Exterior Paint
For exterior surfaces like my front door, check for dirt or mildew every six months, especially in humid climates. A gentle power wash with a low-pressure setting keeps it pristine.
If you spot chips or fading, a quick touch-up with the same paint works wonders. I keep a small can handy for quick fixes, and the color match is spot-on.
- Proper Storage for Leftovers
Leftover paint?
Don’t let it go to waste. Store it in a cool, dry place, tightly sealed. I label my cans with the room and date to avoid mix-ups. If the paint thickens over time, a bit of water and thorough stirring can revive it for touch-ups, saving you from buying a new can.
- Surface Preparation for Longevity
Before painting, prep is everything. I learned this the hard way when I skipped sanding a rough patch and noticed slight peeling later. Clean, sand, and prime (if needed) for the best adhesion.
Clark + Kensington’s self-priming formula often skips this step, but for bare wood or drastic color changes, a separate primer ensures durability.
- Seasonal Maintenance for Exterior Paint
In harsh climates, inspect your exterior paint before extreme weather hits. I check my door in early spring and fall, cleaning off dust and applying a protective sealant if needed.
This paint’s mildew-resistant formula is a lifesaver, but a little TLC extends its life to 7-10 years, even in tough conditions.
Comparing Clark + Kensington To Other Paint Brands
- Clark + Kensington Vs. Valspar Duramax Exterior Paint
When I painted my garden shed, I considered Valspar Duramax Exterior Paint, available at Lowe’s for about $35-$50 per gallon, similar to Clark + Kensington’s price range.
Duramax boasts a lifetime warranty against cracking and peeling, which is tempting for outdoor projects.
I found its weather resistance solid, holding up well on a fence I painted two years ago.
However, Clark + Kensington’s exterior paint, with its ceramic microsphere technology, outperformed Duramax in my humid climate, showing no mildew on my shed after a year, unlike some faint spotting on my Valspar-painted fence.
Clark + Kensington’s application was smoother, with fewer brush marks, and its paint + primer formula saved me a step. Duramax, while durable, needed an extra coat for full coverage, which stretched my project time.
- Clark + Kensington Vs. BEHR Cabinet Paint
For my kitchen cabinet refresh, I weighed BEHR Cabinet Paint, priced at $40-$55 per gallon at Home Depot, against Clark + Kensington’s specialty cabinet paint.
BEHR’s formula is designed for high-traffic surfaces, and I used it on a bathroom vanity with decent results.
Its adhesion is strong, but I noticed slight chipping after heavy use, requiring touch-ups.
Clark + Kensington’s semi-gloss cabinet paint, on the other hand, stuck like glue to my oak cabinets, resisting grease and wear even after months of cooking chaos.
BEHR’s color options are broad, but Clark + Kensington’s finish felt smoother and cleaned up better with just a damp cloth. For cabinets, Clark + Kensington’s durability and ease of use won me over.
- Clark + Kensington Vs. Glidden Paint
I tried Glidden Paint for a guest room project, as it’s a budget-friendly option at $25-$40 per gallon, slightly cheaper than Clark + Kensington.
Glidden, available at Home Depot, offers good coverage for the price, but I needed three coats to cover a bold red wall, compared to two with Clark + Kensington’s “Anchors Away” in my dining room.
Glidden’s finish dulled slightly after cleaning, while Clark + Kensington’s washable surface stayed vibrant.
For exterior use, Glidden’s durability was decent but didn’t match Clark + Kensington’s resistance to fading and mildew on my shed.
If you’re on a tight budget, Glidden works, but Clark + Kensington’s superior coverage and longevity make it worth the extra few bucks.
My Journey To A Perfect Finish
Let’s rewind to how I got hooked on Clark + Kensington. After my dining room success, I tackled my kitchen cabinets with their specialty cabinet paint. The durable, semi-gloss finish transformed my dated oak cabinets into a sleek white masterpiece.
Application was straightforward, but I learned to apply thin coats to avoid drips. The paint’s adhesion was impressive, sticking to the wood without flaking, even after months of greasy kitchen splatters.
Cleaning them is a breeze—just a damp cloth, and they look brand new.
For exterior projects, I painted my garden shed last summer. Living in a humid area, I was worried about mildew, but Clark + Kensington’s exterior paint held strong.
Its ceramic microsphere technology, which I didn’t even know was a thing until I researched it, boosts durability, resisting cracking and fading. After a year of rain and sun, the shed still looks vibrant, unlike a neighbor’s shed painted with a cheaper brand that’s already peeling.
I also experimented with their ceiling paint for my bathroom. Its flat finish hid imperfections beautifully, and the low-glare formula made the small space feel brighter.
Compared to a pricier brand I used before, Clark + Kensington’s coverage was just as good, and I didn’t need to splurge. The only hiccup was tracking down the exact sheen I wanted, as my Ace store’s stock was limited. A quick online order solved that, but it taught me to plan ahead.
Why It’s a DIYer’s Dream?
What makes Clark + Kensington stand out is how it caters to people like you and me—folks who want professional results without hiring a pro. The paint + primer combo means less prep work, which is a lifesaver when you’re juggling a busy schedule.
I painted my dining room over a weekend, and the quick recoat time (about an hour) kept things moving. The color selection process was fun, too, thanks to Ace’s Paint Visualizer Tool.
I played around with digital swatches to see how “Anchors Away” would look in my space, which boosted my confidence before buying.
Professionals might appreciate the paint’s versatility, too. Its ability to work with brushes, rollers, or sprayers makes it adaptable for big jobs. I chatted with a contractor at Ace who swore by Clark + Kensington for trim work, citing its smooth finish and durability.
That said, some pros might prefer brands like Sherwin-Williams for their slightly faster drying times, but for most home projects, Clark + Kensington delivers.
Overcoming The Challenges
No paint is perfect, and Clark + Kensington has its quirks. The limited availability at Ace stores can be a pain if you’re not near one. I’ve learned to check stock online or call ahead to avoid wasted trips.
The drying time issue caught me off guard with my door project, so now I always schedule exterior painting for dry, mild days to speed things up. As for consistency complaints, stirring the paint thoroughly and using a high-quality roller helped me avoid any issues.
If you’re meticulous about prep, you’ll likely sidestep these minor hiccups.
Long-Term Impressions
A year later, my dining room walls still look as fresh as the day I painted them. The gray hasn’t faded, even with sunlight streaming through the windows. My front door’s navy finish has weathered storms and scorching days without a hint of wear.
The shed?
Still vibrant, with no mildew in sight. These results make me trust Clark + Kensington for future projects, like repainting my porch next spring. Its longevity and low maintenance make it a smart investment for anyone wanting lasting beauty without constant touch-ups.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
I’ve used both, and Clark + Kensington holds its own. Benjamin Moore’s Aura line offers incredible durability and stain resistance, but at $70-$80 per gallon, it’s a splurge. Clark + Kensington, at $30-$50, delivers similar coverage and low-VOC benefits, making it a budget-friendly alternative. For most home projects, you’ll get comparable results without the premium price, though Benjamin Moore might edge out slightly for high-traffic areas.
Sherwin-Williams’ Emerald line is a powerhouse, especially for exterior durability, but it’s pricier at $60-$90 per gallon. Clark + Kensington matches it in color variety and ease of application, with a slight edge in low odor for indoor use. Sherwin-Williams dries faster, which pros love, but Clark + Kensington’s paint + primer formula simplifies DIY projects. Both are excellent, but Clark + Kensington is more wallet-friendly.
From my experience, interior paint lasts 5-7 years with proper care, like regular cleaning. My dining room walls still look pristine after a year. Exterior paint, like on my door and shed, can last 7-10 years in moderate climates, thanks to its resistance to fading and mildew. Harsh weather might require touch-ups sooner, around 5-7 years, but maintenance extends its life.
Clark + Kensington is made by Ace Paint Division, a part of Ace Hardware. The brand’s name comes from Clark Street, where the first Ace store was located, and Kensington Court, their current headquarters. A former Behr employee developed it, improving on paint + primer tech, which explains its high quality and DIY-friendly design.
Why You Should Choose Clark + Kensington?
After painting multiple spaces with Clark + Kensington, I’m sold on its quality, affordability, and ease. Whether you’re a DIY newbie or a seasoned pro, this paint delivers stunning results with minimal fuss.
Its coverage, low odor, and durability make it a standout, and the price won’t leave your wallet crying. Head to Ace Hardware and pick up a can—you’ll love how it transforms your space!