Find out which paint reigns supreme in 2025.
So, you’re looking to buy some paint, but can’t figure out which one to pick? Whether you’re an upcoming artist picking up your first cans, or need to get some work done around the house, getting your hands on the right can is essential. After all, DIY projects are expensive as it is – no one wants to make multiple trips to the paint store. With so many different brands out there, it can be overwhelming to figure out which sprays fit best for your project. But luckily, we’ve done all the research for you! So today, we’re here to compare Plutonium Spray Paint vs. Krylon, Montana Cans, and Rust-Oleum to see which paint is the best on the market. We’ll take a look at each cans’ coverage, finish quality, drying time, durability, and price.
Coverage
We’re starting with coverage, because we hate the feeling of buying a new spray paint can, just to run out in 1 session because it needed 10 coats. Let’s see which brand has the most effective coverage.
Plutonium Paint Coverage
Rating: 5 Stars
Because of Plutonium’s high pigment load, you’ll be able to cover up to twice (or even 2.5x) the area of other spray paints. You’ll get extremely opaque colors in just one coat–perfect for muralists who need to cover large surfaces with strong colors. All with fewer cans, too.
Krylon Coverage
Rating: 3 Stars
Since Krylon is a thinner paint, you might need to get a few coats on to get good coverage for your art. Depending on what colors you’re using, you might need additional coats for solid opacity. That said, if you’re a beginner, you can risk making mistakes with Krylon since light coats go on evenly with low risk of drips.
Montana Cans Coverage
Rating: 5 Stars
It’s no secret that Montana Cans are one of the top brands out there, and it’s widely due to their high-pigment and excellent opacity. Artists find that light colors can cover dark surfaces even with minimal coats. So if you’re doing mural work or any large scale art-work, these are a great pick up.
Rust-Oleum Coverage
Rating: 4 Stars
Rust-Oleum hosts thick paint, with their “Painter’s Touch 2X” line featuring double coverage of their general purpose paints. You’ll get solid coverage with just one or two coats, so don’t overspray with these cans. Since they offer many different types of paint, we’re only giving them 4 stars here for coverage.
Verdict
The top picks here would be Plutonium and Montana Cans, with premier coverage in minimal coats. But if you’re brand new to using spray paint and you know some mistakes are coming, Krylon could serve you well for that first project.
Finish Quality
Next we’ll take a look at the finish quality of each brand. The end-product matters, so let’s see how each paint fairs after the dry down.
Plutonium Paint Finish Quality
Rating: 4 Stars
Plutonium prides itself on their smooth satin finish. Their paint is best used on metals, masonry, wood, wicker, paper, and some rubber and plastic surfaces. Compared to a gloss or matte finish, satin sits right around the middle. So if you need a satin finish for your next DIY project, Plutonium is a great choice.
Krylon Finish Quality
Rating: 3 Stars
Krylon offers specialty lines for metallics, frosted glass, and even high heat. However, despite its variety and smooth finishes, its nozzles aren’t interchangeable and spray a fixed fan pattern. That means less control over the spray, and ultimately how your art turns out, since precision will be limited.
Montana Cans Finish Quality
Rating: 5 Stars
If you’re looking for consistent, high quality finishes, Montana Cans is your best bet. Their “GOLD” line has a low-pressure system, giving you a matte finish with high control. It’s also odor free and has minimal overspray, so no drip. If you want detail and a matte finish, pick up a Montana Can.
Rust-Oleum Finish Quality
Rating: 4 Stars
Offering many different sheens from satin to gloss to flat, Rust-Oleum has a smooth, even finish on most surfaces (when applied correctly). DIY artists working on home projects seem to love Rust-Oleum for it’s professional and durable final look. Just as long as it doesn’t clog…
Verdict
For the matte lovers out there, Montana Cans will be your go-to for high quality finishes. But if you need a satin finish, go with Plutonium. Any other finish, Rust-Oleum has probably got you covered.
Drying Time
For those working with layers, tight timelines, or outside, you’ll definitely want to get your hands on some fast-drying paint. Which one dries quickest?
Plutonium Paint Drying Time
Rating: 5 Stars
Plutonium’s drying time is incredibly fast. For the paint to be dry to the touch in just 3-5 minutes, is quite impressive. If you’re impatient, or need to cover multiple layers for your art project, Plutonium will make your sessions a whole lot faster. So spray away, listen to a couple pop songs on the radio, and you’re ready to apply the next layer.
Krylon Drying Time
Rating: 4 Stars
One of the big things that made Krylon popular is actually its fast dry times. Under ideal drying conditions, your art can be dry to the touch in as fast as 10 minutes–ideal for quick turnaround projects or layering stencils in graffiti art.
Montana Cans Drying Time
Rating: 4 Stars
Finally we have our first rating from Montana that isn’t 5 stars. While their paint is quick drying, it’s not instant. You can expect dry colors in about 10-15 minutes, which is a bit slower than Krylon and a lot slower than Plutonium. However, if you need to blend colors, its slower dry time will give you a bigger window to combine colors before they dry down.
Rust-Oleum Drying Time
Rating: 3 Stars
Rust-Oleum paints are thicker, so you’ll get durability and cover, but at the cost of drying time. According to The Designer Pad, you’ll want ideal drying conditions to reduce your waiting time: Low humidity, warm temperatures, and air circulation. With these conditions, you can expect your paint to dry to the touch in around 20 minutes. Not ideal, but there isn’t a perfect paint out there!
Verdict
For projects that require fast dry times, or you just want to solidify your art quicker, Plutonium Paint is without a doubt leagues above the rest. While fast dry times aren’t everything, who wouldn’t want to save some time on a small DIY project?
Durability
From furniture flips to city renown murals, durability is massively important. No one likes chipped paint, so let’s spill the tea on the strongest paint amongst the 4.
Plutonium Paint Durability
Rating: 5 Stars
Need some long-lasting paint? Plutonium Spray Paint is heat resistant up to a whopping 400 degrees. And since it’s formulated as an automotive-grade acrylic lacquer, Plutonium dries to a hard, long-lasting coat. It’s even UV-fade and mold/mildew resistant, making it a top choice for outdoor work and furniture.
Krylon Durability
Rating: 4 Stars
Krylon’s newer “all-in-one” formulations give you strong stick and solid durability for both indoor and outdoor use. They hold up well on wood, metal, and plastic against normal wear and weather. But in extreme conditions like constant sun exposure or heavy handling, it may not last as long as Rust-Oleum’s enamel. It’s solid, but not the toughest.
Montana Cans Durability
Rating: 4 Stars
Since Montana products were made for outdoor graffiti and mural use, pouring rain, snow storms, or the hot sun can’t crack Montana paint once dry. They’re generally UV resistant and will keep their color for a long time. The only catch is its acrylic-nitro combo formula might not give you that anti-scratch finish on high-use surfaces.
Rust-Oleum Durability
Rating: 5 Stars
Since Rust-Oleum spray paints are oil-based enamel paints, they’re extremely tough to crack. Their hard shell protects against rust, moisture, and UV waves better than other paints. They even have a specific line, “Stops Rust,” that gives you “ultimate rust protection” making it a perfect option for patio furniture, grills, and all your appliances.
Verdict
All 4 brands have strong to super strong durability, with Plutonium and Rust-Oleum having the biggest weather shields for your art. You can’t go wrong with any of these cans for durability, so lean on other factors to make your final decision.
Price
Now here we are… Price. We’ve covered all the other important factors, but which paint will give you the best bang for your buck?
Plutonium Paint
Rating: 2 Stars
Since Plutonium Paint is made of premium pigment, their paint is significantly more expensive than your everyday brands. A 12oz can can cost about $15, so artists will typically save Plutonium for special colors or effects. Although they aren’t budget friendly, these cans can make for the most eye-catching projects in your portfolio.
Krylon
Rating: 5 Stars
Krylon is very budget-friendly and you’ll probably find it in your local hardware stores (and maybe even craft stores, too). A 12oz can will run you around $5-$7, making it very convenient for those who are crafting DIY projects but don’t want to break the bank on the best paint.
Montana Cans
Rating: 3 Stars
Like Plutonium, Montana Cans are a premium option because of their high durability and amazing finishes. A 13.5oz can will cost anywhere from $9-$12. Cheaper than Plutonium, with hundreds of different shades to choose from, but might be overkill for small projects.
Rust-Oleum
Rating: 5 Stars
Rust-Oleum paint is both very affordable and easy to find. You can expect to pay $4-$6 for a 12oz can, making it a great cost-effective choice. The only caveat with this brand is that your color options may be limited.
Verdict
For budget-friendly colors, Rust-Oleum and Krylon get the job done. But for the artists who really want to make their projects pop, whether big or small, don’t be shy to splurge on Plutonium or Montana Cans.
Comparison Table
| Criteria | Plutonium Paint | Rust-Oleum | Krylon | Montana |
| Coverage & Opacity | ★★★★★
Ultra-high pigment; excellent one-coat coverage. |
★★★★☆
Good coverage; thicker formula often covers in 1–2 coats. |
★★★☆☆
Thinner; may require 2–3 coats for solid opacity. |
★★★★★
Artist-grade opacity; even light colors cover dark surfaces well. |
| Finish Quality | ★★★★☆
Satin finish; smooth, professional, with variable spray caps. |
★★★★☆Smooth enamel finish; limited precision. | ★★★☆☆Variety of sheens, but nozzle control can be inconsistent. | ★★★★★Flawless matte finish with ultra-smooth spray and no drips. |
| Drying Time | ★★★★★
Dries in 3–5 minutes; ideal for layering quickly. |
★★★☆☆20+ min to touch dry; slower recoat time. | ★★★★☆Dries in ~10 minutes; quick and efficient. | ★★★★☆10–15 min touch dry; good balance for blending and layering. |
| Durability | ★★★★★
Automotive-grade lacquer; UV, salt, and mildew resistant. |
★★★★★Oil-based enamel; ideal for long-term outdoor DIY use. | ★★★★☆Good for most surfaces; not as tough as enamels. | ★★★★☆Weatherproof; great for murals, but may need topcoat for hard-use DIY. |
| Price | $$$
Premium price (~$15+ per can). |
$
Budget-friendly (~$4–$6 per can). |
$
Affordable and widely available (~$5–$7 per can). |
$$
Mid-premium (~$9–$12 per can); worth it for pro artists. |
Final Verdict: Which Spray Paint Should You Choose?
Choosing the right spray paint isn’t always black and white. And as you’ve seen, each brand brings its own strengths to the table. Whether you’re a first-time artist just getting into the groove, or a seasoned DIY warrior looking to breathe new life into your space, the best spray paint depends on your project, your budget, and what you care about most.
- For budget-conscious DIYers who need long-lasting durability without overthinking it, Rust-Oleum is a tried-and-true staple that just works.
- If you’re experimenting, crafting, or working on smaller home projects, Krylon gives you flexibility and affordability with a solid lineup of finishes.
- If you’re all about precision and finish quality, Montana Cans gives you complete control with buttery smooth results—especially for mural work and matte finishes.
- But, if you want vibrant colors, lightning-fast dry times, and ultra-premium coverage, Plutonium is hard to beat. Click here to get your hands on the finest spray paint.
At the end of the day, getting the right can means fewer do-overs, smoother finishes, and less stress. So take what you’ve learned here, think about what matters most to your project, and grab the paint that’ll help bring your vision to life.
🎨 Happy painting!