Valspar 2000 Vs. Ultra: Comparing Valspar’s Paint Lines

When it comes to home improvement projects, few things make as big of an impact as a fresh coat of paint. Not only does new paint liven up the look of any room, it also protects and preserves your walls and trim.

With so many paint options on the market, it can be tricky to decide which brand and line will give you the best results. Two popular options for interior and exterior paint are Valspar 2000 and Valspar Ultra.

But what exactly sets these two apart?

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the key differences between Valspar 2000 and Ultra paint. We’ll compare performance, price, primer needs, sheen options, and more.

By the end, you’ll have all the details you need to determine which Valspar line is the right fit for your next painting project.

A Brief Comparison Table

Feature	Valspar 2000	Valspar Ultra
Use	Interior only	Exterior only
Resin Type	Vinyl acrylic latex	100% acrylic latex
Primer Included?	No	No
Price Per Gallon	$25-35	$35-50
Sheens Available	Flat, eggshell, satin, semi-gloss	Flat, satin, semi-gloss
Hide & Coverage	Good one-coat coverage	Slightly better one-coat coverage
Durability	Decent for interior use	Excellent for exterior use
Ease of Application	Applies smoothly with minimal drips	Excels at sprayability and flow
Finish Quality	Consistent, uniform finish	Refined finish minimizes brushmarks
Color Selection	Thousands of colors	Geared toward traditional exteriors
Best Surfaces	Interior walls, trim, ceilings	Siding, trim, fences, doors
Overall Value	Excellent value for interiors	Outstanding value for exteriors

Overview of Valspar Paint

Before diving into the details, let’s take a quick look at Valspar’s paint offerings. Valspar is sold exclusively at Lowe’s Home Improvement stores. The brand offers paints for both interior and exterior applications across several lines:

• Valspar Reserve: Valspar’s premium tier interior paint. Provides exceptional hide and coverage.
• Valspar Signature: Mid-grade interior paint with above-average durability.
• Valspar 2000: Budget-friendly all-purpose interior latex paint.
• Valspar Ultra: Mid-grade exterior paint formulated to withstand the elements.
• Valspar Duramax: Top-of-the-line exterior paint known for outstanding fade and stain resistance.

The focus of this guide is on comparing the key features and performance of Valspar 2000 and Valspar Ultra. Both offer quality paint at a reasonable price point, but there are some important differences to note.

Valspar 2000 Overview

Valspar 2000 is Valspar’s value-focused line of interior latex paint. It’s designed to provide decent hide and protection at a budget-friendly price point. Here are a few quick facts about Valspar 2000:

• Use: Interior walls and ceilings
• Sheens: Flat, eggshell, satin, semi-gloss
• Primer included: No
• Price per gallon: Approximately $25-35

Valspar 2000 is a vinyl acrylic formula that goes on smoothly and offers good coverage.

While not top-of-the-line, it performs better than many bargain-brand paints.

The 2000 line comes in all the standard sheen finishes to suit any room in your home.

Despite the low price tag, Valspar 2000 still provides decent durability and stain resistance.

The vinyl acrylic resins allow the paint to stand up well to everyday wear and tear.

It’s a great option for painting kid’s rooms, hallways, and other high-traffic areas that need paint that can handle some abuse.

Overall, Valspar 2000 is ideal if you’re looking for affordable, quality interior paint for an entire home. Though not as premium as Valspar Reserve, it still produces nice results. It’s a great choice if you need to paint several rooms or are sticking to a tight budget.

Valspar Ultra Overview

Moving outside, Valspar Ultra is a mid-grade line of exterior paint. It’s designed to provide good protection and durability at an affordable price point. Here’s an overview:

• Use: All exterior surfaces
• Sheens: Flat, satin, semi-gloss
• Primer included: No
• Price per gallon: Approximately $35-50

Valspar Ultra uses an acrylic latex resin that stands up well to sun, rain, snow, and fluctuating temperatures. It resists cracking, peeling, and fading better than cheaper exterior paints. The Ultra line also contains algaecides and UV absorbers to prevent mildew growth and sun damage.

Compared to Valspar’s premium Duramax line, the Ultra paint doesn’t offer quite the same level of longevity and protection.

However, it still performs better than basic exterior paints.

Valspar Ultra is ideal for painting exteriors that are in good condition and don’t need heavy-duty paint.

Valspar Ultra provides good coverage and hide.

The thicker acrylic formula helps minimize the number of coats needed. It also offers easy application with smooth leveling and minimal splatter.

Overall, Valspar Ultra is a great mid-grade choice for protecting and sprucing up home exteriors.

Key Differences Between Valspar 2000 And Ultra Paints

Hide and Coverage

One of the most important factors with any paint is its ability to cover and conceal existing surfaces. Here’s how Valspar 2000 and Valspar Ultra compare when it comes to hide and coverage:

• Valspar 2000: Provides decent one-coat coverage over prepped surfaces. May require a second coat for darker colors or if painting over a significant color change.
• Valspar Ultra: Slightly better at obscuring existing colors and stains in one coat. The thicker acrylic formula provides good hide.

In general, both paint lines provide good coverage capabilities considering their reasonable price points. As long as surfaces are properly prepped and primed, either option can typically get the job done in one or two coats.

Valspar Ultra may have a slight edge for coating over more dramatic color changes. Its exterior-grade resins seem to have better pigment suspension and hide. But ultimately, both offer good coverage per coat given proper prep and application technique.

Durability and Wear Resistance

For interior paints, durability is key to withstanding traffic, cleaning, scuffs, and regular wear and tear. Exterior paints need to hold up to even more intense weathering from sun, rain, wind, and temperature swings. Here’s how the two Valspar lines stack up:

• Valspar 2000: Better durability than basic economy paints. Provides decent stain resistance. Finish may show slight scratches or marks over time with heavy use.
• Valspar Ultra: Formulated to withstand outdoor exposure. Provides very good stain and fade resistance. Finish resists cracking, blistering, and peeling.

Valspar 2000 features vinyl acrylic resins that are more durable than cheaper vinyl paints. However, it doesn’t have the most robust finish compared to higher-end acrylic or epoxy paints. Areas with lots of traffic may require touch up after a couple years.

Valspar Ultra easily outperforms Valspar 2000 for durability since it’s engineered for exterior resilience. The acrylic latex polymers provide much better protection against weathering. It maintains its color and sheen significantly longer than lower-grade exterior paints.

So for indoor areas that will see only light to moderate wear, Valspar 2000 should suffice. But for outdoor surfaces or high-traffic indoor walls, Valspar Ultra is the more durable and long-lasting choice.

Application and Finish Quality

An easy, smooth painting process is key for achieving professional paint results. Here’s how Valspar 2000 and Valspar Ultra compare when it comes to on-wall application and finish quality:

• Valspar 2000: Applies smoothly with minimal dripping or splattering. Produces a uniform matte finish on flat paints. Sheens like satin appear consistent.
• Valspar Ultra: Also applies smoothly despite thicker formulation. Provides excellent flow and leveling. Finishes have a refined, consistent appearance.

Both Valspar paint lines provide excellent brushability, sprayability, and flow, especially considering their reasonable price tags. The vinyl and acrylic resins allow the paints to glide on easily and level out nicely on walls and trim.

Valspar Ultra may have a slight advantage for finer application since it’s engineered for exterior house painting. The formulation allows it to spray beautifully and minimize brushmarks. But ultimately, either option can produce professional-looking paint jobs in capable hands.

For DIYers, you can feel confident that Valspar 2000 and Valspar Ultra will apply easily without excessive dripping or splattering. And the finishes will take on a smooth, consistent look as long as you properly prep surfaces and use good painting technique.

Primer Needs

Most paints require a coat of primer before painting to ensure proper adhesion and maximum durability. Here are the primer requirements for Valspar 2000 and Valspar Ultra:

• Valspar 2000: Requires separate primer coat on new drywall or bare substrates. For repaints, may be used directly over existing paint in good condition.
• Valspar Ultra: Also requires primer on new or bare surfaces. Can be used directly on previously painted exterior surfaces provided they are properly cleaned and prepared.

Neither Valspar 2000 nor Valspar Ultra contain built-in primers that allow you to skip priming altogether.

On new drywall or bare wood and metal, it’s crucial to apply a dedicated primer or undercoater first.

This not only enhances adhesion, but also color accuracy and coverage of the topcoats.

However, on surfaces that have been previously painted, you may be able to get by without priming when using Valspar paints.

For interiors, Valspar 2000 can be applied directly to existing paint as long as the surface is in good condition. For exteriors, Valspar Ultra can also adhere well to prepared painted surfaces without a primer.

Be aware that some surfaces with heavy stains, glossy finishes, or significant color changes may still benefit from priming even when repainting. But in many cases, Valspar 2000 and Valspar Ultra can be used successfully without a separate primer coat to save time and money.

Sheens Available

Paint sheen refers glossiness or flatness of the dried paint. Different sheens have various aesthetic effects and practical considerations for interior vs. exterior use. Here are the sheens offered in the Valspar 2000 and Ultra lines:

Valspar 2000 sheens:

• Flat – Provides a matte, non-reflective finish for walls and ceilings. Helps conceal surface imperfections.
• Eggshell – Slightly more durable than flat with a soft, velvety appearance. Ideal for walls in low-to-moderate traffic areas.
• Satin – Has a smooth, pearl-like shine. Stands up well on trim and doors while still hiding imperfections.
• Semi-gloss – Mid-level sheen with decent durability. Makes an attractive finish for kitchens, baths, and doors.

Valspar Ultra sheens:

• Flat – Matte, non-reflective finish good for exterior siding, trim, and ceilings. Helps hide flaws.
• Satin – Subtle glow that resists moisture and stains. Ideal for doors, shutters, and gutters.
• Semi-gloss – Shiny and very durable. Great for high-traffic areas like railings, downspouts, and window sashes.

Valspar 2000 has sheens suitable for every room and surface inside a home. Valspar Ultra contains exterior-appropriate finishes ranging from flat to a lustrous semi-gloss. So no matter the location or desired aesthetic, these Valspar lines offer plenty of options.

Color Selections Available

Both Valspar 2000 and Valspar Ultra come in a wide range of pre-mixed color choices. Valspar 2000 is available in several thousand different hues. Valspar Ultra has a smaller color selection geared toward traditional exterior color schemes.

In addition to an extensive selection of stock colors, Valspar paints can also be custom-tinted. So even if you don’t see the perfect shade already mixed, the paint counter employee can create the exact color you want by adding tinting pigments to a base white paint. This allows for nearly unlimited color possibilities.

Valspar offers two interior base paints that can be tinted to any color for the 2000 line:

• Pastel Base: For lighter, more delicate colors
• Deep/Accent Base: Provides better hide for deeper shades

There are two exterior tintable bases within the Ultra line:

• Latex Base: Standard exterior paint base for most colors
• Deep Tone Base: For adding more saturated, opaque pigments

No matter what look you’re going for, Valspar provides extensive color options across different paint lines. The huge stock selection plus custom tinting abilities allow you to easily nail down your perfect shade.

Price and Cost Comparison

When comparing Valspar 2000 vs. Valspar Ultra, price is sure to be a factor in your decision. Here’s an overview of what to expect cost-wise with each line:

• Valspar 2000: Approximately $25-35 per gallon. Promoted as Valspar’s “best value” interior paint.
• Valspar Ultra: Around $35-50 per gallon. Billed as “best-in-class” exterior paint that’s affordably priced.

Keep in mind that pricing can vary based on your location, sheen selection, and current sales.

However, expect to spend $10-15 more per gallon for Valspar Ultra compared to Valspar 2000.

While Valspar Ultra costs a bit more up front, keep in mind that it will likely last significantly longer than Valspar 2000.

The greater durability and longevity of Ultra may make it more cost-effective in the long run for exterior surfaces.

But if you’re painting several interior rooms on a budget, Valspar 2000 provides quality results without breaking the bank. Just don’t expect it to last as long as more premium interior paints with the added polymers and resins.

Interior vs. Exterior Formulation

At a high level, the key formulation difference between Valspar 2000 and Valspar Ultra comes down to interior latex vs. exterior acrylic resins:

• Valspar 2000: Relies on vinyl acrylic latex polymers for interior use. Provides decent durability on walls and ceilings inside the home.
• Valspar Ultra: Utilizes 100% acrylic latex resins that are thicker and optimized for outdoor use. Far more resistant to sun, moisture, changing temps, and weathering.

Both are water-based formulas ideal for use by DIYers thanks to easy soap-and-water cleanup. But Valspar Ultra contains more advanced resins, polymers, and additives that give exterior paint its protective properties.

These help it maintain color and sheen much longer than interior-grade paints like Valspar 2000 when exposed to the elements.

So for interior walls, ceilings, and trim, Valspar 2000 should perform just fine under normal indoor conditions. But for siding, decks, shutters, fences, and other exterior surfaces, Valspar Ultra is the better choice for long-lasting, durable results.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Closing Remarks

In summary, Valspar 2000 is an affordable, quality interior paint that provides decent durability and stain resistance for walls, trim, and ceilings inside the home.

On the other hand, Valspar Ultra is specially formulated with advanced 100% acrylic resins for superior protection on exterior surfaces. It maintains its color and sheen much longer than interior paints when exposed to sun, rain, and weather.

While Valspar Ultra costs a bit more upfront, its longevity makes it a great value for exterior painting projects. For interior rooms, Valspar 2000 offers excellent performance for the money.

So in choosing between the two, consider Valspar 2000 for interior house painting and Valspar Ultra for exterior surfaces. Both offer quality results at reasonable price points. Just match the paint’s formula to the intended application.