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Choosing the right paint can transform a space from dull and dated to stylish and inviting. But with so many brands and products on the market, deciding which one is best for your project can be overwhelming. Two of the most popular names in the industry are Benjamin Moore and Sherwin-Williams. They are favorites for both DIYers and professionals. Each brand has its loyal fans and offers a wide range of paint lines suited for different needs, budgets, and aesthetics. In this post, we’ll dive deep into both companies, examining everything from their product lines and color palettes to price points and eco-friendliness, so you can make an informed choice on which paint is right for you.
1. A Brief History of the Brands
Both Benjamin Moore and Sherwin-Williams have been around for over a century, which speaks volumes about their staying power and reputation in the market.
- Benjamin Moore: Founded in 1883 by Benjamin Moore and his brother, the company has a rich history of innovation. One of its most famous milestones is the development of Gennex® Color Technology, a proprietary system that eliminates unnecessary chemicals and helps ensure color consistency and durability.
- Sherwin-Williams: Established in 1866 by Henry Sherwin and Edward Williams, Sherwin-Williams quickly grew into one of the largest paint producers in the United States. The company is well-known for its consistent quality control and pioneering research, resulting in paint lines like Emerald® and SuperPaint® that are revered by professionals.
Both brands have invested heavily in research and development, aiming to produce paints that offer excellent coverage, durability, and color retention. The reputation they’ve built over more than a century has positioned them as two of the top choices for homeowners and contractors alike.
2. Paint Lines and Specialized Products
One of the first things to consider when comparing Benjamin Moore and Sherwin-Williams is the variety of paint lines they offer. Each brand has multiple products designed for specific surfaces, budgets, and performance needs.
Benjamin Moore:
- Aura®: A premium line known for its exceptional coverage and color depth. Aura is favored for its thick consistency and is often recommended for rooms that need a dramatic color makeover with fewer coats.
- Regal® Select: Another high-quality paint line that balances durability with a slightly lower price tag than Aura. It’s a go-to for interior walls in busy households.
- ben®: A more budget-friendly line ideal for smaller projects or those looking for a decent balance of performance and affordability.
- Advance®: A waterborne alkyd paint designed for cabinets, doors, and trim—offering the leveling properties of an oil-based paint but in a water-based formula.
Sherwin-Williams:
- Emerald®: Regarded as one of the brand’s top offerings, Emerald provides excellent coverage, washability, and durability. This line is often compared directly to Benjamin Moore’s Aura.
- Duration®: Another high-performing line suitable for high-traffic areas and exterior projects, thanks to its enhanced mildew and fade resistance.
- SuperPaint®: A versatile product known for good coverage at a more accessible price point than Emerald or Duration.
- ProClassic®: Tailored for doors, trim, and cabinetry, ProClassic levels well and offers a smooth, durable finish similar to Benjamin Moore’s Advance.
Depending on your project—be it an entire home interior, a single room refresh, or cabinet refinishing—both brands have specialized options to meet your needs. Your choice will likely hinge on your budget, the level of performance you desire, and the look you want to achieve.
3. Color Selection and Innovation
When it comes to color, both Benjamin Moore and Sherwin-Williams are industry leaders. They each have a massive palette of standard colors, plus the ability to custom-match almost any hue you can imagine.
- Benjamin Moore: The company’s Color Preview® collection features over 1,200 vibrant and subdued hues, and the Classic Color Collection includes tried-and-true favorites that have remained in style for decades. A standout innovation is their Color Lock® Technology in the Aura line, which helps the paint resist fading and maintain color vibrancy over time.
- Sherwin-Williams: With more than 1,700 colors, Sherwin-Williams also offers an impressive array of shades. Each year, they release a Colormix® Forecast, highlighting upcoming trends that inspire new decorating ideas. Their Paint Color Matching Services utilize advanced technology, so you can bring in a fabric swatch or a photo, and they’ll create a custom match right on the spot.
Whether you’re aiming for a classic neutral palette or a bold statement wall, both brands make it easy to find the perfect shade. Many homeowners choose their brand based on a particular color line or a must-have hue that is unique to one of these companies.
4. Coverage and Durability
Coverage refers to how well a paint hides the old color or surface beneath it, while durability measures how well it stands up to wear, washing, and the test of time. These two factors are crucial for any paint job, whether it’s a child’s bedroom or a high-traffic commercial space.
- Benjamin Moore: Paint lines like Aura and Regal Select offer exceptional coverage, often requiring fewer coats even for significant color changes. The durability of these lines is also impressive, especially in high-moisture or high-traffic areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and hallways.
- Sherwin-Williams: Emerald and Duration are similarly praised for their one-coat coverage claims, although in practice, two coats are often recommended for the best results—this is true of nearly every brand. Durability-wise, many professionals swear by Duration and Emerald for their resilience, especially in exterior applications and busy households.
While both brands perform well, prep work (cleaning, priming, and repairing surfaces) and proper application techniques are also important. Even the best paint can falter if the surface isn’t prepared correctly.
5. Application and Finish Quality
The application process can significantly influence the final appearance of your walls or trim. A paint’s consistency, leveling, and drying time can make the difference between a flawless finish and a streaky or uneven look.
- Benjamin Moore: Known for slightly thicker formulations in lines like Aura and Regal Select, Benjamin Moore paints often have superior leveling properties. This can minimize brush or roller marks, especially for semi-gloss or satin finishes on trim and cabinetry. However, a thicker paint may also require more careful application to avoid drips.
- Sherwin-Williams: Lines like Emerald and SuperPaint are lauded for their smooth application and relatively quick drying times. Some users find Sherwin-Williams paint slightly thinner, which can be beneficial for sprayer applications and easier for novices who worry about thick, goopy paint.
The finish quality depends on matching the right paint line with the right finish type—flat, eggshell, satin, semi-gloss, or high-gloss. Both brands offer excellent finish options, ensuring you can achieve the exact look and sheen level you want.
6. Environmental Considerations
More and more homeowners are looking for paints with lower Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) for health and environmental reasons. VOCs can contribute to poor indoor air quality and have negative environmental impacts.
- Benjamin Moore: The Natura® line (now known as Eco Spec® WB) is a zero-VOC offering, and even the brand’s regular paints tend to have low VOC levels, thanks to their Gennex® waterborne colorants.
- Sherwin-Williams: The Harmony® line is zero-VOC and includes odor-eliminating technology, making it an excellent choice for bedrooms, nurseries, or spaces where you want to minimize paint fumes. Sherwin-Williams also has low-VOC lines across multiple price points.
Both brands have made strides toward sustainability, using more environmentally friendly formulas without sacrificing quality. This factor can be a deciding point if you’re painting a nursery, are sensitive to chemical odors, or simply want to lessen your ecological footprint.
7. Cost and Availability
Cost is often the deciding factor for many homeowners. Neither Benjamin Moore nor Sherwin-Williams is considered a bargain-basement brand; they generally position themselves at mid-range to premium price points.
- Benjamin Moore: Prices vary depending on the line, but premium products like Aura are typically around (70–80 per gallon or more, while ben® may hover around the mid-$40 range. Benjamin Moore paints are primarily sold through independent retailers, hardware stores, and specialty paint shops, which sometimes results in less promotional discounting compared to big-box retailers.
- Sherwin-Williams: A gallon of Emerald can cost similar to Aura, around $70–80. Duration and SuperPaint are slightly cheaper, typically ranging in the mid-$50 to $60 range. Sherwin-Williams stores often run sales and promotions—sometimes up to 30–40% off—which can make their higher-end products more affordable.
If you’re on a budget, shopping during sales or comparing product lines (like ben® vs. SuperPaint®) might help you save without sacrificing too much in terms of performance.
8. Which Brand Is Right for You?
Selecting between Benjamin Moore and Sherwin-Williams may come down to personal preference, specific project demands, or brand loyalty. Here’s a quick breakdown to help guide your decision:
- Pick Benjamin Moore If:
- You value exceptional color consistency and are drawn to their unique palette or premium lines like Aura.
- You want a paint that’s known for thick coverage, leveling, and reducing the need for multiple coats.
- You have access to a trusted local Benjamin Moore dealer who can provide personalized recommendations and support.
- Pick Sherwin-Williams If:
- You’re looking to take advantage of periodic sales and discounts to bring down the overall cost.
- You want a vast selection of well-reviewed lines like Emerald, Duration, or SuperPaint that can handle various projects.
- You prefer a thinner paint consistency for easier application or are planning to use a paint sprayer.
In many cases, it’s a question of trying sample cans and deciding which feel, coverage, and final finish align best with your project goals.
9. Final Thoughts
When it comes to Benjamin Moore vs. Sherwin-Williams, the differences can be subtle yet important, particularly when discussing color technology, coverage, consistency, and price. Both brands have earned their reputations through decades of delivering top-notch results, whether for professional contractors or weekend DIY warriors. Ultimately, your choice may hinge on the paint line you favor, your budget, or even the proximity of a local store that offers the best service and advice.
If you’re still on the fence, remember that sampling is key. Pick up small sample sizes, test them on your walls, and observe the color in different lighting conditions. Whichever brand you choose, a well-executed paint job can breathe new life into your home, reflecting your style and potentially increasing its value. With a bit of research, testing, and patience, you can select the perfect paint—and brand—that will make your project a rewarding success.
Views Expressed Disclaimer
The views, opinions, and information presented in this article are for informational purposes only and do not necessarily reflect the official policies or positions of Chagrin Falls Painting. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, Chagrin Falls Painting is not liable for any errors, omissions, or decisions made based on the content provided. Readers are encouraged to consult professionals for specific advice or assistance related to their unique circumstances.
