Farrell Calhoun vs Sherwin Williams: Which Paint Is Best?
Choosing the right paint is one of the most critical decisions for any home improvement project. The color and quality can transform a space, but the wrong choice leads to frustration, wasted money, and needing to repaint far too soon. Many homeowners find themselves stuck between two excellent options: the national powerhouse, Sherwin-Williams, and the respected regional expert, Farrell-Calhoun.
This decision is more than just picking a color; it’s about balancing cost, durability, and the specific needs of your home’s environment. One brand offers unparalleled accessibility and a massive product range, while the other provides specialized quality and exceptional value. This guide will break down the brutal truth of the Farrell Calhoun vs Sherwin Williams debate to help you make the perfect choice for your walls.
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The Giant vs. The Regional Pro: A Tale of Two Brands
Understanding the philosophy behind each company reveals why they excel in different areas. They are both respected names in the paint industry, but they cater to different priorities and markets.
Sherwin-Williams is a global leader in the paint and coatings industry, with a massive network of stores across North America and beyond. This widespread presence means you can find a store almost anywhere, ensuring consistent product availability and professional support. Decades of extensive research and development have produced some of the most advanced and specialized paint formulas on the market, from the premium Emerald line known for its exceptional durability to specialty products for nearly any surface imaginable.
Farrell-Calhoun, founded in Memphis, Tennessee, has built its legacy as a trusted regional manufacturer with a deep focus on the Southern and Midwestern United States. By concentrating on a specific geographic area, they have developed an intimate understanding of the challenges posed by local climates, particularly high humidity. This family-owned company is often praised for its personalized customer service and for producing high-quality paints that offer incredible value.
A Head-to-Head Product Breakdown
Both brands offer a tiered range of products designed for various applications and budgets. Sherwin-Williams is known for its well-defined lines like the top-tier Emerald, the highly durable Duration, and the popular contractor choice, SuperPaint. Each line is marketed for specific performance benefits, such as washability, fade resistance, or one-coat coverage.
Farrell-Calhoun also offers a complete range of coatings, from dependable primers to tough-as-nails enamels. Their premium lines are often lauded by professional painters for having a high solids content, which contributes to excellent coverage and hide. Many contractors assert that Farrell-Calhoun’s mid-tier paints perform on par with the premium lines of more expensive national brands.
The Ultimate Feature Showdown
Making an informed decision requires a direct comparison of the key performance indicators that matter most in a paint job. Here’s how Farrell-Calhoun and Sherwin-Williams stack up against each other.
| Feature | Farrell-Calhoun | Sherwin-Williams |
|---|---|---|
| Price Point | Generally lower, offering exceptional value with consistent “everyday” pricing ($30-$45/gallon). | Higher retail prices ($50-$80/gallon), but frequent 30-40% off sales make it competitive. |
| Coverage | Excellent; high solids content often allows for true one-coat coverage over similar colors. | Very good, but may require two coats for deep colors or significant color changes. |
| Durability & Washability | Highly durable interior finishes, especially enamels for trim and cabinets. | Exceptional, particularly in premium exterior lines like Duration and Emerald. |
| Color Selection | Wide and customizable range with a strong reputation for accurate color matching. | Vast, industry-leading color library with advanced color-matching technology. |
| Availability | Regional, primarily in the Southern and Midwestern U.S. through dealers and dedicated stores. | Nationwide network of thousands of corporate stores, offering unmatched accessibility. |
| Specialty Products | Strong in industrial coatings and durable enamels. | Extensive range of innovative products, including advanced hybrids and pre-catalyzed epoxies. |
Coverage: How Far Does Your Gallon Go?
One of the most significant factors in the total cost of a project is coverage. Farrell-Calhoun is frequently praised by professional painters for its high solids content, which translates to superior hiding power. For many applications, especially when painting over a similar color, a single coat is often sufficient, saving both time and money.
Sherwin-Williams also offers very good coverage, particularly with its premium lines. However, achieving a flawless finish over darker or more vibrant colors may necessitate a second coat. Their paints are formulated for excellent flow and leveling, which helps minimize brush and roller marks for a smooth, professional appearance.
Durability: The Test of Time and Traffic
For high-traffic areas like hallways, kitchens, and bathrooms, durability is paramount. Both brands offer products that stand up well to wear and tear, but their strengths differ slightly. Sherwin-Williams’ top-tier products like Emerald and Duration are renowned for their exceptional resistance to scrubbing and staining, making them a top choice for busy households.
Farrell-Calhoun’s enamel lines, such as their tough acrylic/polyurethane bonding enamel, are celebrated for their hardness and resilience on cabinets, doors, and trim. These surfaces take the most abuse, and Farrell-Calhoun’s formulations create a finish that resists chipping and scuffs effectively.
Color Matching and Selection
When it comes to the sheer volume of color options, Sherwin-Williams is a clear leader. Their extensive color palettes and advanced matching technology can replicate almost any shade you can imagine. This is a significant advantage for designers and homeowners seeking a very specific hue.
However, this doesn’t mean Farrell-Calhoun falls short. They offer a comprehensive range of colors and are known for their highly accurate custom matching. For those trying to replicate a specific shade, such as a designer favorite, their skilled staff can deliver impressive results. Finding a perfect match for a unique color is a common challenge, and a reliable paint store is key.
The Price War: Is Premium Paint Worth the Premium Price?
At first glance, Sherwin-Williams often appears significantly more expensive. A gallon of their premium paint can carry a retail price of $80 or more, whereas a comparable gallon from Farrell-Calhoun might be in the $30-$45 range. This price difference is a major reason many contractors and budget-conscious homeowners lean toward Farrell-Calhoun.
However, the story doesn’t end there. Sherwin-Williams runs aggressive sales, frequently offering 30-40% off, which brings their prices much closer to competitors. Furthermore, professional painters with contractor accounts receive substantial discounts that are not available to the general public. While some find this pricing strategy inconsistent, others take advantage of the sales to get top-tier paint at a more reasonable cost. A deeper look at paint prices often reveals surprising value during these promotional periods.
The Secret Factor: Paint Formulated for Your Climate
Here is where the choice becomes intensely personal and practical. One of the most overlooked aspects of paint selection is how a formula interacts with its environment. This is Farrell-Calhoun’s home-field advantage. Their paints are specifically formulated for the hot, humid climates of the American South and Midwest.
Humidity is a formidable enemy of paint. It can lead to slow curing times, poor adhesion, and, most notably, the growth of mildew and mold. Farrell-Calhoun has spent over a century collecting data and refining its products to combat these specific regional challenges. Homeowners in these areas often report that Farrell-Calhoun exterior paints exhibit superior mildew resistance and durability compared to national brands that must formulate for a broader range of climates.
While Sherwin-Williams also produces high-quality exterior paints, their formulations are designed to perform well across the entire country. This generalization, while effective, may not offer the same targeted protection as a regionally specialized product in a challenging climate.
The Final Verdict: Which Paint Should You Choose?
The “best” paint is not a one-size-fits-all answer. It depends entirely on your location, your project, and your priorities. Both Farrell-Calhoun and Sherwin-Williams are excellent choices that deliver professional-grade results.
You should choose Farrell-Calhoun if:
- You live in their service region (the South or Midwest).
- Your primary concern is value, as their everyday prices are consistently lower.
- You are painting in a high-humidity environment and want a product specifically formulated to resist mildew.
- You appreciate personalized service from a family-owned business.
You should choose Sherwin-Williams if:
- You live outside Farrell-Calhoun’s service area and need nationwide accessibility.
- You are looking for a very specific, unique color from a massive library.
- Your project requires a highly specialized coating that other brands may not offer.
- You are willing to wait for a 30-40% off sale to maximize your value.
Pro Tips for a Perfect Finish
Regardless of which brand you select, the final quality of your paint job hinges on proper preparation and application. The debate over whether the paint brand really matters is valid, but even the best paint will fail if applied incorrectly.
Always start with a clean surface. Wash your walls to remove dust, grease, and grime. Proper prep ensures the paint adheres correctly and provides a smooth, lasting finish. For glossy surfaces, a light sanding is essential to create a surface the new paint can grip.
Finally, invest in high-quality tools. A good brush and roller cover will make the application process smoother and yield more professional-looking results. With the right preparation and the right paint for your specific needs, you can achieve a beautiful, durable finish that will protect and enhance your home for years to come.
