Benjamin Moore Vs. Sherwin Williams: Which Paint Is Superior?

what is better paint benjamin moore or sherwin williams

Benjamin Moore and Sherwin-Williams are two of the leading paint brands in the industry, each with its own loyal following. Both brands offer high-quality interior and exterior paints with excellent coverage, durability, and finish. However, there are some differences between the two brands in terms of colour selection, price, and environmental impact. So, which brand is better, Benjamin Moore or Sherwin-Williams?

Characteristics Values
Number of colour options Benjamin Moore has almost 2,000 more colour options than Sherwin Williams.
Cost Sherwin Williams is cheaper per gallon, but Benjamin Moore paints tend to last longer and require fewer coats, which can save money in the long run.
Stain-resistant technology Both brands have developed stain-resistant technology.
Eco-friendly options Benjamin Moore has the most environmentally friendly paint options, with almost all of their products having zero VOCs.
Coverage Benjamin Moore offers better coverage with fewer coats needed to achieve the desired finish.
Sheen options Benjamin Moore's Regal Select paint line offers a greater variety of finishes than Sherwin Williams.
Self-cleaning technology Sherwin Williams offers paints with self-cleaning technology, such as their Emerald line.
Anti-microbial technology Sherwin Williams offers paints with anti-microbial technology, ideal for humid environments.
Proprietary resin technology Sherwin Williams offers paints with proprietary resin technology, providing better adhesion and resistance to stains.
Store ownership Benjamin Moore stores are locally owned, while Sherwin Williams stores are corporate-owned.

cypaint

Colour selection

When it comes to colour selection, Benjamin Moore offers a wider range of shades than Sherwin-Williams. Benjamin Moore offers over 3,500 colours, compared to Sherwin-Williams' approximately 1,700. This gives Benjamin Moore the edge when it comes to colour accuracy and consistency, with their colours tending to be more consistent across their range.

However, it's worth noting that both brands excel in colour-matching technology, enabling precise matches for almost any shade. This means that any paint colour can be matched from one company to another. So, if you have your heart set on a particular shade, you can achieve it with either brand.

Benjamin Moore is also known for having some of the deepest and richest paint colours on the market, with a wide palette that includes both saturated, vibrant hues and sophisticated neutrals. Their Gennex Colour Technology and Colour Lock Technology focus on maintaining a deep and accurate pigment, resulting in fade resistance.

Sherwin-Williams, on the other hand, tends to offer glossier finishes, with each additional coat increasing the glossiness. They also have an impressive colour selection and focus on colour trends and partnerships with designers to create exclusive collections.

Ultimately, both brands offer a vast array of colours, but Benjamin Moore has a slight edge when it comes to the sheer number of options available.

cypaint

Price

When it comes to price, Benjamin Moore and Sherwin Williams paints are in a similar range, with both brands offering products from around $39 to $100 per gallon. However, on average, Benjamin Moore paints tend to be slightly more expensive, with prices ranging from $57 per gallon, while Sherwin Williams paints are priced slightly lower at $53 per gallon.

Benjamin Moore's premium paints, such as their Aura line, tend to be significantly more expensive. Their Advance Trim Paint, for example, is known to be pricier than other types of paint, costing around $70-$80 per gallon. However, it offers advantages such as low odour, easy cleanup, and a high-quality finish that is resistant to cracking and peeling.

On the other hand, Sherwin Williams' SuperPaint is praised for its low price, retailing at around $48 per gallon, which is about $30 cheaper than their top-of-the-line Emerald line. Their Captivate line is also a more affordable option, although it is slightly less durable.

While the upfront cost of paint can be daunting, it's important to consider the long-term value. Higher-quality paints from both brands can prove more economical in the long run, requiring fewer coats and offering greater durability and longevity. Therefore, it's worth weighing the initial price against the potential savings down the line.

cypaint

Durability

When it comes to durability, both Benjamin Moore and Sherwin-Williams offer high-quality paints that are designed to withstand the test of time. Here are some key considerations regarding the durability of these two popular paint brands:

Benjamin Moore Durability

Benjamin Moore is known for its exceptional quality and durability, often seen as an investment for homeowners. Their paints are designed to maintain their colour and resist damage over time, thanks to innovative technologies like their Gennex Color Technology and Color Lock Technology in Aura paints. These technologies ensure that colours remain vibrant and consistent for years, even when exposed to harsh weather conditions. Benjamin Moore paints also tend to have better coverage, requiring fewer coats to achieve the desired finish, which can save money and time in the long run. Their Advance Trim Paint, for instance, is a water-based product that delivers a high-quality finish resistant to cracking and peeling, although it is more expensive and dries slowly. Additionally, Benjamin Moore offers a wide range of colours and finishes to suit any decorating style, with over 3,500 colour options available.

Sherwin-Williams Durability

Sherwin-Williams is also a leading paint brand known for its durability. Their SuperPaint product line, for example, offers excellent coverage, durability, and ease of use for both interior and exterior applications. SuperPaint is self-priming, easy to clean, and highly recommended for high-sun areas. It typically lasts 5-7 years on average and provides a great bang for your buck when compared to premium-level paints. Sherwin-Williams' Duration and Emerald lines are also renowned for their durability and ease of cleaning, making them ideal for high-traffic spaces. Their paints are designed to withstand the elements and maintain their colour over time. Additionally, Sherwin-Williams demonstrates a commitment to sustainability with products like the zero-VOC Harmony line.

Comparison

While both brands offer durable options, Benjamin Moore is often recognised as having a slight edge in terms of quality and durability. Their paints tend to last longer, require fewer coats, and offer better colour accuracy. However, Sherwin-Williams provides a more affordable option with their SuperPaint line, which offers excellent durability at a lower price point than comparable Benjamin Moore products. Ultimately, both brands are trusted choices for durable paint solutions, catering to different budgets and specific project needs.

cypaint

Coverage

When it comes to coverage, both Benjamin Moore and Sherwin-Williams offer excellent options. However, some paints are better suited for specific projects or budgets.

Benjamin Moore's Aura and Regal Select lines are known for their great coverage and easy touch-ups. The Advance Trim Paint is a water-based option that delivers a high-quality, crack and peel-resistant finish. While it requires two coats for proper coverage, it is low odour and easy to clean up. The Ben line by Benjamin Moore is an entry-level option that offers better coverage than Sherwin-Williams' A-100 or Promar contractor-grade paint. The Ultra Spec 500 line stands out for its excellent coverage at a mid-range price.

Sherwin-Williams' Emerald Designer Edition and Emerald paints are known for their great coverage and flow. The SuperPaint line is a popular choice for its low price, wide range of colours, durability, and ease of use. It is recommended for both interior and exterior use and is self-priming. The ProClassic line is a popular choice for interior trim due to its smooth, even finish, but it is not very stain or moisture resistant. Captivate is a good alternative for those seeking a lower price point, while still offering high-quality coverage.

While both brands offer excellent coverage options, the best choice depends on your specific needs and budget.

Reformation's Impact on Visual Arts

You may want to see also

cypaint

Environmental impact

Benjamin Moore has made efforts to reduce the environmental impact of its products and has steered away from the industry norm of pumping toxic chemicals into its products. The company offers zero-VOC paints, which are absent of harsh chemicals that can be hazardous to both people and the environment. Their paints are made from natural, raw ingredients such as natural resins, mineral dyes, and other water-based solvents, giving off no smell or toxic emissions. Benjamin Moore's Eco Spec line, introduced in 2008, is their greenest paint, with Green Seal certification and certification from the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.

Sherwin-Williams has also demonstrated a commitment to sustainability and environmental compliance standards. They have implemented waste elimination and reduction measures in their manufacturing processes, such as source reduction, reuse, recycling, and reclamation. Sherwin-Williams also offers products that help improve indoor air quality, such as SuperPaint® with Air Purifying Technology, which reduces VOC levels. They have also developed the Powdura® ECO powder coatings, a transformative product collection that provides an eco-conscious solution to product protection, color, and performance. Additionally, they utilize abatement systems that capture up to 98% of VOC emissions during the liquid paint line process.

While both companies have taken steps towards sustainability, Benjamin Moore appears to have a stronger focus on environmental initiatives, with a core mission to accentuate the quality of life in and outside the home. Their zero-VOC paints not only benefit health and air quality but also contribute to reducing the concentration of contamination in groundwater, the ozone layer, and landfills.

It is worth noting that some users have commented on the trade-off between environmental friendliness and paint quality, suggesting that as Sherwin-Williams paint has become more environmentally friendly, its quality has decreased. However, it is important to recognize that the company is trying to balance sustainability with creating products that end users will want to buy, ensuring that their environmentally friendly offerings are actually purchased and used, which is critical for true sustainability.

Frequently asked questions

Both Benjamin Moore and Sherwin Williams offer high-quality paints, with minor differences in product lines. The main distinction between the two brands lies in their ownership: Benjamin Moore stores are locally owned, while Sherwin Williams stores are corporate-owned. Choosing between the two often comes down to personal preference, project specifics, and whether supporting local businesses is a priority.

Benjamin Moore paints tend to have better coverage with fewer coats needed to achieve a desired finish. They also have more colour options, with almost 2,000 more colours available than Sherwin Williams. Sherwin Williams paints are generally cheaper per gallon, but Benjamin Moore paints may save you money in the long run as they last longer.

Benjamin Moore's Regal Select paint line offers excellent coverage and a range of finishes. Sherwin Williams' SuperPaint line stands out for its coverage and durability, offering exceptional resistance to fading and staining.

Yes, Sherwin Williams' PaintPerks™ program offers benefits such as in-home consultations and gift cards. Benjamin Moore has an edge when it comes to environmentally friendly options, as almost all of their products have zero VOCs.

Both brands have their loyal followers, but some professionals prefer Benjamin Moore for its coverage and colour retention, especially for exterior painting. Some have noted a decrease in Sherwin Williams' quality over the past few years, but their high-end lines are still well-regarded.

Written by
Reviewed by
Share this post
Print
Did this article help you?

Leave a comment