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.
Both Benjamin Moore and Sherwin-Williams are top-tier, premium paint brands, but neither is universally "better." Benjamin Moore generally wins for color depth, richness, and a smoother finish, while Sherwin-Williams excels in overall durability, application ease, and budget-friendly accessibility.
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.
Professional painters primarily use Sherwin-Williams and Benjamin Moore. This preference is driven by high-quality, durable ingredients, exceptional coverage, and access to dedicated contractor stores and trade discounts.
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, Sherwin-Williams paint sold at Lowe's is not the exact same quality or formulation as the paint sold at dedicated Sherwin-Williams retail stores. While they are made by the same overarching parent company, they serve different markets and feature varying formulas, pricing, and durability.
Hiring a professional to paint a 12x12 room typically costs between $400 and $950 for labor and materials. This generally covers two coats of paint on the walls and standard surface preparation.
Whether you should buy paint from Sherwin-Williams or Home Depot depends on your budget, experience level, and project scale.
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.
The hardest colors to paint over are red, black, and deep, dark blues or greens. Because of their strong, saturated pigments, these colors easily bleed through lighter topcoats. Attempting to cover them without proper preparation often results in streaks and requires many frustrating, time-consuming coats of paint.
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.
To sell a house faster, prioritize light, sophisticated neutrals like warm whites, soft "greige" (gray + beige), and taupes. These universally appealing colors create a blank canvas, allowing buyers to envision their own style while making spaces feel larger, brighter, and cleaner.
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.
The top-rated paint brands for residential interiors and exteriors are Benjamin Moore, Sherwin-Williams, Behr, PPG, and Valspar. These industry leaders are widely favored by both professionals and DIYers for their durability, superior coverage, scuff resistance, and color accuracy.
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.
When painting contractors seek out quality paint for their jobs, they often choose Benjamin Moore and Sherwin-Williams – two of the best selling brands on the market. Professional painters the world over have used these paints to great success for many years.
Contractors prefer flat paint primarily because its matte finish absorbs light rather than reflecting it, making it an ultimate shortcut for saving time and labor. It effectively camouflages surface flaws, blends seamlessly during touch-ups, and generally requires less effort to apply perfectly.
Avoid eggshell paint in high-traffic areas, high-moisture rooms (like full bathrooms), on trims, doors, or damaged walls. Eggshell’s slight sheen highlights drywall flaws and creates a patchy finish if you try to touch up small scuffs later.
Most painters use an eggshell or satin sheen for interior walls, as these provide the perfect balance of a smooth, velvety appearance and cleanability. For trim, doors, and cabinets, painters almost universally use semi-gloss for its high durability and scuff resistance.