Valspar 2000 vs. 4000: What’s the Difference?

In this comparison of Valspar 2000 vs. Valspar 4000, I break down how these paints stack up in terms of coverage, colors, finishes, price, and more.

You’ll learn their similarities, differences, and factors to consider before you choose.

I also reveal what Valspar paint specialists say about these two options.

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Use these links to navigate the article:

• Similarities Between Valspar 2000 and 4000
• Differences Between Valspar 2000 and 4000
• What Valspar Paint Experts Say
• Bottom Line: Should You Use Valspar 2000 or 4000?

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Similarities Between Valspar 2000 and 4000

Before I break down the differences between Valspar 2000 and 4000, let’s quickly review their similarities.

Colors

Valspar 2000 and Valspar 4000 come in the same color options. Valspar offers several easy-to-use online tools to help buyers choose from its 2,000+ color catalog.

Valspar provides an online ordering service that will send up to 10 free paint chips to your address. You choose the colors you want, add them to your cart, and wait for them to arrive in your mailbox.

For a totally virtual experience, you can use the Lowe’s paint visualizer tool to see how a specific color looks when applied to sample rooms.

Finally, Valspar has an online consultation service that allows you to talk with one of their paint experts. You can show them pictures of your space, go over your preferences, and more. They’ll provide personal, one-on-one advice and help you pick from your range of options.

Sizing

Valspar 2000 and 4000 both come in either one or five-gallon sizes. Neither comes in the 1-quart size that some of the brand’s other paint collections (like Ultra and Signature) offer.

Coverage Per Gallon

Both paint lines provide 350-450 sq. ft. of coverage per gallon.

Recommended Coats

Valspar recommends two coats of paint when using both 2000 and 4000.

Cleaning

You can wipe down both paints with plain soap and water. Avoid using harsh cleaners on them, as this can damage the finish.

Availability

Both paints are available at Lowe’s home improvement stores, independent paint retailers, and on Lowes.com. To find a local store with Valspar 2000 and 4000, search your area on Valspar.com.

Differences Between Valspar 2000 and 4000

Although Valspar 2000 and Valspar 4000 paint lines have a lot in common, there are several differences, too.

Interior vs. Exterior

Valspar 2000 is only available as an interior paint, but Valspar 4000 can be used indoors and outdoors.

You can only use Valspar 4000 Zero VOC Interior Latex indoors, but you can use Valspar 4000 Alkyd Enamel indoors and outdoors. Alkyd Enamel has a durable glossy finish, ideal for wood, metal, drywall, cabinets, trim, and other surfaces.

Finishes

Valspar 2000 comes in four finishes: eggshell, flat, satin, and semi-gloss.

Valspar 4000 Interior Latex comes in eggshell, flat, and semi-gloss. Valspar 4000 Alkyd Enamel comes in satin and semi-gloss.

Volume Solids

Paint is made up of pigments, binders, and solvents. Volume solids refer to the amount of product (pigment and binders) that remains on a surface after the solvent has dried.

Generally speaking, the higher a paint’s volume solids percentage, the better the coverage and protection it will provide.

This chart details the volume solids percentage of Valspar 2000 paint and both Valspar 4000 options, organized by finish. As you can see, Valspar 2000 has higher volume solids than 4000, so you can expect slightly better coverage and protection. 

Finishes	Valspar 2000 (interior)	Valspar 4000 (interior)
Flat	40%	38%
Eggshell	33%	30%
Satin	32%	N/A
Semi-Gloss	27%	26%

VOCs

The term VOC stands for volatile organic compounds. VOCs are chemical solvents used in paint formulas. These compounds evaporate as the paint dries.

VOCs can be harmful if inhaled, and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) lists them as potential carcinogens. Choosing a paint with a low- to zero-VOC rating is always a good idea.

The product sheets for both Valspar 2000 and 4000 (interior) list the VOC content as <50g/L, but the official product page for Valspar 4000 lists the paint as zero VOC. This discrepancy is likely due to current regulations, which state that any paint that contains less than 50g/L of VOCs can be marketed as a zero VOC product.

Valspar’s 4000 Alkyd Enamel interior/exterior paint has a VOC content of 380g/L, which is the highest allowable amount according to the limits set by the Environmental Protection Agency for paints with a low-luster or semi gloss finish.

This may seem high, but the VOC content of exterior paints is usually higher and less concerning because the fumes dissipate quicker in the open air outside.

Open windows, maximize ventilation, and wear a face mask when using this paint, especially if you’re painting indoors. 

Paint and Primer in One

Valspar 2000 is a paint and primer in one, so you don’t need to purchase and apply a separate primer before using it.

Valspar 4000 does not contain a primer, so you’ll need to prime your surface first – especially if you’re planning to paint an unfinished or dark-colored area.

Dry Time

Valspar 2000 and the interior version of Valspar 4000 have the same dry time of 1-4 hours. You can recoat either paint after 40 hours (at 77°F and 50% relative humidity).

Valspar 4000 Alkyd Enamel dries in 6-8 hours, and you should wait at least 24 hours before applying the next coat.

Price

Valspar 2000 and 4000 are cheaper than some of Valspar’s more premium paint lines (such as Valspar Signature or Reserve), but Valspar 2000 is slightly more expensive than Valspar 4000.

It makes sense that 2000 is more expensive because it has a higher volume solids percentage, and it’s a paint-plus-primer formula.

The exact pricing varies by retailer, but on average, you can expect to pay about $5 more per gallon for Valspar 2000 vs. 4000. Go to Lowes.com to compare the current prices of both paints.

What Valspar Paint Experts Say

I spoke with a Valspar product specialist to get an expert option on this topic. When we talked, I asked a simple question:

What’s the difference between Valspar 2000 and 4000?

He said, “Both are contractor-grade paints, which means they’re lower quality than typical homeowner paints like Valspar Ultra, Signature, and Reserve.”

Professional painters often use contractor-grade paints because they are cheaper. And since pro painters know the proper application techniques, they can work with lower-grade paints and make them look as good as more expensive paints.

The Valspar product specialist told me, “Valspar 2000 is a higher grade paint than 4000. It covers better and protects the surface better.”

He mentioned, “Valspar 4000 has slightly fewer VOCs, but the difference is minimal and won’t impact the performance or odors.”

To get a second opinion, I used the chat feature on Valspar.com to connect with a different product expert.

I asked the same question: What’s the difference between Valspar 2000 and 4000?

Suzanne, the online product specialist, said, “Valspar 4000 is an introductory, economy paint product. 2000 is a paint & primer product and is available in a satin — the 4000 is not.”

I asked if I could apply fewer coats with 2000, and she said, “That would depend on color. One coat should be sufficient for similar colors, but dramatic colors always need two coats for the best results. Also, on new drywall, you can use 2000 as your primer coat, followed by a topcoat. With the 4000, a separate primer is recommended.”

Bottom Line: Should You Use Valspar 2000 or 4000?

Now that you know the similarities and differences between Valspar 2000 and 4000, it’s time to decide which paint to buy. Before I give my recommendation, let’s quickly recap the key points.

• Valspar 2000 and 4000 paints come in the same colors and sizes, and Valspar’s website provides several online tools to help you decide between their 2000+ color options.
• Both paints provide 350-450 sq. ft. of coverage per gallon, and Valspar recommends a minimum of two coats for both paints.
• Valspar 2000 is an interior-only paint, but you can use 4000 Alkyd Enamel indoors and outdoors.
• Valspar 2000 is offered in eggshell, flat, satin, and semi-gloss finishes, Valspar 4000 (interior) comes in eggshell, flat, and semi-gloss, and Valspar 4000 (exterior) comes in satin and semi-gloss.
• Valspar 2000 has a higher volume solids percentage than Valspar 4000, regardless of which finish you choose.
• Valspar 4000 interior paint is marketed as a zero-VOC paint, but the product sheets for both Valspar 2000 and 4000 (interior) list the VOC content as <50g/L. Valspar 4000 exterior paint has a VOC content of 380g/L.
• Valspar 2000 is a paint and primer in one, whereas Valspar 4000 is not.
• Valspar 2000 and the interior version of 4000 take 1-2 hours to dry to the touch and require 4 hours of dry time before you apply a second coat. Valspar 4000 exterior paint takes 6-8 hours to dry to the touch, and you should wait 24 hours before applying the next coat.
• Valspar 2000 is slightly more expensive (approximately $5 more per gallon).

If you’re unsure which paint to use, go with Valspar 2000.

The fact that it’s a paint and primer in one with a higher volume solids percentage means it’s both easier to use and has a superior finish, which justifies the slightly higher price tag. It also has an extra finish option that Valspar 4000 doesn’t offer (satin).

Of course, if you’re planning an exterior project, you’ll have to go with Valspar 4000 (or another Valspar paint line). Regardless, either option will cost you less than many of Valspar’s other premium paint lines, such as Reserve or Signature.

You can learn more about Valspar 2000 and 4000 on Lowes.com.