Sherwin-Williams is expensive primarily because you are paying for premium, raw ingredient formulations (like 100% long-chain acrylic resins and high solid counts) that increase coverage, adhesion, and scrubbability. You are also funding extensive research and development, strict quality control, and expert in-store customer service.
Yes, Sherwin-Williams paint is generally considered expensive compared to entry-level consumer brands. Standard retail prices range from $𝟓𝟎 to over $𝟏𝟑𝟎 per gallon depending on the specific line. However, the brand frequently offers sales and has strategies to get much lower prices.
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.
Many contractors are impressed by the fact that Sherwin-Williams has more than 140 years of experience behind them, which means they've had a long time to perfect what they do. And they've done it well, as they are among the most trusted suppliers of quality paints in the industry.
Sherwin-Williams is generally considered the better, more durable paint, especially for professional results and high-traffic areas. However, Behr is the better budget-friendly choice, offering excellent coverage and value for DIYers without the premium price tag.
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.
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.
A gallon of Sherwin-Williams paint typically ranges from $40 to over $130 depending on the specific product line, finish, and current in-store promotions.
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.
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In general, Sherwin-Williams is considered the better, more durable paint brand. While Valspar is owned by Sherwin-Williams, Sherwin-Williams typically offers a thicker formula with higher hiding power, better long-term durability, and superior customer satisfaction ratings. However, Valspar is an excellent, more budget-friendly choice for DIYers.
Lowe's stock drops after issuing weak guidance for the current year, overshadowing a fourth-quarter earnings beat. Fourth-quarter adjusted earnings were $1.98 per share on $20.6 billion in sales, with same-store sales up 1.3%.
The most affordable Sherwin-Williams paints are the HGTV Home Ovation Plus line available at Lowe's and contractor-grade lines (like ProMar 200) at Sherwin-Williams stores. Prices typically range from $20 to $30 per gallon, compared to premium lines that exceed $70 per gallon.
A 5-gallon bucket of Sherwin-Williams Duration (both interior and exterior) typically retails between $400 and $550. However, your actual price will heavily depend on contractor discounts, whether you open a commercial account, and 30%-40% off national sales events.
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.
Behr is generally cheaper upfront than Sherwin-Williams, making it the go-to budget option available at Home Depot. Behr paint typically costs between $30–$60 per gallon, whereas premium Sherwin-Williams lines can range from $50–$90+ per gallon. While Behr is more affordable initially, Sherwin-Williams is often considered higher quality, offering better coverage and durability.
Is It Cheaper to Paint Yourself or Hire a Professional? Short answer: DIY is often cheaper on small projects with limited prep, but hiring a professional can be more cost-effective on larger, complex, or high-risk jobs when you factor in time, rework, and durability.
The top three paint brands in the US are Sherwin-Williams, Benjamin Moore, and BEHR. Ranked by professional usage and consumer testing, these brands consistently deliver the best balance of coverage, durability, and color payoff.
Here are five paint colors that real estate professionals and designers consistently recommend to help homes sell faster and for more:
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.
Colors that never go out of style are universally versatile, deeply tied to nature, and serve as the perfect base for your wardrobe or home. These timeless hues—ranging from crisp neutrals to earthy classics—provide long-term flexibility and elegance regardless of passing trends.
Blue: calmness, serenity, peace
Blue has the opposite effects of red and is the most soothing color. Primary blue is used in therapeutic settings for meditation and relaxation because it helps you unwind, find peace, and become more comfortable expressing your inner feelings.