Valspar Reserve, a premium interior paint and primer from the Sherwin-Williams family, is marketed as a one-coat, stain-blocking solution with exceptional durability and washability1. It is available exclusively at Lowe’s and comes in a variety of colors and sheens. This comprehensive review will delve into the features, benefits, and drawbacks of Valspar Reserve paint, drawing on product descriptions, customer reviews, and independent analyses.
Where to Buy Valspar Reserve
Valspar Reserve paint is sold exclusively at Lowe’s stores and online2. You can find a Lowe’s store near you by visiting the Valspar website or the Lowe’s website4. Lowe’s offers various purchasing options, including in-store pickup, curbside pickup, and delivery2. For added convenience, Lowe’s also offers a Project Kit that includes Valspar Signature Interior Paint + Primer (two gallons) and a 6-piece applicator kit2.
Product Features and Benefits
Valspar Reserve is a high-quality interior paint designed to provide a long-lasting and durable finish. It offers a unique combination of features, including:
- One-Coat Coverage: Valspar Reserve is formulated to provide excellent coverage with a single coat, saving time and effort3. However, it’s important to note that achieving true one-coat coverage may depend on the color, surface, and application technique. In some cases, two coats may be necessary, especially when painting over lighter colors.
- Color Stays True Longer: The paint is designed to resist fading, ensuring that your chosen color remains vibrant over time5.
- Premium Stain-Blocking Formula: Valspar Reserve includes a stain-blocking primer, preventing bleed-through from previous colors or underlying stains3.
- Ultra-Rich, Fade-Resistant Color: The paint is available in a wide array of colors, offering a rich and luxurious finish3.
- Remarkable Hide and Coverage: Valspar Reserve is formulated to effectively hide imperfections and provide a smooth, even surface3.
- Scratch, Scuff, and Stain Resistant: The paint’s durable finish is designed to withstand everyday wear and tear, making it suitable for high-traffic areas5.
- Thick Consistency: Valspar Reserve has a noticeably thick, almost “goopy” consistency6. This unique characteristic contributes to its excellent coverage and helps minimize dripping during application. However, it also requires careful cleaning of brushes and rollers after use7.
- Mildew-Resistant Finish: Valspar Reserve contains additives that inhibit the growth of mildew, making it suitable for use in bathrooms and other moisture-prone areas5.
- 100% Acrylic: The paint’s 100% acrylic formula provides excellent adhesion, durability, and washability3.
- GREENGUARD Gold Certified: Valspar Reserve is certified for low chemical emissions, contributing to a healthier indoor environment5.
- LEED v4 and v4.1 Credits: This paint contributes towards credits for LEED v4 and v4.1, further enhancing its environmental friendliness5.
- Lifetime Limited Warranty: Valspar offers a lifetime limited warranty on Reserve paint, providing peace of mind and assurance of quality5.
Sheens and Colors
Valspar Reserve is available in a wide array of colors and four sheens: 3
| Sheen | Description | Suitable Rooms |
|---|---|---|
| Eggshell | Soft, low-sheen velvety finish with a slight shine; can be easily wiped down | Bedrooms, Family Rooms, Hallways |
| Flat | Non-reflective finish ideal for low-traffic areas | Master Bedrooms, Formal Dining Rooms |
| Satin | Soft luster that can be scrubbed clean; ideal for high-traffic areas and moisture-prone rooms | Kitchens, Bathrooms, Kid’s Spaces |
| Semi-gloss | Shiny, mildly reflective sheen with high durability | Kitchens, Bathrooms, Doors & Trim, Kid’s Spaces |
Application and Drying
Valspar Reserve paint has a few key characteristics that affect its application and drying time:
- Thick Consistency: As mentioned earlier, the paint’s thick consistency can make it easier to apply and minimize dripping6.
- Quick Drying Time: Valspar Reserve dries relatively quickly, typically within 30 minutes to an hour8. This allows for faster project completion and reduces the risk of smudging or damage.
- Working Temperature: For optimal results, apply Valspar Reserve paint when the temperature is between 50°F and 90°F5.
Customer Reviews and Ratings
Customer reviews of Valspar Reserve paint are generally positive, with many users praising its coverage, durability, and washability7. Some reviewers have noted that the paint’s thick consistency makes it easy to apply and minimizes dripping6. Others have highlighted its self-priming capabilities and excellent touch-up properties7.
However, some negative reviews have also surfaced, highlighting the variability of individual experiences. Some users have reported issues with coverage, finding that the “one-coat guarantee” is not always accurate9. Others have complained about the paint’s strong odor and difficulty in cleaning brushes and rollers9.
One homeowner shared their positive experience with Valspar Reserve, describing how impressed they were with the paint’s coverage and ease of application. They even recounted a delightful anecdote of their family singing “Oh, What a Beautiful Morning!” upon seeing the freshly painted dining room8.
On the other hand, some reviewers expressed disappointment with the paint’s performance. One user described the paint as “runny” and requiring multiple coats despite their efforts to apply it heavily9. This conflicting feedback emphasizes the importance of proper surface preparation and application technique to achieve optimal results with Valspar Reserve.
To summarize the pros and cons based on customer feedback:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Excellent coverage (in many cases) | Inconsistent coverage reported by some users |
| Durable and washable finish | Strong odor noted by some |
| Easy to apply (thick consistency) | Difficulty cleaning brushes and rollers |
| Self-priming capabilities | |
| Excellent touch-up properties |
Independent Analyses
Independent analyses of Valspar Reserve paint provide further insights into its performance. One review highlighted the paint’s excellent washability and durability, noting that it withstood rigorous scrubbing tests without damage7. However, the reviewer also pointed out that the paint has a slightly rough texture, which may not be appealing to all users7.
Another analysis focused on the paint’s coverage and self-priming capabilities10. While the reviewer acknowledged that one-coat coverage was achievable in some cases, they found that two coats were generally necessary for optimal results10. They also confirmed the paint’s self-priming properties, noting that it performed well over spackled areas10.
Having examined the features and performance of Valspar Reserve, let’s now recap where you can purchase it.
Tips and Tricks
Here are a few tips and tricks to help you achieve the best results with Valspar Reserve paint:
- Paint the Trim First: For cleaner lines between the walls and trim, consider painting the trim first. Allow the trim paint to slightly overlap onto the walls. Once the trim paint is dry, tape it off and then paint the walls. This technique helps create a sharper, more professional look8.
- Clean Brushes and Rollers Thoroughly: Due to the thick consistency and self-priming properties of Valspar Reserve, it’s crucial to clean your brushes and rollers thoroughly after use8. Use warm, soapy water and ensure that all paint residue is removed from the bristles to prevent the brush from becoming stiff and unusable.
Conclusion
Valspar Reserve is a premium interior paint that offers a compelling combination of features and benefits. Its standout qualities include its potential for one-coat coverage, stain resistance, exceptional durability, and washability. While some users have reported inconsistencies in coverage and a strong odor, the overall consensus from customer reviews and independent analyses suggests that Valspar Reserve is a high-quality paint capable of delivering impressive results.
It’s important to acknowledge the conflicting information regarding one-coat coverage. While it may not always be achievable, especially on lighter backgrounds or with certain colors, the paint’s overall performance in terms of durability and washability makes it a strong contender for high-traffic areas or homes with children and pets.
The paint’s unique, thick consistency contributes to its ease of application and minimizes dripping, but it also necessitates thorough cleaning of brushes and rollers. This characteristic, along with its self-priming capabilities and excellent touch-up properties, makes Valspar Reserve a versatile option for various interior painting projects.
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to use Valspar Reserve depends on your specific needs and priorities. If you’re seeking a durable, washable, and high-performing paint and are willing to take the necessary steps to ensure proper application and cleanup, Valspar Reserve is well worth considering for your next interior painting endeavor.