Benjamin Moore Vs. Behr: Which Exterior Paint Is Superior?

is benjamin moore exterior paint better than behr exterior

When it comes to exterior paint, there are several factors to consider, including colour options, durability, coverage, and price. Two popular brands in the paint industry are Benjamin Moore and Behr. Benjamin Moore is known for its premium paints and coatings, catering to professionals and homeowners seeking high-end results. On the other hand, Behr, acquired by Home Depot, offers reliable and affordable paint products directly to consumers. While both brands have their pros and cons, the choice between the two depends on specific needs and preferences.

Characteristics Values
Price Benjamin Moore is more expensive than Behr
Colour options Benjamin Moore has more colour options than Behr
Finish options Both offer flat, egg-shell, satin, semi-gloss, and high-gloss finishes
Accessibility Behr is more accessible than Benjamin Moore as it can be purchased locally or online
Application Behr is easier to apply than Benjamin Moore
Durability Benjamin Moore is more durable than Behr
Coverage Benjamin Moore provides better coverage than Behr
Longevity Benjamin Moore has better longevity than Behr
Quality Benjamin Moore has higher-quality paint than Behr
Consumer reviews Benjamin Moore receives more positive consumer ratings and reviews than Behr

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Durability and Longevity

When it comes to durability and longevity, there are several factors to consider when comparing Benjamin Moore and Behr exterior paints. Both brands offer a range of exterior paints with different features and benefits.

Benjamin Moore exterior paints have a reputation for premium quality and performance. The paints are known for their innovation, catering to both professional contractors and homeowners seeking high-end results. Benjamin Moore's exterior paint lines, such as Aura and Regal Select, offer superior colour retention and smooth application. The paint contains advanced resins that bind pigments finely, resulting in a thicker and more protective coat. This contributes to its longevity, as evidenced by projects that have lasted nearly a decade without touch-ups. While the initial cost of Benjamin Moore paints is higher, their durability and infrequency of needed touch-ups can provide better long-term value.

On the other hand, Behr exterior paints are known for their reliability and affordability. The company provides durable and easy-to-use paint products directly to consumers through Home Depot. Behr's exterior paint lines, such as Marquee, Premium Plus, and Ultra, emphasize ease of use and durability. They often promote one-coat coverage as a major selling point, although some experts recommend two coats for better results. Behr paints are also known for their low VOC content, which can make them harder to spread, and their resistance to mould and mildew, which is a key feature of their exterior paint lines.

While both brands offer durable and long-lasting exterior paints, Benjamin Moore is generally considered superior in terms of durability and longevity. Independent tests and reviews consistently rank Benjamin Moore higher for finish quality and longevity. The paint's thicker and more protective coat contributes to its long-lasting performance, often exceeding ten years without the need for repainting. However, Behr paints also offer good durability, especially considering their lower price point. Some users have reported satisfactory results with Behr paints lasting over a decade, although the paint may require touch-ups sooner than Benjamin Moore.

In summary, if you prioritize durability and longevity, Benjamin Moore exterior paints are likely to provide superior performance and long-term value despite their higher initial cost. However, Behr exterior paints also offer decent durability and are a more affordable option, making them a suitable choice for those seeking good performance without the premium price tag. Ultimately, the decision depends on your specific needs, budget, and expectations for long-term maintenance.

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Finish and Colour Options

When it comes to finish and colour options, there are several factors to consider when comparing Benjamin Moore and Behr exterior paints.

Firstly, in terms of finish, both Benjamin Moore and Behr offer a range of options, including flat, eggshell, satin, semi-gloss, and high-gloss finishes. However, some users have noted that Behr paint can be difficult to apply with a roller, which may affect the final finish. Benjamin Moore paints are known for their smooth application and are marketed towards professional painters. They also have a variety of finishes and primers to choose from, including semi-gloss, flat, and eggshell finishes. Additionally, Benjamin Moore paints use advanced resins that result in a thicker, more protective coat, contributing to their reputation for durability and coverage.

Moving on to colour options, Benjamin Moore is known for offering a wide range of colours, especially in the medium intensity range, providing subtle differences that can make a significant difference in the final aesthetic. On the other hand, some users have expressed dissatisfaction with Behr's colour selection, stating that it offers mostly garish bright colours or muted neutrals, with limited options in between.

While both brands offer a variety of finishes and colours, Benjamin Moore appears to have a slight edge when it comes to the breadth of options available, particularly for those seeking more nuanced colour choices. Additionally, Benjamin Moore's finishes are designed to provide a thicker coat, enhancing their durability and coverage.

In terms of pricing within finish options, flat and matte finishes are generally less expensive than glossier finishes. For example, Benjamin Moore's Luxury Regal line, which offers various finishes, is priced at around $65 per can. Similarly, within the Behr brand, their premium finishes, such as Marquee, are priced higher than their standard options like Premium Plus.

Overall, when considering finish and colour options, Benjamin Moore offers a broader range, a smoother application process, and finishes that provide thicker, more durable coats. However, Behr still presents a competitive option for those seeking a more affordable alternative, with their finishes and colours delivering satisfactory results for many users.

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Accessibility and Price

When it comes to accessibility and price, there are several factors to consider when comparing Benjamin Moore and Behr exterior paints.

Accessibility

Benjamin Moore paints are sold through owner-operated stores, making them less accessible than Behr paints, which can be purchased at major home improvement retailers like Home Depot or ordered online and shipped directly to consumers. This gives Behr paints an advantage in terms of convenience and ease of purchase for many customers.

Price

In terms of price, Benjamin Moore paints are generally more expensive than Behr. Benjamin Moore's luxury lines can range from $65 to $90 per can, with some reports of prices as high as $100 per can. On the other hand, Behr's top-of-the-line products are typically priced around $60 per can, making them a more affordable option.

The price difference between the two brands can be attributed to several factors, including their target market and the quality of the paint. Benjamin Moore caters to professional painters and homeowners seeking high-end results, while Behr positions itself as a premium option for homeowners who want to tackle painting projects themselves.

However, it's worth noting that both brands offer a range of prices depending on the specific paint line and finish. For example, within the Benjamin Moore brand, flat and matte finishes tend to be less expensive than glossier options. Similarly, Behr's Marquee line is more expensive than their Premium Plus line.

Ultimately, the decision between Benjamin Moore and Behr exterior paints depends on individual preferences, budgets, and project requirements. While Benjamin Moore paints come at a higher price point, they are known for their durability, longevity, and superior finish quality. In contrast, Behr offers good value for money, providing decent performance and durability at a more affordable cost.

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Application and Coats

When it comes to application and coats, there are several factors to consider when comparing Benjamin Moore and Behr exterior paints. Both brands offer a range of exterior paints with different finishes, such as flat, eggshell, and semi-gloss.

Benjamin Moore exterior paints are known for their smooth application and superior colour retention. They offer a variety of luxury lines with different price points, ranging from $65 to $90 per can. While the initial cost may be higher compared to Behr, Benjamin Moore paints typically require only one coat, providing long-term value due to their longevity and reduced need for touch-ups. Their paints use advanced resins that create a thicker, more protective coat, resulting in better coverage and durability. Additionally, Benjamin Moore provides a wider range of colour options, making it a popular choice among interior designers.

On the other hand, Behr exterior paints are marketed towards homeowners looking for a premium painting experience without the premium cost. Behr paints are known for their ease of use and durability, often promoting one-coat coverage. However, experts recommend applying two or more coats for optimal results. Behr paints have low VOCs, which can make them harder to spread and may contribute to the need for additional coats. The paint can take about six hours to dry, and a recoating with a primer or water-based paint can be applied after the first layer dries. Behr paints are also easily accessible, as they can be purchased at Home Depot or ordered online.

Both brands have their strengths when it comes to application and coats. Benjamin Moore offers superior coverage and durability with their advanced resins, resulting in longer-lasting paint jobs. On the other hand, Behr provides a more affordable option with good durability, but may require more coats and drying time. Ultimately, the decision between the two brands depends on your specific needs, budget, and the desired level of quality and longevity.

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Market Position

Benjamin Moore and Behr are two well-known brands of paint with their own unique market positions. Benjamin Moore, founded in 1883, has established itself as a premium paint brand, catering to both professional contractors and homeowners seeking high-end results. Their paints are known for their innovation, quality, and durability, with a focus on superior colour retention and smooth application. Benjamin Moore's exterior paints offer a range of finishes and primers, including semi-gloss, flat, and eggshell options. The brand has a strong reputation for its luxury lines, such as Aura and Regal Select, which come at a higher price point, reflecting their market position as a choice for high-end renovations.

On the other hand, Behr, established in 1947 and acquired by Home Depot in 1999, has positioned itself as a reliable and affordable alternative. Their paints are easily accessible through one of the largest home improvement retailers, making them a popular choice for homeowners looking to complete their painting projects independently. Behr's exterior paint lines, including Marquee, Premium Plus, and Ultra, emphasise ease of use and durability, often highlighting one-coat coverage. While Behr's paints are generally less expensive than Benjamin Moore's, some customers have expressed concerns about the limited colour selection offered by the brand.

In terms of market share, both brands have a solid reputation and a dedicated customer base. Benjamin Moore tends to cater to professional painters and individuals seeking high-quality, long-lasting results. Their paints are known for their advanced resins, resulting in thicker and more protective coats. Behr, on the other hand, targets homeowners who value convenience and affordability without compromising on quality. Behr's low VOC content can make it challenging to spread, requiring multiple coats, but it performs well in terms of mould and mildew resistance, which is a key feature in their exterior paint lines.

When it comes to pricing, Benjamin Moore's paints are generally more expensive, with prices ranging from $65 to $90 per can for their luxury lines. Behr's top-of-the-line paints are more affordable, typically costing around $60 per can. However, it's important to note that prices can vary within each brand depending on the specific paint line and finish type. For example, flat and matte finishes are usually less expensive than glossier options.

While both brands offer premium-quality paints, Benjamin Moore has a slight edge in terms of market position due to its reputation for durability, colour options, and long-term value. Their paints are known to last for over a decade without the need for repainting, whereas Behr's paints may require touch-ups or repainting after a few years. However, Behr remains a competitive choice for those seeking good performance at a more economical price point.

Frequently asked questions

It depends on what you are looking for. Benjamin Moore is a premium paint brand that has been associated with high-quality paints and coatings. It has a variety of luxury lines and caters to both professional contractors and homeowners. On the other hand, Behr is a reliable and affordable paint brand that is perfect for homeowners who want to paint their homes themselves. It is easy to obtain as it can be purchased at Home Depot or ordered online. While Benjamin Moore has more colour options, Behr has been known to have good mold and mildew resistance.

Benjamin Moore is more expensive than Behr. Benjamin Moore's paint can range from $65 to $90 per can, while Behr's top-of-the-line paint is $60 per can.

Yes, Behr paint is durable. However, some sources say that it may need to be reapplied after three years.

Yes, Benjamin Moore paint is known for its durability. It can last for over ten years without needing to be reapplied.

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