Behr i300 vs Premium Plus: Which Paint Saves You More Money?
You’re standing in the paint aisle, staring at a wall of confusing options. You need to get a project done, but choosing the wrong paint could mean wasted time, blown budgets, and a finish that just doesn’t last. This is the exact problem many DIYers and property managers face when deciding between two popular Behr products: the contractor-grade i300 and the homeowner-favorite Premium Plus.
One is designed for high-volume, professional jobs where speed and cost are critical. The other is marketed as a durable, all-in-one solution for everyday home projects. Picking the right one is about more than just price per gallon; it’s about understanding the hidden trade-offs in durability, coverage, and long-term value that can make or break your project’s success.
What is Behr Pro i300? The Professional’s Choice
Behr Pro i300 is a professional-grade interior latex paint formulated for contractors and large-scale projects. Its primary design focus is on efficiency and value. Think of it as the go-to choice for new construction, apartment turnovers, or commercial spaces where crews need to cover large areas quickly and affordably.
The key features of i300 are its excellent sprayability and superior touch-up performance. Professionals love it because it applies smoothly with airless sprayers, minimizing application time. Furthermore, its ability to blend seamlessly during touch-ups is crucial for post-construction scuffs or rental property maintenance, extending the time between full repaints.
Who Should Use Behr i300?
While available to the public, i300 is optimized for specific scenarios. It is ideal for projects where budget and speed are the top priorities. This includes landlords repainting between tenants, builders finishing a new home, or anyone tackling a large area where minor imperfections in durability are an acceptable trade-off for significant cost savings.
However, its lower price comes with compromises. Some users report that i300 may require more coats to cover dark colors and is less resistant to scuffs and stains than premium homeowner paints. It’s a workhorse paint, not a showpiece paint.
What is Behr Premium Plus? The DIY Homeowner’s Ally
Behr Premium Plus is a widely popular paint and primer in one, designed specifically for the DIY market. It is known for its excellent durability, great coverage, and low-odor, low-VOC formula, making it a favorite for residential interior projects. For years, it has been a trusted option for homeowners looking for a reliable, long-lasting finish.
The main selling point of Premium Plus is its balance of performance and price. It offers exceptional durability and hide in a finish that resists mildew and stains. This makes it suitable for almost any room in the house, from low-traffic bedrooms to more demanding environments like hallways and living rooms.
Who Should Use Behr Premium Plus?
Premium Plus is the better choice for homeowners investing in their living spaces. If you have kids, pets, or high-traffic areas, the enhanced scuff and stain resistance will pay off in the long run. Its formulation is built for easy cleanup and longevity, ensuring your walls look fresh for years.
While it costs more per gallon than i300, many find the investment worthwhile. The paint’s superior hiding power often means fewer coats are needed, which can save both time and money. It represents a step up in quality, offering a finish that can withstand the rigors of daily life.
The Direct Comparison: i300 vs. Premium Plus
Choosing between these two paints comes down to the specific demands of your project. One is not universally “better” than the other; they are simply engineered for different purposes. Understanding these differences is key to making a smart decision that aligns with your goals and budget.
To make the choice clearer, let’s break down their features side-by-side. This direct comparison highlights the core strengths and weaknesses of each paint line, helping you visualize which product is the right tool for your job. From coverage and durability to cost and environmental impact, every factor plays a role in the final outcome.
Feature-by-Feature Showdown
Below is a detailed table comparing the critical attributes of Behr i300 and Behr Premium Plus. This objective look at the specifications will help you move beyond the marketing and focus on what truly matters for your walls.
| Feature | Behr Pro i300 | Behr Premium Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Primary User | Professional Contractors, Property Managers | DIY Homeowners |
| Primary Use Case | High-volume commercial, rentals, new construction | Residential repaints, high-traffic areas |
| Durability & Washability | Standard; good for touch-ups but less scuff-resistant | Excellent; highly resistant to scuffs, stains, and scrubbing |
| Coverage | Good; may require extra coats over dark colors | Excellent; often covers in fewer coats |
| Price Point | Lower cost per gallon | Higher cost per gallon |
| VOC Level | Zero VOC | Zero VOC, GREENGUARD Gold Certified |
| Application | Optimized for sprayers; excellent flow and leveling | Easy to apply with brush and roller; good flow |
| Key Advantage | Cost-effective for large jobs and great for touch-ups | Superior long-term durability and finish quality |
Deciding Which Paint is Right For Your Project
Now that you understand the technical differences, let’s translate that into practical advice. The best paint for you depends entirely on the context of your project. Are you painting a “forever home” or a temporary living space? Is your biggest concern today’s budget or tomorrow’s maintenance?
To help you decide, we’ve outlined common painting scenarios. By matching your situation to these examples, you can feel confident in your final choice. This is where the data meets the real world.
Choose Behr i300 If…
You are operating on a tight budget and need to cover a large area. For landlords, flippers, or new construction projects, the cost savings of i300 are undeniable. Its excellent touch-up capability means you can easily fix scuffs and marks between tenants without a full repaint, which is a massive long-term advantage in the rental market. It’s also a smart choice for ceilings or low-traffic areas like guest closets where high durability isn’t a primary concern.
Choose Behr Premium Plus If…
You are painting the interior of your own home, especially in high-traffic or high-moisture areas. For kitchens, hallways, bathrooms, and kids’ rooms, the superior durability of Premium Plus is well worth the extra cost. Its stain and scuff resistance means your walls will withstand daily wear and tear far better, looking newer for longer. If you value a pristine finish and want to minimize future repainting, Premium Plus is the clear winner for residential use.
Pro Tips for a Flawless Finish
Regardless of which paint you choose, the final quality of your project heavily depends on your preparation and application technique. A premium paint can’t hide a poorly prepped surface. Here are some essential tips to ensure you get professional-level results every time.
Proper surface preparation is non-negotiable. Clean your walls thoroughly to remove dust, grease, and grime. Patch any holes or cracks and sand them smooth for an even surface. After making repairs, you’ll need to know how to put an anchor in a stud if you plan on hanging heavy items, ensuring your beautiful new walls are also functional.
Even when using a paint-and-primer-in-one like Premium Plus, consider using a separate primer on new drywall, heavily stained areas, or when making a drastic color change. A good primer seals the surface and ensures the topcoat’s color and sheen are uniform. And during the painting process, knowing details like is painter’s tape heat resistant can prevent frustrating mistakes and cleanup issues.
Beyond This Comparison: Other Options
While this article focuses on i300 versus Premium Plus, Behr offers a full spectrum of paints. If you’re weighing other options, our detailed comparison of Behr Pro vs Premium Plus provides a broader look at their professional and homeowner lines. For projects demanding the absolute best in one-coat coverage and durability, you might also consider Behr’s higher-end lines like Marquee or Dynasty.
Final Verdict: Budget Efficiency or Long-Term Durability?
The choice between Behr i300 and Premium Plus is a classic case of matching the product to the purpose. Behr i300 is the undisputed champion for budget-driven, high-volume projects where speed and touch-up ease are paramount. It delivers reliable, professional-quality results at a price point that makes sense for contractors and property managers.
Behr Premium Plus, on the other hand, is the ideal investment for homeowners seeking a durable, beautiful, and long-lasting finish. Its superior resistance to the scuffs and stains of everyday life ensures your hard work pays off for years to come, making it the smarter choice for personal living spaces. Ultimately, by evaluating your specific needs against the strengths of each paint, you can make a purchase that saves you time, money, and future headaches.
