PPG UltraLast Interior Paint Review: Why It Changed Everything

After years of using various premium interior paints, I made a switch that transformed how we approach wall painting at Rock's Painting. PPG UltraLast has become our go-to interior wall paint for projects across Johnson City, Kingsport, Bristol, and the surrounding areas. Here is why.

The Automotive Technology Difference

PPG is not just a paint company. They are a massive coatings manufacturer that supplies the automotive industry. UltraLast benefits from technology originally developed for cars: a cross-linking polymer system that creates an exceptionally durable and cleanable film.

What does this mean in practice? UltraLast walls can be scrubbed. Not just wiped gently with a damp cloth like the instructions on most paints suggest, but actually scrubbed with household cleaners without burnishing, marring, or leaving shiny spots.

Coverage That Actually Works

Every paint manufacturer claims excellent coverage. Most are exaggerating. UltraLast actually delivers.

On properly primed and prepared surfaces, we consistently achieve full coverage in a single coat with UltraLast. Not always, and proper technique matters, but one-coat coverage happens regularly enough that we factor it into our estimates. This is unusual for any paint, especially at this quality level.

Even on color changes, such as going from a dark accent wall to a light neutral, two coats typically achieves complete coverage. With lesser paints, three or even four coats might be necessary for the same transition.

Why Coverage Matters

Better coverage translates directly to lower labor costs. Paint is a relatively small portion of a project's expense. Labor dominates. A paint that covers in one or two coats instead of two or three saves significant time and cost across a full-house project.

The Washability Test

The marketing claims for UltraLast focus heavily on washability, and for once, the claims are accurate. We have tested this extensively.

Crayon wipes off. Marker comes out with light scrubbing. Food splatters, fingerprints, and the general grime that accumulates in family homes clean up without leaving shadows or burnished areas. For homes with children or heavy use, this durability is transformative.

The finish maintains its original sheen even after cleaning. With many paints, scrubbing creates visible spots where the sheen changes. UltraLast's cross-linked film resists this degradation.

How It Compares to Sherwin-Williams Cashmere

Before switching to UltraLast, Sherwin-Williams Cashmere was my preferred interior wall paint. Cashmere is an excellent product with good coverage, nice leveling, and a soft luxurious finish that clients love. It remains a solid choice.

Where Cashmere Excels

• Finish quality. Cashmere has a particularly smooth, luxurious appearance that photographs well and feels premium.
• Workability. It brushes and rolls easily with good open time for blending.
• Sheen consistency. The low-sheen options are particularly even and attractive.

Where UltraLast Wins

• Durability. UltraLast is noticeably tougher and more resistant to damage and wear.
• Washability. The difference here is significant. UltraLast cleans better and resists burnishing.
• Coverage. UltraLast generally covers in fewer coats.
• Stain resistance. It resists permanent staining from common household substances.

For most residential applications, especially homes with children, pets, or heavy daily use, UltraLast's durability advantages outweigh Cashmere's slight edge in finish refinement.

Application Notes

UltraLast applies well by brush, roller, or spray. A few observations from extensive use:

• Roller nap. A 3/8-inch microfiber roller produces excellent results on smooth walls. For textured surfaces, step up to 1/2-inch.
• Dry time. Recoat time is about two hours in normal conditions. It dries fast but not so fast that you cannot maintain a wet edge on large walls.
• Sheen selection. The Satin sheen is our standard recommendation. It balances durability with appearance and hides minor wall imperfections.
• Touch-up. Like most premium paints, touch-ups blend reasonably well if done within a few weeks of the original application. Older cured paint may show slight differences.

Where We Still Use Other Products

UltraLast is ideal for walls in living spaces, but it is not the only paint in our arsenal. For ceilings, we typically use a flat ceiling-specific product. For trim and doors, we use Emerald Urethane or PPG Breakthrough. For cabinets, we have specialized approaches.

The right tool for each surface produces the best overall result. UltraLast dominates our wall painting because that is what it was designed for.

The Honest Downsides

No product is perfect. Here are the limitations:

• Price point. UltraLast is a premium product priced accordingly. It costs more than contractor-grade paints and even some other premium lines. For clients on tight budgets, there are more economical options.
• Availability. PPG products are available at PPG Paints stores, which may be less convenient than the ubiquitous Sherwin-Williams and Benjamin Moore locations. In the Tri-Cities, access is reasonable.
• Color palette. While PPG offers excellent colors and custom matching, some homeowners prefer the specific color palettes offered by other brands.

Our Recommendation

For interior painting projects across the Tri-Cities, UltraLast is our standard recommendation when budget allows. The combination of coverage, durability, and washability delivers value that justifies the premium price.

With 250+ completed projects, we have experimented with many products and settled on the ones that perform best in real-world conditions. UltraLast has earned its place as our preferred wall paint.

If you are planning an interior painting project and want to discuss product options, we are happy to provide a free estimate and explain what we recommend for your specific situation.