Sherwin-Williams and Benjamin Moore are the two top-tier paint brands in the US. Sherwin-Williams excels in affordability, application ease, and store accessibility. Benjamin Moore is widely favored for superior color depth, higher solids content for better coverage, and premium finishes.
Yes, Sherwin-Williams is generally considered on par with Benjamin Moore, and both are top-tier, premium paint brands. While professional opinions vary, Sherwin-Williams is often favored for its application and frequent sales, whereas Benjamin Moore is praised for superior color depth and long-term durability.
Professional painters prefer Sherwin-Williams because of its superior coverage, high-solids formulation, and extensive network of dedicated contractor stores. These benefits translate to time saved on the job, flawless finishes, and reliable supply chains.
Commercial painting contractors generally purchase Benjamin Moore and Sherwin-Williams paints in 2-gallon cans, which brings cost savings to clients. Each brand charges roughly the same amount for their paint, including their top-quality premium paint.
Based on 2026 industry ratings, Benjamin Moore is frequently ranked the highest overall for quality, durability, and color, with their Aura line often cited as best-in-class. Sherwin-Williams (especially Emerald) is a top competitor often ranked #1 for consumer satisfaction, while Behr (at The Home Depot) is highly rated for performance and value.
The most popular interior paint colors are soft, warm whites (like Sherwin-Williams Pure White or Benjamin Moore White Dove) and cozy warm neutrals like greige and sandy beige. Stark cool grays are currently being replaced by earthy undertones, deep charcoals, and muted sages.
Eggshell is generally better for high-traffic areas (living rooms, hallways) because it is durable and easy to clean, while matte is superior for hiding wall imperfections in lower-traffic rooms (bedrooms, dining rooms) due to its non-reflective, soft finish. Eggshell offers a slight, subtle sheen, whereas matte absorbs light.
1. Behr. Behr is a favorite among DIY homeowners due to its availability at Home Depot and its reliable performance. Behr's Premium Plus and Marquee lines are praised for their strong coverage and reasonable price point.
No, the Sherwin-Williams paint sold at Lowe's is not the same quality as the paint sold at physical Sherwin-Williams retail stores. While manufactured by the same company, they feature different chemical formulations and are produced in different “good, better, best” tiers.
Sherwin-Williams and Home Depot (which primarily sells Behr paint) cater to different needs. Sherwin-Williams offers premium, professional-grade finishes with exceptional coverage and expert support. Home Depot’s Behr brand is heavily favored by DIYers for its budget-friendliness, wide color selection, and easy one-coat coverage options.
Cool gray is being replaced by "mushroom" neutrals (warm taupes and greys with subtle green or violet undertones), warm earthy khakis, and soft, natural sages.
With our acquisition in 2000 by Berkshire Hathaway, Benjamin Moore joined a family of companies under the direction of Warren Buffett, which embodies success and is distinguished by sustainable brands that shine through the clutter of competition.
Yes, on average, Benjamin Moore paints are slightly more expensive than Sherwin-Williams. However, prices fluctuate based on the specific product lines and the frequent sales events Sherwin-Williams offers.
Red is universally considered the hardest paint color to cover. Vibrant red pigments are highly transparent and inherently prone to bleeding through subsequent layers. Other notoriously difficult colors to cover include black, dark blue, dark green, and bright yellow.
Sherwin-Williams paint is generally considered worth the premium if you prioritize durability, excellent coverage, and a smooth finish. While it costs more upfront than budget brands, its higher pigment and resin content save you time and labor by requiring fewer coats.
Both Sherwin-Williams and Benjamin Moore are top-tier paint brands favored by professionals and designers. Benjamin Moore is generally celebrated for superior color depth, clarity, and ease of touch-up. Sherwin-Williams excels in overall durability, ease of application for DIYers, and frequent promotional sales.
Here are five paint colors that real estate professionals and designers consistently recommend to help homes sell faster and for more:
Professional painters usually use contractor-grade or pro-line paints that aren't always available at your typical home improvement store. These include: Sherwin-Williams ProMar, SuperPaint, or Emerald lines. Benjamin Moore Ultra Spec or Regal Select.
To make a home look expensive, rely on sophisticated neutrals, earthy greens, or muted blues rather than stark whites or highly saturated brights. High-end spaces feel cohesive and intentional, using layered tones, natural materials, and high-quality finishes to create a calm, custom feel.
Sherwin Williams SuperPaint ($64.49/gallon) and Benjamin Moore Ben ($44.50/gallon) tied for the best coverage after one coat. Both paints required a second coat for full coverage, but SuperPaint edged out slightly in overall performance.
The most popular and highly recommended Sherwin-Williams paint choices for bathrooms include Pure White (SW 7005) for bright, clean walls and Sea Salt (SW 6204) for a spa-like, serene feel.
Builders use flat (or matte) paint primarily because its lack of shine hides drywall imperfections, scuffs, and texture flaws. It is also highly forgiving for quick touch-ups without leaving visible overlap or roller marks. This makes it a highly cost-effective and efficient way to deliver a uniform finish.
When Would you Not Use Eggshell Paint? It would help if you did not use this finish in high-traffic areas or on constantly touched objects—for example, kitchen cabinets and bathrooms. Instead, you would use a gloss because it's washable and withstands moisture better.
Eggshell Paint
Eggshell finish, perennially popular with professional and DIY painters alike, has a low-sheen reminiscent of flat or matte, but it is infinitely more durable than its namesake.