Benjamin Moore vs Sherwin Williams: Which Brand is BEST for Paint?

Hello, friends! Today, I’m going to talk about something we all come across in life – paint! Whether you’re planning to revamp your room or paint an entire house, it’s important to choose the right paint brand. The two most popular names that pop up in everyone’s mind are Benjamin Moore and Sherwin Williams. But which one should you pick? Let’s dive in and figure it out together! I’ll cover the differences between the two brands, their pros and cons, and help you understand what might work best for your next project. Ready? Let’s go!

Benjamin Moore vs. Sherwin Williams: A Quick Introduction

Let’s start by getting to know these two big names. Both Benjamin Moore and Sherwin Williams have been around for a really long time and have earned a great reputation in the world of paints. They are trusted brands, and people love them for their quality, variety, and long-lasting finishes.

Benjamin Moore was founded way back in 1883. It’s a company known for offering top-notch, high-quality paints that are durable and come in a huge variety of colors. Their paints are often seen as luxurious, and the brand is loved by homeowners, contractors, and interior designers alike.

Sherwin Williams, on the other hand, is even older! It was established in 1866 and is now one of the biggest paint companies in the world. They offer paints for homes, businesses, and even industries. Their products are also well-known for quality, and they have stores everywhere, making it easy to get your hands on their paint.

So, with two strong contenders like these, which one should you choose? Let’s break it down step by step!

Paint Quality: Which One Lasts Longer?

Quality is super important when it comes to paint. After all, you don’t want to repaint your room every couple of years, right?

Benjamin Moore is often praised for its premium quality. Their paints are made with top-grade ingredients, and people rave about how smooth and thick the paint goes on. One of their most popular products is the Aura line, which is known for its durability, vibrant colors, and the fact that it hides imperfections really well. If you’ve got a wall with some bumps or dents, Aura can cover those up nicely!

Sherwin Williams also delivers when it comes to quality. Their Emerald line is comparable to Benjamin Moore’s Aura and is equally known for its durability and amazing finish. Sherwin Williams paints also tend to be more washable, so if you’ve got kids or pets, their paint might be a better option. Scrubbing marks off the wall without damaging the paint? Yes, please!

In terms of which one lasts longer, both brands offer durable paints, but Benjamin Moore tends to be the favorite for long-lasting finishes. That said, you can’t really go wrong with either!

Color Variety: Benjamin Moore vs. Sherwin Williams

Choosing a color can be the toughest part of painting. With both brands offering thousands of shades, you’re sure to find what you need, but let’s see which brand offers more options!

Benjamin Moore is known for its vast range of colors. With over 3,500 colors, they offer everything from bold and vibrant to soft and soothing tones. One of their standout color collections is the Historical Colors collection. These colors are timeless and work perfectly for classic or modern homes. Also, their Color Preview Collection is a hit for people looking for bold and bright shades.

Sherwin Williams isn’t far behind when it comes to variety. They have more than 1,700 colors, which is still plenty! They’re known for their trending colors and unique collections like the Emerald Designer Edition and the ColorSnap system, which helps you match colors to furniture, fabrics, and more.

Overall, Benjamin Moore offers a wider range, but Sherwin Williams does a fantastic job of making it easy to find the right color with their color-matching tools.

Price: Is Benjamin Moore or Sherwin Williams More Affordable?

Now let’s talk money! Paint can get expensive, so price is definitely something you’ll want to consider.

Benjamin Moore paints are typically on the pricier side. Their Aura line, for instance, can cost around $70 or more per gallon! But, people say it’s worth the investment because of the quality, coverage, and longevity.

Sherwin Williams, while still a high-end brand, can be a bit more affordable. Their Emerald line is around the same price as Benjamin Moore’s Aura, but they have other options that are more budget-friendly, like their SuperPaint or Cashmere lines, which cost less but still offer good quality.

What’s great about Sherwin Williams is that they often have sales or discounts, especially during holidays or special events, so you might be able to grab their paints at a lower price. Benjamin Moore, on the other hand, doesn’t have as many discounts.

Eco-Friendliness: Which Brand is Better for the Planet?

These days, more and more people care about using eco-friendly products, and paint is no exception! Both Benjamin Moore and Sherwin Williams have taken steps to create paints that are better for the environment and safer for you and your family.

Benjamin Moore’s Aura line is known for being low in VOCs (volatile organic compounds). VOCs are chemicals that can be harmful to breathe in, so low-VOC paints are a healthier option. Benjamin Moore also has a collection called Natura, which is 100% free of VOCs, making it one of the safest choices out there.

Sherwin Williams has also been working hard to offer eco-friendly options. Their Harmony line is a popular choice for those looking for low-VOC paint. It’s made to improve indoor air quality by reducing airborne pollutants. Plus, it has anti-microbial agents that can help resist mold and mildew. Pretty awesome, right?

If being green is important to you, both brands have excellent eco-friendly options, but Benjamin Moore’s Natura line might take the crown for being 100% VOC-free!

Benjamin Moore vs Sherwin Williams: Which One is Easier to Apply?

Let’s talk about the actual painting process. If you’re going to be doing the painting yourself, you want something that’s easy to work with, right?

Benjamin Moore paints are known for their smooth application. Because they are thicker, they tend to provide excellent coverage with fewer coats, which saves you time and effort. Their Regal Select line, for example, is super easy to apply and provides a great finish, even if you’re not a professional painter.

Sherwin Williams paints are also praised for being easy to work with, especially their Cashmere line. Cashmere is designed to go on smoothly and level out nicely, meaning you get fewer brush or roller marks. Sherwin Williams paints also dry a little faster, so if you’re in a hurry, this could be a good thing!

Both brands are easy to apply, but Benjamin Moore’s thicker consistency might give you an edge in covering more surface area with fewer coats. On the flip side, Sherwin Williams’ faster drying time can be a bonus if you’re looking to finish quickly.

Customer Service and Availability

When it comes to buying paint, customer service and accessibility can make a big difference. Let’s see how Benjamin Moore and Sherwin Williams stack up here.

Benjamin Moore doesn’t have its own stores like Sherwin Williams, but their paints are sold at authorized dealers and hardware stores. These dealers are known for offering great customer service and expert advice on choosing the right product for your project. However, finding Benjamin Moore stores in every location can sometimes be a bit tricky.

Sherwin Williams, on the other hand, has over 4,000 stores across the United States! This makes their paint super easy to find. Plus, because they have their own stores, they can give you better deals and have more specialized staff who are trained specifically on their products.

When it comes to customer service and availability, Sherwin Williams has the upper hand simply because they have more stores and are easier to find.

Which Brand Should You Choose?

So, Benjamin Moore vs. Sherwin Williams – which one should you pick? Well, it really depends on what you need!

If you’re looking for a premium paint that offers a wide range of colors and is super durable, Benjamin Moore is a fantastic choice. Especially if you’re willing to spend a little more for the top-tier Aura or Regal Select lines, you won’t be disappointed with the results.

On the other hand, if you want high-quality paint but also want to save a bit of money, Sherwin Williams is a solid option. Their wide variety of product lines means you can find something that fits your budget, and their frequent sales make it even more affordable. Plus, their stores are everywhere, so it’s easier to get help when you need it!

FAQ: Benjamin Moore vs Sherwin Williams

Here’s a helpful FAQ to answer some common questions you may have about these two top-notch paint brands!

1. Which Paint is Better, Benjamin Moore or Sherwin Williams?

Both Benjamin Moore and Sherwin Williams are industry leaders, and each brand has unique strengths. Benjamin Moore is often praised for its superior coverage, luxurious finish, and impressive color variety, making it a top choice for those seeking premium quality and vibrant, lasting colors. On the other hand, Sherwin Williams stands out for its exceptional washability, fast drying times, and affordability—especially with their frequent sales! Ultimately, it depends on your specific needs, but rest assured, both brands offer incredible paints that will leave your home looking fresh, stylish, and beautiful for years to come!

2. Which Paint Offers More Color Options, Benjamin Moore or Sherwin Williams?

If you’re looking for a wide variety of colors, Benjamin Moore takes the lead with over 3,500 shades to choose from! Their color collections, like the Historical Colors and Color Preview, offer everything from timeless classics to bold modern hues. Sherwin Williams also has an impressive range with more than 1,700 colors, and their ColorSnap technology makes finding the perfect match a breeze. Both brands provide a rich palette to suit any style, but if you’re really craving more choices and creativity, Benjamin Moore’s vast color selection is hard to beat!

3. Is Benjamin Moore Paint More Expensive Than Sherwin Williams?

Yes, Benjamin Moore paints tend to be a bit more expensive, especially their high-end lines like Aura and Regal Select, which can cost upwards of $70 per gallon. However, many people consider it a worthwhile investment due to its outstanding quality, coverage, and durability. Sherwin Williams, while still considered a premium brand, offers a wider range of price points, including more budget-friendly options like the SuperPaint line. Plus, they frequently offer discounts and promotions! If cost is a factor, Sherwin Williams may provide better deals, but you’ll get premium results with either brand.

4. Which Paint Brand Is Easier to Apply?

Both brands offer paints that are easy to apply, but Benjamin Moore’s thicker consistency provides superior coverage, often requiring fewer coats, which can save time and effort. This makes it a popular choice for DIYers and pros alike! Sherwin Williams, however, has a faster drying time and some lines, like Cashmere, are designed to go on smoothly and evenly, making them an excellent choice for beginners. Whether you want thicker paint for fewer coats or faster-drying paint for quicker results, both brands make application easy and enjoyable.

5. Are Benjamin Moore and Sherwin Williams Paints Eco-Friendly?

Absolutely! Both brands have made eco-conscious choices to reduce their environmental impact. Benjamin Moore’s Natura line is an outstanding option, as it is 100% VOC-free (volatile organic compounds), ensuring a safer, healthier home environment. Sherwin Williams offers the Harmony line, which is low in VOCs and also helps improve indoor air quality by reducing harmful pollutants. Plus, it includes anti-microbial agents to resist mold and mildew! Both companies are committed to producing high-quality, eco-friendly paints that help you feel good about beautifying your space while also protecting the planet.

6. Which Brand Offers More Durable Paints?

Both Benjamin Moore and Sherwin Williams offer durable paints that are designed to stand the test of time. Benjamin Moore’s Aura line is especially known for its long-lasting, rich color and superior stain resistance. It’s perfect for high-traffic areas where durability is key! Sherwin Williams’ Emerald line is equally tough and washable, making it an excellent choice for homes with kids or pets. No matter which brand you choose, you’ll be investing in a high-quality paint that will keep your walls looking fresh, vibrant, and stunning for years to come.

7. Where Can I Buy Benjamin Moore or Sherwin Williams Paint?

Benjamin Moore paints are available through a network of authorized dealers, including many local hardware stores and paint shops. While they don’t have their own dedicated stores, their authorized retailers are known for offering great customer service and expert advice. Sherwin Williams, on the other hand, has over 4,000 dedicated stores across the U.S., making it easy to find their products just about anywhere! Whether you choose Benjamin Moore or Sherwin Williams, you’ll have access to top-notch customer support to guide you through your paint purchase.

8. Which Paint Brand is Better for a Professional Finish?

Both brands are loved by professionals for their quality, but Benjamin Moore’s Aura and Regal Select lines are often considered top choices for achieving a flawless, luxurious finish. These paints offer exceptional coverage, hide imperfections well, and provide a rich, smooth look that’s hard to beat. Sherwin Williams’ Emerald and Duration lines are also favorites among pros, delivering a smooth, even coat and excellent durability. Whether you’re hiring a professional or tackling the job yourself, either brand will give your home a professional, polished look you’ll absolutely love!

In the end, both brands offer amazing paints, and you really can’t go wrong with either. Just consider your budget, your color preferences, and whether eco-friendly options matter to you, and you’ll be all set to make the best choice for your home!