I’ve painted enough walls in my life to know that not all paints are created equal, and Valspar Signature paint is one that stands out. If you’re looking for a paint that delivers vibrant colors, durability, and a smooth finish without breaking the bank, this is the one to grab.
It’s perfect for DIY enthusiasts like me or anyone tackling a home refresh. With its low-VOC formula and easy application, it’s a no-brainer for transforming your space. Trust me, you’ll want this paint in your cart before you start your next project.
My Experience With Valspar Signature Paint
I remember the first time I used Valspar Signature paint—it was for my living room, a space that desperately needed a refresh.
The walls were a dull, faded beige, and I wanted something bold yet cozy, so I picked a deep teal from their color palette.
Walking into Lowe’s, I was drawn to the Valspar Signature display because of its promise of a paint-and-primer combo, which sounded like a time-saver.
I grabbed a gallon, some brushes, and a roller, and headed home, excited but a little skeptical about whether it would live up to the hype.
The first thing I noticed was how easy it was to work with. The paint had a creamy, thick consistency that didn’t drip all over my floor (a win for someone as clumsy as me). I didn’t need to be a pro to get a smooth coat—my brush strokes disappeared as the paint leveled out beautifully.
It covered my old beige walls in just one coat for most areas, though I did a second coat in high-traffic spots for extra durability. The color popped immediately, giving my living room a fresh, modern vibe that made me feel like I’d hired a professional.
What impressed me most was how forgiving it was. I’m no painting expert, and I made a few mistakes—like getting paint on my trim—but it wiped off easily with a damp cloth before it dried. The low-VOC formula was a game-changer too; there was barely any smell, so I didn’t have to air out the house for days.
By the end of the weekend, my living room was transformed, and I felt like I’d unlocked a new DIY superpower. Since then, I’ve used Valspar Signature for my bedroom and even my kitchen cabinets, and it’s never let me down. It’s become my go-to for any painting project, big or small.
Pros of Valspar Signature Paint
- Vibrant and Fade-Resistant Colors
One of the best things about Valspar Signature is its color payoff.
When I painted my living room that deep teal, the shade was exactly what I saw on the swatch—no surprises.
Valspar boasts a wide range of rich, fade-resistant colors, so your walls stay vibrant for years.
I’ve had my teal wall for two years now, and it still looks as fresh as the day I painted it, even with sunlight streaming in daily.
Whether you’re going for a bold accent wall or a soft neutral, the colors hold up beautifully.
- Excellent Durability
This paint is built to last. Valspar Signature is designed to handle the wear and tear of everyday life, which is perfect if you’ve got kids, pets, or just a busy household like mine. My kitchen walls, which get splashed with everything from pasta sauce to coffee, have stayed pristine with just a quick wipe-down.
The paint’s tough finish resists scuffs and stains, making it ideal for high-traffic areas like hallways or living rooms. I’ve even used it on trim, and it’s held up against constant bumps from furniture.
- Easy Application
If you’re not a painting pro, don’t worry—Valspar Signature makes you feel like one. Its paint-and-primer formula glides on smoothly, whether you’re using a brush or roller. I found it easy to control, with minimal splatter and no need for multiple coats in most cases.
Even on textured walls, it covered evenly without leaving streaks. For someone like me who’s more enthusiastic than skilled, this was a huge plus. It’s forgiving enough for beginners but delivers results that look polished.
- Low-VOC Formula
I can’t stand the smell of paint that lingers for days, so the low-VOC formula of Valspar Signature was a lifesaver. It’s better for indoor air quality, which matters if you’re painting a nursery or a small apartment like I was.
I painted my bedroom and slept in it the same night without a headache or stuffy nose. It’s eco-friendly without sacrificing quality, which is a win-win in my book. If you’re sensitive to smells or just want a greener option, this paint delivers.
- Cost-Effective Value
Let’s talk money—you get a lot of bang for your buck with Valspar Signature. Compared to premium brands like Sherwin-Williams, it’s more budget-friendly without skimping on quality.
A gallon typically costs less than high-end competitors, yet it performs just as well in terms of coverage and durability.
For my 400-square-foot living room, one gallon was enough for two coats, saving me from buying extra. If you’re tackling a big project on a budget, this paint gives you professional results without the hefty price tag.
Not-So-Good Parts of Valspar Signature Paint
- May Require Two Coats for Full Coverage
While Valspar Signature’s paint-and-primer combo is great, it doesn’t always deliver one-coat coverage, especially with darker or bolder colors.
When I painted my kitchen a deep red, I needed two coats to fully cover the previous light gray.
It wasn’t a dealbreaker, but it meant more time and effort than I expected.
If you’re covering a light wall with a similar shade, you might get away with one coat, but don’t bank on it for dramatic color changes.
- Limited Sheen Options
Valspar Signature offers a few sheen options—flat, eggshell, satin, and semi-gloss—but it’s not as extensive as some competitors. I wanted a high-gloss finish for my bathroom to make it easier to clean, but I had to settle for semi-gloss, which wasn’t quite what I envisioned.
If you’re picky about sheen or need something specific like a matte finish for a modern look, you might feel a bit limited. Other brands like Behr offer a broader range of finishes, which could be a factor for some projects.
- Availability Mostly at Lowe’s
One downside is that Valspar Signature is primarily sold at Lowe’s, which can be inconvenient if you don’t have one nearby. I’m lucky to live close to a Lowe’s, but I’ve had friends who had to drive out of their way or order online, which adds time and cost.
Unlike Sherwin-Williams or Behr, which have wider distribution, you’re tied to Lowe’s for in-store purchases. It’s not a huge issue, but it’s something to consider if you prefer shopping around.
Tips For Valspar Signature Paint
- Regular Dusting and Cleaning
To keep your Valspar Signature-painted walls looking fresh, a little regular upkeep goes a long way. I dust my walls every couple of months with a microfiber cloth to prevent dirt buildup, especially in high-traffic areas like my hallway.
For smudges or stains, a damp sponge with mild soap works wonders—just don’t scrub too hard to avoid damaging the finish. I’ve found that cleaning small spots right away prevents them from setting in, keeping my walls pristine without much effort.
- Touch-Up as Needed
One thing I love about Valspar Signature is how easy it is to touch up. I keep a small can of leftover paint for quick fixes, like when my dog scratched the wall or I nicked a corner moving furniture. Use a small brush and feather the paint lightly to blend it with the existing coat.
I’ve done this on my living room wall, and you can’t even tell where the touch-up is. Make sure to store your paint in a cool, dry place so it’s ready when you need it.
- Protect High-Traffic Areas
In busy spots like kitchens or kids’ rooms, add extra protection to your Valspar Signature paint. I applied a clear, water-based sealant over my kitchen walls to make them even more resistant to stains and splashes.
You can also use painter’s tape to create a barrier around baseboards or trim during heavy use, like when hosting a party. This extra step has saved my walls from scuffs and kept them looking new longer.
- Avoid Harsh Chemicals
When cleaning your painted surfaces, stick to gentle cleaners. I learned the hard way that abrasive cleaners can dull the finish—my bathroom semi-gloss lost a bit of shine after I used a harsh scrub. Stick to mild dish soap and water or a cleaner specifically designed for painted walls.
Test any new cleaner on a small, hidden area first to make sure it won’t damage the paint. This simple habit keeps your walls vibrant and intact.
- Repaint Strategically
Valspar Signature is durable, but after 5-7 years, you might want to refresh your walls, especially in high-traffic areas. I’m planning to repaint my kitchen soon, as it’s starting to show faint wear near the stove.
Before repainting, clean the walls thoroughly and sand lightly to ensure the new coat adheres well. You don’t need to repaint the whole room—just focus on worn areas to save time and money. With Valspar’s consistent color matching, your touch-ups will blend seamlessly.
Comparison of Valspar Signature Paint With Other Brands
I’ve rolled up my sleeves and painted with a few brands over the years, so let’s put Valspar Signature head-to-head with Glidden Paint, Pittsburgh Ultra Paint, and PPG Diamond Paint.
Each has its strengths, but I’ll break down how Valspar Signature stacks up in terms of coverage, durability, application, and value. Here’s my take from a DIYer’s perspective, so you can decide which paint suits your next project.
- Valspar Signature Vs. Glidden Paint
Glidden Paint, another Lowe’s staple, is a budget-friendly option I tried for my guest bedroom.
It’s affordable, often cheaper than Valspar Signature by a few bucks per gallon, which is tempting if you’re pinching pennies.
However, when I painted a soft gray over a white wall, Glidden required two solid coats to hide the base color completely, whereas Valspar Signature often gets the job done in one for similar shades.
Glidden’s coverage felt patchy on my textured walls, and I had to work harder to smooth out brush marks.
Durability is where Valspar Signature pulls ahead. My guest room walls, painted with Glidden, showed scuffs after a year of occasional furniture bumps. In contrast, my Valspar-painted kitchen walls shrug off spills and smudges with a quick wipe.
Glidden’s low-VOC formula is decent, but its finish feels less robust, especially in high-traffic areas. Application-wise, both are beginner-friendly, but Valspar’s creamy consistency is easier to control, reducing drips.
If you’re on a tight budget, Glidden’s fine for low-traffic rooms, but Valspar Signature offers better longevity and coverage for a slightly higher price.
- Valspar Signature Vs. Pittsburgh Ultra Paint
Pittsburgh Ultra Paint, available at Menards, is another contender I used for my home office. It’s priced similarly to Valspar Signature, making it a direct competitor for DIYers like me.
When I painted my office a warm beige, Pittsburgh Ultra’s coverage was impressive—it hid the previous green walls in one coat for most areas, matching Valspar Signature’s performance on lighter color transitions.
However, its thicker formula felt a bit gummy, making it trickier to apply smoothly on my textured drywall. Valspar Signature’s smoother flow gave me a more polished finish with less effort.
In terms of durability, Pittsburgh Ultra holds up well but doesn’t quite match Valspar Signature’s stain resistance. My office walls, exposed to minimal wear, look fine, but in my kitchen, Valspar Signature better handled splashes and grease.
Both paints have low-VOC formulas, which I appreciate for indoor projects, but Pittsburgh Ultra had a slightly stronger odor that lingered for a day longer than Valspar. Value-wise, they’re neck-and-neck, but Valspar Signature’s ease of application and vibrant color payoff tip the scale for me.
If you’re near a Menards, Pittsburgh Ultra is solid, but Valspar Signature feels more forgiving for non-pros.
- Valspar Signature Vs. PPG Diamond Paint
PPG Diamond Paint, also sold at Lowe’s, is a step up in price from Valspar Signature, so I had high expectations when I used it for my dining room. Its paint-and-primer formula promised stellar coverage, and it delivered—covering a bold red wall with a light blue in one coat, a feat Valspar Signature struggled with for darker shades.
However, PPG Diamond’s thicker texture made it harder to spread evenly, and I noticed more roller marks than with Valspar’s smoother formula. If you’re a beginner, Valspar Signature is easier to work with for a flawless finish.
Durability is a close call. PPG Diamond’s tough, scrubbable finish rivals Valspar Signature’s, and both handled my dining room’s occasional spills well.
However, Valspar Signature’s color retention impressed me more—my teal living room still pops after two years, while PPG Diamond’s blue showed slight fading in sunny spots. PPG Diamond offers more sheen options, including a true matte, which I missed with Valspar’s limited range.
Price-wise, PPG Diamond costs more, and for the slight edge in coverage, I’m not sure it’s worth it. Valspar Signature gives you nearly the same quality for less, making it my pick for most home projects.
In summary, Valspar Signature holds its own against Glidden, Pittsburgh Ultra, and PPG Diamond. It’s not the cheapest (Glidden wins there) or the absolute best for one-coat coverage (PPG Diamond takes that crown), but its balance of ease, durability, and vibrant colors makes it a standout.
For DIYers like you and me, it’s a reliable choice that delivers professional results without draining your wallet.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Yes, it’s fantastic for most home projects! I’ve used it in multiple rooms, and it delivers vibrant colors, solid durability, and easy application. The paint-and-primer combo saves time, and its low-VOC formula means less odor. While it may need two coats for bold colors, the results are worth it. It’s a reliable choice for DIYers who want quality without a premium price tag.
Valspar Signature is a strong contender but doesn’t quite match Sherwin-Williams’ premium lines like Emerald in terms of one-coat coverage or sheen variety. I found Sherwin-Williams slightly more durable in extreme conditions, but Valspar Signature offers comparable quality for everyday use at a lower cost. If budget matters, Valspar’s a great alternative; for high-end projects, Sherwin-Williams might edge out.
Absolutely. Valspar Signature is durable, easy to clean, and delivers vibrant, fade-resistant colors. I’ve used it on walls and cabinets, and it holds up well against scuffs, stains, and daily wear. Its low-VOC formula is a bonus for indoor use. While it may not be the absolute top-tier like some premium brands, it’s a high-quality option for most home projects.
It depends on your needs. Valspar Signature is easier to apply with its creamy consistency and offers vibrant colors and solid durability. I found it outperformed Behr Marquee in my kitchen for stain resistance. However, Behr has more sheen options and a slightly thicker formula, which some prefer. Both are great, but I lean toward Valspar for its balance of ease and performance.
Why Valspar Signature Paint Is Worth Your Money?
After painting multiple rooms with Valspar Signature, I can confidently say it’s a game-changer for DIYers. Its vibrant colors, durability, and easy application make it a standout, and the low-VOC formula is perfect for any home.
Whether you’re refreshing a bedroom or tackling a kitchen, this paint delivers professional results without the hefty price. Grab a can at Lowe’s and transform your space—you won’t regret it.