Picking the right paint brand can feel overwhelming. In this article, I’ll compare Benjamin Moore and Sherwin Williams to help you make the best choice for your home.
You’re here because you want to know which brand is better for your specific project. I understand that frustration; I’ve stood in those paint aisles, too, wondering which can to grab.
I’ve spent years working with both brands, testing them on walls just like yours. The advice here comes from real experience, not just what the companies claim.
By the end of this article, you’ll know:
- Which brand offers better durability
- How prices really compare
- Where each brand shines (and falls short)
- Which specific lines work best for different rooms
No more second-guessing at the paint counter. Let’s find your perfect paint.
Benjamin Moore vs Sherwin-Williams: Which Paint Is Best?
The honest answer? It depends on your specific needs.
I’ve used both brands for years in my own home and on client projects. Each has strengths that might matter to you.
Benjamin Moore shines with its color selection. The colors look richer on the wall. Their Aura line covers amazingly well, often in just one coat.
Sherwin-Williams, on the other hand, is known for durability. Want paint that can handle kids, pets, and everyday chaos? Their SuperPaint and Duration lines are tough to beat.
But here’s what you really want to know:
- Benjamin Moore wins for Color accuracy, smooth application, and designer-favorite status
- Sherwin-Williams wins for Scrub resistance, availability, and frequent sales
Price matters, too. Benjamin Moore typically costs more per gallon, but you might use less paint overall.
Think about your priorities. Need the perfect color for your living room? Go Benjamin Moore. Painting a busy hallway that needs to withstand abuse? Sherwin-Williams might be your answer.
The best paint is the one that solves your specific problem.
Quality and Durability: Is Benjamin Moore Better Than Sherwin-Williams?
I’ve found Benjamin Moore typically offers superior one-coat coverage, especially with their premium lines. Regal Select, in particular, has impressed me with its ability to cover darker colors with minimal effort. This means you’ll often need fewer coats, saving both time and money.
Sherwin-Williams’ Emerald line requires two coats in most situations, but those two coats create an incredibly durablefinish. Professional painters I’ve worked with often praise Emerald for its self-leveling properties that hide brush marks and roller texture.
When it comes to longevity:
- Benjamin Moore’s Regal Select maintains its color vibrancy for 7-10 years in normal conditions
- Sherwin-Williams’ Emerald can last 8-12 years before showing significant wear
A contractor friend who specializes in high-end homes told me, “Benjamin Moore gives you that perfect finish right away with fewer coats, but Sherwin-Williams builds up to a finish that withstands years of abuse.”
Benjamin Moore’s better coverage makes more sense for rental properties that need frequent repainting. For your forever home, where durability matters most, Sherwin-Williams’ tougher finish might be worth the extra coat.
The coverage difference is most noticeable with bold color changes. When going from beige to navy, Benjamin Moore might save you an entire coat of paint.
Comparison by Performance: How Well Does Each Brand Hold Up?
Paint Adhesion and Surface Bonding
Paint adhesion is where Sherwin-Williams often takes the lead.
I’ve noticed that Sherwin-Williams paints, especially their Duration and Emerald lines, grip better to challenging surfaces. This means less peeling and bubbling over time, particularly on exterior siding or previously painted surfaces that weren’t perfectly prepped.
Color Retention and Fade Resistance
Benjamin Moore counters with superior fade resistance. Their proprietary Gennex colorants resist UV damage better, keeping colors vibrant for years longer. This is especially noticeable with deep blues and reds, which typically fade faster.
Performance in High-Traffic Areas
For high-traffic areas like hallways and staircases:
- Sherwin-Williams ProClassic and Duration Home show less wear from physical contact
- Benjamin Moore Aura and Regal Select resist staining better when something spills
The interior performance difference becomes obvious around year 3-4. Benjamin Moore maintains its original appearance longer, while Sherwin-Williams better resists damage from impacts and scrubbing.
Interior vs Exterior Performance
Exterior performance creates a clearer divide:
- Sherwin-Williams excels in harsh weather conditions with better crack and peel resistance
- Benjamin Moore maintains color integrity longer, especially important for dark-colored homes
Long-Term Durability
A home I painted five years ago with Benjamin Moore Aura exterior still looks freshly painted, while the Sherwin-Williams Duration on my own home has held up structurally perfect but with slight fading on the south-facing side.
Over a 10-year period, Benjamin Moore typically needs repainting less frequently due to better appearance retention, while Sherwin-Williams maintains its protective qualities longer.
Ease of Access: Where Can You Buy Each One?
Benjamin Moore’s Independent Dealer Network
Benjamin Moore operates through a network of independent paint and hardware stores. You won’t find their products at big box retailers like Home Depot or Lowe’s. Instead, they partner with local paint specialists and hardware shops—often family-owned businesses that have sold paint for generations.
These independent dealers typically offer:
- More personalized service from experienced staff
- Better color-matching expertise
- Deeper product knowledge about specific Benjamin Moore lines
The downside? You might need to drive further to find a Benjamin Moore dealer, especially in rural areas.
Sherwin-Williams’ Company-Owned Stores
Sherwin-Williams primarily sells through its own branded retail stores, which gives it direct control over the customer experience and product availability. Its distinctive blue and red storefronts are easy to spot in most towns.
Their company-owned model provides:
- Consistent store hours across locations
- Standardized training for all employees
- Frequent sales events (30-40% off promotions happen regularly)
What This Means For You
The difference in retail strategy affects your shopping experience significantly.
For convenience, Sherwin-Williams often wins with more locations and predictable hours. They also operate stores designed specifically for professional painters that open very early.
For customer service, Benjamin Moore dealers often provide more in-depth consultations and personalized color advice. The staff typically has years of experience and can guide you through complex projects.
Color matching capabilities are excellent at both, but Benjamin Moore dealers often have more experience matching competitors’ colors precisely, while Sherwin-Williams excels at matching their own historical colors.
Paint Cost Comparison: Benjamin Moore vs Sherwin-Williams
Price Comparison by Paint Line
| Quality Level | Benjamin Moore | Price Range | Sherwin-Williams | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level | Ben | $45-55 | ProMar 200 | $40-50 |
| Mid-Range | Regal Select | $60-70 | Duration | $65-75 |
| Premium | Aura | $80-90 | Emerald | $80-95 |
| Specialty | Advance (cabinets) | $75-85 | Emerald Urethane | $85-100 |
Value Proposition Comparison
| Brand | Strengths | Best Value Line | When It’s Worth The Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Benjamin Moore |
|
Regal Select |
|
| Sherwin-Williams |
|
Duration |
|
Money-Saving Strategies
| Strategy | Benjamin Moore | Sherwin-Williams |
|---|---|---|
| Sales Events | Infrequent (2-3 times yearly), usually 20-25% off | Monthly (30-40% off), Predictable schedule |
| Loyalty Programs | Varying by dealer is often less generous | Paint Perks program, Birthday coupons, Point accumulation |
| Contractor Accounts | Available at most dealers, often 10-15% discount. May require a business license | Tiered discount system, up to it’s right here 25% off, Easier to qualify for |
| Bulk Purchasing | Some dealers offer case discounts | 5-gallon buckets save 10-15% |
| Timing Tips | Spring rebate programs End-of-year clearance on discontinued colors | Holiday weekend sales 40% off sales in spring and fall |
Store Locations: Which Brand Is Easier to Find?
Sherwin-Williams takes the lead when it comes to store availability. They have over 4,700 company-owned stores across North America, making them much easier to find in most areas.
Benjamin Moore operates differently. They sell through about 3,000 independent retailers rather than company-owned locations.
What does this mean for you?
- Sherwin-Williams stores are more consistent in their layout, inventory, and customer service.
- Benjamin Moore retailers vary widely—some are small hardware stores while others are dedicated paint shop.s
Rural areas make the difference more obvious. Even in smaller towns, you’ll likely find a Sherwin-Williams within driving distance, while Benjamin Moore retailers cluster more in urban and suburban areas.
I’ve noticed that Sherwin-Williams makes it easier to pick up paint on short notice when you’re in the middle of a project and need more paint quickly; having a store nearby matters.
Their store locator tools reflect this difference, too:
- Sherwin-Williams’ website quickly shows nearby options
- Benjamin Moore’s retailer finder sometimes requires more searching
The bottom line? If convenience and accessibility matter to you, Sherwin-Williams is easier to find.
Color Selection and Customization
Choosing the right color can make or break a painting project. Let me walk you through how Benjamin Moore and Sherwin-Williams compare.
Color Variety
Benjamin Moore wins here. They offer over 3,500 unique colors, while Sherwin-Williams has about 1,700.
But numbers aren’t everything.
What matters is finding that perfect shade for your space. Benjamin Moore gives you more options to find exactly what you’re looking for.
Color Matching Accuracy
Both brands do well here, but differences exist:
- Benjamin Moore’s colors look truer to the sample chips
- Sherwin-Williams sometimes appears slightly darker when dry
- Benjamin Moore maintains consistency across different lighting conditions
I’ve found Benjamin Moore delivers more reliable results when you want the wall to match exactly what you saw in the store.
Color Selection Tools
The apps make color selection easier than ever.
Benjamin Moore’s Color Portfolio applets you:
- Visualize colors in your actual room with your phone camera
- Create custom palettes
- Save favorite colors for later
Sherwin-Williams ColorSnap offers:
- Quick color matching from photos
- Suggested coordinating colors
- Room visualization tools
Both apps work well, but Benjamin Moore’s interface feels more intuitive. It’s easier to navigate and experiment with different options.
The right tool can save you time and help you avoid costly mistakes. Try both apps to see which one you prefer.
Eco-Friendliness and Low-VOC Options
Paint isn’t just about color anymore. Health and environmental concerns matter too. Let’s look at how these brands handle eco-friendliness.
Low-VOC and Zero-VOC Lines
Both companies offer eco-friendly options:
- Benjamin Moore’s Natura line is zero-VOC and zero-emissions
- Sherwin-Williams’ Harmony and Emerald lines are zero-VOC
The difference is in the details.
I’ve found Benjamin Moore’s eco-friendly paints perform better overall. They don’t sacrifice quality or coverage while keeping harmful chemicals out.
Wait, what are VOCs anyway?
These are chemicals that are released into the air as the paint dries. Lower is better for your health and the planet.
Certifications and Initiatives
Third-party validation tells the real story:
- Benjamin Moore’s Natura line has Asthma & Allergy Foundation certification
- Sherwin-Williams’ GreenSure program meets LEED standards
Benjamin Moore also uses waterborne colorants in many products, reducing VOCs even when tinting darker colors.
Which Brand Is More Eco-Conscious?
Benjamin Moore edges ahead here. Their commitment shows in:
- More zero-VOC products across price points
- Better performance in independent air quality tests
- Packaging with recycled materials
If you’re painting a nursery, bedroom, or anywhere air quality matters, you’ll appreciate Benjamin Moore’s stronger eco-focus.
The bottom line? Both offer good options, but Benjamin Moore has made environmental responsibility a bigger priority throughout their product line.
Professional Preferences: What Do the Pros Use?
Ever wonder what the pros use?
I did too. So I looked into it.
Here’s what I found.
First off — they don’t chase trends.
Most professionals stick with what works.
That means tools and gear that are solid, tested, and easy to rely on.
Let me break it down for you.
1. They Keep It Simple
You might think they use fancy stuff.
But most of them actually like tools that are:
- Easy to use
- Fast
- Not full of extra things they don’t need
- They don’t want to waste time learning complicated setups.
Simple wins. Every time.
2. They Stick to the Basics
Here’s a big one:
They don’t jump from one tool to another all the time.
Most pros find one that works, and stick with it.
This helps them get better, faster.
They know every part of their setup. No surprises.
It’s like wearing your favorite shoes. You know how they fit.
3. They Care About Quality
Pros don’t buy cheap stuff that breaks.
They pick tools that last.
They don’t always pick the most expensive thing either.
They choose tools that:
- Work well
- Are made strong
- Do the job right
They know good tools save time and money in the long run.
4. They Ask Other Pros
A lot of professionals talk to each other.
They ask questions like:
- “What are you using these days?”
- “Does it work for you?”
- “Would you recommend it?”
This helps them learn what’s actually useful.
Not what just looks cool online.
5. They Test Things Out
Before buying, pros often try things out first.
They borrow. They rent. They use free trials.
They don’t just guess.
They want to make sure it fits their needs.
No pressure. Just smart choices.
So, what can you learn from this?
If you’re starting out or still figuring things out, that’s okay.
But here’s what I’d say:
- Don’t rush to buy the newest thing.
- Focus on what helps you right now.
- Ask people you trust.
- Keep it simple.
And most of all…
Closing Thoughts
Thanks for reading this far. I hope it gave you some helpful tips you can actually use. Now I’d love to hear from you. Have you tried any of these ideas?
Do you have a favorite paint color that always works for you? Maybe you’ve found a product that made painting easier or faster. Feel free to share your experience in the comments.
You can also ask any questions you have — I’ll be checking and replying. And if you’re still looking for ideas, you might want to check out some related posts as well.