Sherwin Williams vs Benjamin Moore vs Behr: The Brutal Truth
Choosing the right paint is one of the most critical decisions for any home and garden project. The wrong choice leads to wasted weekends, extra costs, and a finish that peels, fades, or scuffs within months. Many homeowners find themselves standing in the paint aisle, paralyzed by the three industry giants: Sherwin-Williams, Benjamin Moore, and Behr.
Each brand promises a flawless finish and unmatched durability, but the real-world performance can vary dramatically. This decision is about more than just a color chip; it’s about investing in your home’s longevity and beauty. Understanding the fundamental differences in quality, price, and application is the key to avoiding a painting nightmare.
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Why Your Paint Choice Is More Than Just Color
The perfect color is only one piece of the puzzle. The true value of a paint lies in its formulation—the blend of pigments, binders, solvents, and additives. These ingredients determine everything from how the paint applies to how it withstands the test of time and daily life.
Key factors like coverage, durability, and ease of use are what separate a professional-grade finish from a frustrating DIY disaster. A high-quality paint might cost more upfront but can save you from applying a third or even fourth coat, ultimately saving both time and money. Furthermore, the paint’s ability to resist stains and scuffs is crucial for maintaining a pristine look, especially in high-traffic areas or homes with children and pets.
The Contenders: A Head-to-Head Introduction
Before diving into the detailed comparison, it’s essential to understand the market position and reputation of each brand. They each cater to slightly different customers and are known for distinct strengths.
Sherwin-Williams: The Professional’s Choice?
Sherwin-Williams has built a stellar reputation over 150 years, primarily by catering to professional painters. With a vast network of dedicated stores, they offer high-quality products and expert advice. Their paints are often praised for their consistency, durability, and excellent coverage, making them a go-to for contractors who need reliable results. Lines like Emerald and Duration are considered top-tier in the industry.
Benjamin Moore: The Designer’s Darling
Benjamin Moore is renowned for its complex and richly pigmented colors, making it a favorite among interior designers. Known for its exceptional quality and luxurious finish, this brand also operates primarily through a network of independent dealers. Products like Aura and Regal Select are celebrated for their remarkable color depth and longevity, solidifying Benjamin Moore’s position as a premium, high-end option.
Behr: The DIY Champion
Behr has become a household name thanks to its exclusive partnership with The Home Depot, making it incredibly accessible for DIY enthusiasts. The brand focuses on providing great value, combining good performance with an affordable price point. Lines like Marquee and Ultra are popular choices for homeowners looking for a reliable, budget-friendly paint that delivers consistent results for a wide range of projects.
The Ultimate Comparison: Sherwin-Williams vs. Benjamin Moore vs. Behr
To make an informed decision, it’s crucial to break down the performance of each brand across several key metrics. Here’s how the big three stack up against each other in the areas that matter most to homeowners and professionals alike.
Coverage & Hide: How Many Coats Will You *Really* Need?
One of the biggest promises in the paint world is “one-coat coverage,” but reality is often more complex. True coverage depends on the paint’s quality and the color you’re painting over. High-quality paints contain more titanium dioxide and better binders, which directly impacts their ability to hide the previous surface.
Benjamin Moore’s Aura and Sherwin-Williams’ Emerald lines are frequently cited by professionals for their exceptional coverage, often requiring just one to two coats even over darker colors. Behr’s Marquee line also markets itself as a one-coat paint, and while it performs well over lighter shades, it may require a second coat when making a dramatic color change.
Durability & Washability: The Real-World Test
A beautiful finish is pointless if it can’t withstand daily life. For families, durability and washability are paramount. A durable paint film resists scuffs, stains, and the wear and tear of repeated cleaning. The paint’s finish plays a significant role here, with satin and semi-gloss sheens generally being more durable than flat or matte finishes.
Both Benjamin Moore and Sherwin-Williams excel in this category. Their premium lines, such as Regal Select and Duration, are known to be highly resistant to stains and scuffs, making them ideal for hallways, kitchens, and kids’ rooms. Behr’s premium lines offer good durability for their price point, but professional painters often note that the top-tier products from Sherwin-Williams and Benjamin Moore hold up better to scrubbing over the long term.
Application & Ease of Use: A DIYer’s Perspective
The way paint feels coming off the roller or brush can make a huge difference in the painting experience. A good paint should apply smoothly, level out to hide brush strokes, and not drip or splatter excessively. This is largely determined by the paint’s consistency and formulation.
Sherwin-Williams paints are often described as being thick and creamy, which makes them easy to work with and less prone to running. Benjamin Moore paints are also praised for their smooth application and excellent leveling properties. Some DIYers find Behr’s paint to be slightly thicker, which can sometimes make it harder to apply evenly without proper technique.
Color Selection & Accuracy: Finding Your Perfect Hue
While all three brands offer thousands of colors, Benjamin Moore is often hailed as the leader in color technology. Their palettes are curated with a designer’s eye, offering complex, nuanced hues that can transform a space. Their proprietary Gennex colorants, which are zero-VOC, also contribute to superior color retention over time.
Sherwin-Williams also offers an extensive color palette and is known for its reliable color-matching technology. Behr provides a vast and accessible range of colors that appeal to a broad audience. Ultimately, all three brands can match each other’s colors, so your choice may come down to which brand’s curated palette you prefer.
Price Point & Value: Where Does Your Money Go?
Price is often a deciding factor, but it’s crucial to consider long-term value. A cheaper paint that requires more coats or fails prematurely isn’t a good value. Sherwin-Williams and Benjamin Moore are positioned as premium brands, and their prices reflect that. Behr, on the other hand, is known for its budget-friendly options.
However, Sherwin-Williams frequently offers sales of 30-40% off, which can make their high-quality paints much more competitive. Benjamin Moore prices are typically firm, as they are sold through independent retailers. Behr’s pricing is consistently low at The Home Depot. Deciding on value means weighing upfront cost against performance and longevity.
| Brand | Good Tier (Price/Gallon) | Better Tier (Price/Gallon) | Best Tier (Price/Gallon) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sherwin-Williams | SuperPaint ($45-$55) | Duration ($65-$75) | Emerald ($75-$90) |
| Benjamin Moore | ben ($45-$55) | Regal Select ($60-$75) | Aura ($75-$95) |
| Behr | Premium Plus ($30-$40) | Ultra Scuff Defense ($40-$50) | Marquee / Dynasty ($50-$65) |
VOCs & Environmental Impact: Painting Healthier
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are chemicals that can be released into the air as paint dries, impacting indoor air quality. All three brands have made significant strides in offering low- and zero-VOC paint options. This is especially important for interior projects, particularly in bedrooms and children’s rooms.
Benjamin Moore’s Natura line is certified asthma and allergy friendly. Sherwin-Williams’ Harmony line is a zero-VOC formula that also claims to help reduce odors and improve air quality. Behr’s Premium Plus line is also a zero-VOC, GREENGUARD Gold Certified paint, making it a safe and affordable option.
The “Secret” Factor No One Talks About: The Store Experience
Beyond the can of paint, the place you buy it from can dramatically influence the success of your project. This is a critical factor that many online reviews overlook. The level of expertise and service you receive can be just as important as the quality of the paint itself.
The Dedicated Paint Store (Sherwin-Williams & Benjamin Moore)
When you walk into a Sherwin-Williams or a Benjamin Moore dealer, you are met with staff who specialize in one thing: paint. These employees are often highly trained and can provide invaluable advice on product selection, surface preparation, and application techniques. For a complex project or a tricky surface, this expert guidance can be the difference between success and failure. They can troubleshoot problems and recommend specialized primers or products that a general hardware store employee might not be aware of.
The Big-Box Retailer (Behr at The Home Depot)
The primary advantage of buying Behr paint is convenience. You can pick up your paint while also grabbing lumber, tools, and light fixtures. While the paint desk staff at The Home Depot can be helpful, their expertise is typically not as deep as what you would find at a dedicated paint store. For a straightforward repaint of a room with no underlying issues, the big-box experience is often sufficient. However, for more challenging projects, the lack of specialized knowledge can be a significant drawback.
The Verdict: Which Paint Brand Should You Choose?
After comparing the key attributes, it’s clear that there is no single “best” brand for everyone. The right choice depends entirely on your specific project, budget, and priorities.
Choose Sherwin-Williams If…
You are undertaking a large or complex project where durability and a professional finish are top priorities. It’s an excellent choice for those who value the expert advice and support found at a dedicated paint store. If you can wait for one of their frequent sales, you can get professional-grade paint at a much more competitive price. For exterior projects, comparing their different lines is key, which is why understanding options like the Sherwin Williams Everlast vs Emerald can ensure you get the right product for your climate and surface.
Choose Benjamin Moore If…
Your primary focus is on achieving a specific, sophisticated color and a luxurious, high-end finish. This brand is ideal for homeowners and designers who are willing to invest in premium quality for standout results. The complexity of its color palette is unmatched, making it the perfect choice for feature walls, living rooms, and any space where the aesthetic is paramount.
Choose Behr If…
You are a DIYer working on a budget-conscious project that doesn’t require a high-end finish. Its accessibility and affordability make it a practical choice for rental properties, kids’ rooms, or quick refreshes. For a straightforward interior paint job, Behr offers reliable quality and tremendous value.
Beyond the Big Three: Are There Other Options?
While Sherwin-Williams, Benjamin Moore, and Behr dominate the market, they are not the only players. Brands like Valspar (available at Lowe’s), PPG, and regional manufacturers offer compelling alternatives that are worth considering. Sometimes, a smaller, local brand can provide surprising quality and value.
For instance, exploring how a regional brand stacks up against a national giant, as seen in a Farrell Calhoun vs Sherwin Williams comparison, can reveal hidden gems. Similarly, even within a single brand like Sherwin-Williams, understanding the differences between product lines, such as in a Showcase vs Emerald analysis, is crucial to selecting the right paint for your specific needs without overpaying.
Your Perfect Paint Job Awaits
The great paint debate between Sherwin-Williams, Benjamin Moore, and Behr doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all answer. Each brand has carved out a space in the market by excelling in different areas. Sherwin-Williams offers professional-grade durability, Benjamin Moore provides unparalleled color and luxury, and Behr delivers unbeatable value and convenience.
By identifying the most important factors for your project—be it budget, durability, color depth, or expert support—you can move past the marketing claims and make a confident choice. The perfect paint is out there, and now you have the knowledge to select the right can for a beautiful, long-lasting finish that you can be proud of.
