Sherwin-Williams is widely considered better than Behr due to its superior workability, smoother finish, and exceptional long-term durability. While Behr (found at Home Depot) is more affordable, professional painters often favor Sherwin-Williams (found in dedicated SW stores) for its superior color consistency and better overall value.
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.
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.
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 BEHR® Professional Products & Services Program is committed to meeting the nationwide needs of professional painters, contractors, remodelers, and property owners/managers through high-quality products and services.
Yes, Behr is highly comparable to Sherwin-Williams. Professional painters generally regard Sherwin-Williams as the gold standard for durability and smooth application, while Behr stands out as a highly durable, budget-friendly option favored by DIYers.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Yes, you can absolutely get Sherwin-Williams colors at Lowe's. Lowe's carries a dedicated line called HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams and can also mix classic Sherwin-Williams colors using their color-matching system.
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.
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.
To make a house feel more spacious, opt for light, airy neutrals and soft, cool tones. These colors reflect the maximum amount of natural light and create an optical illusion that makes walls appear to recede.
Home Depot offers a range of high-quality paints, but in my professional opinion, the two best premium options are:
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.
Overall, when comparing Sherwin Williams products and Behr products, Sherwin Williams comes out ahead on coverage, color consistency, in-store assistance, and long-term value.
Gray: Gray has become a popular neutral recently, and for a good reason. It's a sophisticated color that can work with various decor styles. Whether you choose a light or dark gray, it's a timeless color that will never go out of style.
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.
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.
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.
There is no single "number one" paint brand, as the top pick depends on whether you prioritize professional quality, overall sales, or ease of purchase. The three leading brands in the US excel in different categories:
Most walls require two coats of paint to achieve a true color, even sheen, and proper durability. You may only need one coat if you are applying the exact same color over a surface in good condition. Three or more coats are often necessary when making a drastic color change (e.g., dark to light).
Yes, Behr is generally cheaper than Sherwin-Williams. Behr base lines range from $30−$45 per gallon, while premium Sherwin-Williams paints can easily exceed $60−$80 per gallon. However, Sherwin-Williams frequently runs deep sales, and they offer specialized Pro products that level the price gap for contractors.