Top 10 Best Interior Paints in Australia 2025

As a professional painter with over 15 years of experience and the founder of Shine Coating—Bendigo’s Best Painters 2023—I’ve had my hands on just about every paint tin available in Australia.

When homeowners ask me which interior paint they should choose, there’s never a one-size-fits-all answer. The “best” paint depends on your specific needs, the room you’re painting, and what matters most to you—whether that’s durability, eco-friendliness, or getting the most bang for your buck.

In this comprehensive guide, I’ll share my professional insights on Australia’s top interior paints for 2025, helping you make an informed decision for your next home painting project.

What Makes a Great Interior Paint?

Before diving into specific brands, let’s talk about what separates an average paint from a truly exceptional one:

• Coverage: How many coats will you need for an even finish?
• Durability: Will it stand up to cleaning, scuffs, and daily life?
• Application: How smoothly does it go on and level out?
• Colour retention: Will it keep its vibrant look for years?
• Specific features: Mould resistance, low VOCs, washability, etc.

As a tradie who’s applied thousands of litres of paint across Victorian homes, I can tell you that investing in quality paint pays off. While premium paints might cost more upfront, they typically last longer, apply easier, and provide better coverage—often meaning less paint used overall and better long-term value.

Australia’s Top 10 Interior Paint Brands for 2025

After testing countless formulations and applying them in hundreds of homes across Bendigo and Victoria, I’ve compiled this definitive list of Australia’s best interior paints for 2025.

These rankings consider not just my professional assessment of each brand’s performance, but also feedback from homeowners about their satisfaction months and years after project completion.

Each brand offers something unique to the Australian market, with strengths that make them suited to different situations and requirements. Let’s dive into what makes each one stand out:

1. Dulux

• Best for: High-traffic areas and extensive colour selection
• Price range: Premium

As the market leader in Australian paints, Dulux consistently delivers exceptional quality. Their Wash & Wear range is my go-to recommendation for busy family homes where walls need to withstand daily knocks and cleaning.

The standout feature of Dulux is their unmatched colour range—with over 4,800 options, you’re spoilt for choice. Their Colour Atlas is the most comprehensive on the market, making it perfect for homeowners who are particular about getting the exact shade they envision.

Pro tip: For kitchens and living areas that see plenty of traffic, Dulux Wash & Wear +PLUS Super Hide Low Sheen offers outstanding stain resistance and washability. It’s worth the extra investment.

2. Taubmans

• Best for: Moisture-prone areas and eco-conscious homeowners
• Price range: Mid to premium

Taubmans has earned its reputation through consistent innovation and quality. Their Endure Interior range is exceptional for bathrooms and kitchens thanks to its Nanoguard® Technology, which creates a tight film that helps prevent stains from penetrating.

What really sets Taubmans apart is their commitment to environmentally friendly options. Their low-VOC paints are ideal for families concerned about indoor air quality, especially in children’s bedrooms and living spaces.

Pro tip: Taubmans Endure Kitchen & Bathroom is specifically formulated with mould protection—crucial for Bendigo’s varying climate conditions where moisture can become an issue.

3. Haymes

• Best for: Overall satisfaction and value for money
• Price range: Mid-range

As a proudly Australian-owned and family-run business since 1935, Haymes holds a special place in my heart. In my professional experience, their paints consistently deliver excellent coverage and a beautiful finish.

Their Ultra Premium range offers a smooth, even finish with excellent durability, while the Expressions Interior range is exceptional for its coverage—often requiring only a single coat for lighter colours.

Haymes has consistently topped Canstar Blue’s ratings for overall satisfaction, which aligns perfectly with my experience recommending them to clients across Bendigo.

Pro tip: For rentals or investment properties where you want quality without breaking the bank, Haymes offers exceptional bang for your buck.

4. Wattyl

• Best for: Durability and long-lasting finishes
• Price range: Mid to premium

With over a century of Australian heritage, Wattyl knows our unique climate and housing styles. Their Interior Design i.d. range offers low VOC options with excellent coverage and a smooth finish.

What impresses me most about Wattyl is the durability of their finishes. I’ve returned to homes years after painting them with Wattyl products to find walls still looking fresh—a testament to their quality.

Pro tip: Wattyl I.D. Advanced Low Sheen provides great performance for everyday living spaces at a more accessible price point than some premium competitors.

5. British Paints

• Best for: Budget-conscious DIYers
• Price range: Affordable

British Paints has become a go-to for many Aussie DIYers thanks to its wide availability through Bunnings and reasonable price point. Their Clean & Protect range offers impressive stain resistance and antibacterial properties at a competitive price.

While I typically recommend premium paints for long-term value, British Paints represents a solid option for those working with tighter budgets or for spaces that may need repainting more frequently, such as rental properties.

Pro tip: Their Paint & Prime range can be a time-saver for straightforward projects where convenience matters.

6. Ecolour

• Best for: Zero-VOC requirements and environmental concerns
• Price range: Mid-range

As health and environmental awareness grows, Ecolour has positioned itself as Australia’s leading zero-VOC paint manufacturer. What makes this brand special is its commitment to being completely free of harmful volatile organic compounds without compromising on quality.

For families with asthma, allergies, or chemical sensitivities, Ecolour provides peace of mind. I’ve used their products in homes with newborns and for clients with respiratory conditions with excellent results.

Pro tip: Their quick drying time means you can often complete a room in a day and move furniture back sooner than with conventional paints.

7. Porter’s Paints

• Best for: Specialty finishes and decorative effects
• Price range: Premium

When clients want something truly unique, Porter’s Paints delivers. Their specialty finishes like limewash, chalk paint, and French wash create distinctive textured surfaces that add character to any space.

While their products often require specific application techniques, the results are worth it for homeowners seeking a bespoke, artisanal finish. As part of the Dulux Group, they maintain high standards while offering something different from conventional paints.

Pro tip: Consider Porter’s for feature walls or heritage properties where you want to create a talking point.

8. Resene

• Best for: Scrubbing resistance and innovative solutions
• Price range: Mid-range

This New Zealand-based brand has been gaining popularity in Australia, and for good reason. Their Zylone Sheen was rated by Choice as having the best scrubbing resistance among tested interior wall paints in Australia—making it perfect for family homes.

Resene offers an impressive colour range and innovative paint solutions that work well for both DIYers and professional painters like myself.

Pro tip: Resene’s testpot system makes it easy to try colours in your space before committing to full tins.

9. Tint

• Best for: Sustainability and direct-to-consumer convenience
• Price range: Mid-range

As a relatively new entrant to the Australian market, Tint is disrupting the traditional paint retail model with their direct-to-consumer approach. Their curated colour selection simplifies the often overwhelming process of colour selection.

What impresses me about Tint is their commitment to sustainability with low odour formulations and recyclable packaging. Their lifetime warranty demonstrates confidence in their product quality.

Pro tip: Their sample swatches are adhesive and repositionable, making it much easier to visualise colours in different lighting conditions throughout your home.

10. Norglass

• Best for: Trim work and high-gloss finishes
• Price range: Mid-range

While less known to the general public, Norglass is highly regarded among professional painters for trim work. Their products deliver exceptional results for feature trims, doors, and architectural details.

A key advantage is their availability in smaller tins, perfect for smaller projects or detail work where you don’t need full-sized cans.

Pro tip: For a bright, reflective finish on doors and trims that will stand up to high traffic, Norglass offers professional-quality results.

Choosing the Right Paint for Your Needs

Now that we’ve explored the top brands available in Australia for 2025, you might be wondering which specific paint is right for your particular project. The truth is, even within these excellent brands, certain product lines are better suited for specific applications than others.

Let me break down my recommendations based on the most common scenarios I encounter with my clients. Whether you’re prioritising longevity, working within a tight budget, or addressing specific room requirements, these targeted suggestions will help you narrow down your options:

For Best Quality and Longevity

If you’re after the absolute best quality and don’t mind paying a premium for it, these are my top recommendations based on years of professional application:

• Dulux Wash & Wear +PLUS Super Hide Low Sheen – Exceptional stain resistance and a beautiful finish that stands the test of time.
• Haymes Ultra Premium – Consistently delivers a smooth, even finish with excellent durability.
• Taubmans Endure Interior Walls – Their lifetime guarantee speaks volumes about their confidence in this product.
• Resene Zylone Sheen – Superior scrubbing resistance makes it perfect for busy family homes.

For Budget-Friendly Quality

Working within a tighter budget doesn’t mean you have to compromise completely on quality:

• Wattyl I.D. Advanced Low Sheen – Delivers decent performance for moderate-wear rooms at a more accessible price point.
• British Paints Clean & Protect – Good value for money with impressive stain resistance.
• Taubmans Easycoat – Budget-friendly with the added benefit of very low VOC content.

For Specific Room Requirements

Beyond general quality and budget considerations, each room in your home presents unique challenges that call for specialized paint solutions.

Let me share my room-by-room recommendations based on the specific challenges each area presents, drawn from years of experience painting homes throughout the Bendigo region:

Kitchens and Bathrooms

These high-moisture areas need special consideration:

• Taubmans Endure Kitchen and Bathroom – Specifically formulated to resist moisture and prevent mould growth.
• Dulux Wash & Wear Kitchen & Bathroom – Provides excellent moisture resistance and washability.
• Haymes Expressions Interior – Comes with a 7-year guarantee against mould and mildew.

Living Areas and Hallways

These high-traffic zones need durability and washability:

• Dulux Wash & Wear – The gold standard for high-traffic areas with excellent scuff resistance.
• Taubmans Endure – Stands up exceptionally well to wear and tear.
• Resene Zylone Sheen – Outstanding scrubbing resistance for areas that need frequent cleaning.

Bedrooms and Low-Traffic Areas

Where aesthetics might be prioritised over extreme durability:

• Haymes Ultra Premium – Beautiful finish with good coverage.
• Dulux UltraAir – Low odour and low chemical emissions for better sleep environments.
• Ecolour Living Interior Paint – Zero VOCs for healthier sleeping environments.

Ceilings

The often-overlooked fifth wall needs specific consideration:

• Dulux Ceiling White – High opacity for excellent coverage.
• Taubmans Easycoat Ceiling – Budget-friendly with good coverage.
• Haymes Ceiling White – Low splatter formula for easier application.

Understanding Paint Finishes

Choosing the right finish (or sheen level) is just as important as selecting the right brand:

• Flat/Matte – No shine, hides imperfections well, ideal for ceilings and low-traffic areas.
• Low Sheen – Slight sheen, good balance between hiding imperfections and washability, perfect for living areas.
• Satin – Soft sheen, more durable and washable than low sheen, great for hallways and kids’ rooms.
• Semi-Gloss – Noticeable shine, highly durable and washable, ideal for trims, doors, and wet areas.
• Gloss – Highest shine, extremely durable, best for trims, doors, and features that need to stand out.

As a professional painter, I generally recommend low sheen for most walls, semi-gloss for wet areas, and gloss for trims and doors. This combination provides the best balance of appearance and performance for most Australian homes.

The Importance of Preparation

As any professional painter will tell you, the secret to a flawless finish isn’t just about the paint—it’s about preparation. Even the best paint will disappoint if applied to poorly prepared surfaces.

Before painting, always:

1. Clean walls thoroughly to remove dust, grease, and contaminants
2. Repair any cracks or damage with appropriate fillers
3. Sand surfaces to create a smooth base
4. Apply appropriate primers for new surfaces or significant colour changes
5. Use quality tools – good brushes and rollers make a noticeable difference

At Shine Coating, we spend almost as much time on preparation as we do on painting—it’s that important for achieving a professional finish that lasts.

The VOC Consideration

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are chemicals that evaporate at room temperature and can contribute to indoor air pollution. Traditional paints often contain high levels of VOCs, which create that distinctive “paint smell” and can cause headaches, dizziness, and respiratory issues.

Low-VOC and zero-VOC paints have improved dramatically in recent years. Brands like Ecolour specialise in zero-VOC formulations, while most major manufacturers now offer low-VOC options:

• Ecolour – Completely zero VOC across their entire range
• Dulux UltraAir – Low odour and chemical emissions
• Taubmans Easycoat – Very low VOC with mould and mildew protection
• Wattyl Interior Design i.d. – Low VOC options available

For families with young children, the elderly, or those with respiratory conditions, I strongly recommend choosing low or zero VOC options. The slight premium is well worth the health benefits.

Finding Professional Painters in Bendigo

While some homeowners enjoy DIY painting, others prefer to bring in professionals for a flawless finish. If you’re looking for expert painters in Bendigo, here are some tips:

1. Check reviews and testimonials on Google, Airtasker, and Yellow Pages
2. Ask for references and examples of previous work
3. Get multiple quotes to compare pricing and services
4. Ensure they’re properly insured with public liability coverage
5. Communicate clearly about your expectations and timeline

At Shine Coating, we’re proud to have been recognised as Bendigo’s Best Painters 2023. Our team specialises in both residential and commercial painting, with a focus on premium finishes and lasting results.

Conclusion: Making Your Final Decision

Choosing the right interior paint comes down to balancing several factors:

• The specific needs of each room
• Your budget constraints
• Durability requirements
• Environmental and health considerations
• Aesthetic preferences

For most Australian homes, investing in quality paint from established brands like Dulux, Taubmans, Haymes, or Wattyl will provide the best long-term value. Their premium lines offer superior coverage, durability, and finish that typically justify the higher initial cost.

For more budget-conscious projects, brands like British Paints and Wattyl’s more affordable lines offer decent performance at a lower price point.

And for those prioritising environmental and health considerations, Ecolour and the low-VOC options from major manufacturers provide excellent alternatives without compromising on quality.

Remember—the right paint, properly applied to well-prepared surfaces, can transform your home and provide years of enjoyment. Whether you’re tackling a DIY project or bringing in professionals like our team at Shine Coating, understanding your options is the first step toward a successful painting project.

Need professional advice or painting services in Bendigo? Contact our award-winning team at Shine Coating for a consultation and free quote on your next interior painting project.