Alright, let’s talk paint! When you’re ready to give your walls some love, two names always pop up: Sherwin-Williams and Benjamin Moore. These aren’t your average paint cans; pros and DIY heroes swear by them. But if you had to pick a champion, who would it be?
The Lowdown on Top-Tier Tints
Honestly, Benjamin Moore usually edges out Sherwin-Williams by a hair. When it comes to how well it covers, how tough it is, and how smoothly it goes on, Benjamin Moore often takes the cake. Their Regal Select for inside jobs? It’s pretty much the gold standard. And for outside, their Aura stuff, while a bit pricier, really holds its own.
That said, you really can’t go wrong with either. They both have good, better, and “wow!” options, and they’re miles ahead of the everyday brands you might grab at a big box store.
The Great Painter Debate: Coke vs. Pepsi
Ask a pro painter, and it’s like asking if they prefer Coke or Pepsi. Everyone has their favorite, but both brands deliver quality. However, Benjamin Moore does have one little snag…
Generally, Benjamin Moore costs a tad more. We’re talking around $57 a gallon compared to Sherwin-Williams’ $53 for similar quality. But here’s a secret weapon: Sherwin-Williams’ SuperPaint. It’s often seen as the sweet spot – awesome quality without breaking the bank, usually around $48 a gallon.
Here’s where Sherwin-Williams pulls ahead. They own all their stores, so finding what you need is usually a breeze. Benjamin Moore, on the other hand, works through independent shops like Ace Hardware. That means you might have to hunt a bit more, and not every store carries every single product line. Trust us, when you need a quick touch-up, having a store nearby is a game-changer!
Color Me Happy!
Shiny vs. Not-So-Shiny: The Sheen Scene
Paint sheen is all about how glossy your walls look. This part can get a little confusing because everyone has their own names for finishes. Quick tip: For ceilings, go flat. Walls love matte or eggshell. And for trim, satin or semi-gloss are your friends. For outside, flat or matte for the main bits, and semi-gloss or gloss for trim, doors, and windows.
Benjamin Moore’s All-Stars
- Regal Select: This is the crowd favorite for interiors. It covers like a dream, feels substantial, and goes on super smoothly. It’s tough, cleans up well, and holds its color beautifully. Plus, it’s low on the stinky stuff (VOCs) and fights mildew.
- Aura: If you want zero-VOCs and even more oomph, Aura is your pick. It’s thicker and covers even better, thanks to Benjamin Moore’s special “Gennex Color technology” that keeps colors vibrant.
- Ben: Think of Ben as Regal Select’s budget-friendly pal. It’s still a solid performer, especially for an entry-level paint, and some finishes are nearly zero-VOC. It’s a great choice if you’re looking for good quality without splurging.
- Advance Trim Paint: This stuff is magic for trim, doors, and cabinets. It flows like butter, smooths itself out, and dries to a super sleek, factory-like finish. Seriously, it makes brush marks disappear!
Sherwin-Williams’ MVPs
- SuperPaint: Our top pick for value. It’s a workhorse for both inside and outside jobs. Great coverage, tough as nails, and easy to use. The exterior version typically looks good for 5-7 years. It’s also low-VOC and primes itself.
- Duration & Emerald: If you need paint that really goes the distance outside (8-10 years!), these are your go-to. They’re thicker and super tough, but they’re for the experienced painter, not a weekend warrior. Emerald also has a special trim paint that’s top-notch.
- ProClassic: A solid choice for interior trim, doors, and cabinets. It dries fast and holds up well, though we still lean slightly towards Benjamin Moore’s Advance for that super-smooth, factory-like finish.
So, Which One Should You Pick?
Both brands are fantastic. Sherwin-Williams might be a bit cheaper per gallon and easier to find, while Benjamin Moore often wins on that tiny bit of extra oomph in quality. It really boils down to your project. Are you doing a quick refresh before selling? Or creating your forever dream home?
One thing’s for sure: skip the super cheap stuff. It’s a false economy that leads to frustration and more work in the long run.
At Liberty Painting, we use both Benjamin Moore and Sherwin-Williams paints. We understand that every home and every project is unique, which is why our experts are here to guide you. We’ll listen to your vision, assess your home’s specific needs, and recommend the perfect product that not only fits your budget but also ensures a beautiful, lasting finish you’ll love.
