When you decide to invest in a professional paint job, you aren’t just paying for a change in color. You are paying for chemistry, durability, and the long-term protection of your home’s surfaces. In the world of premium coatings, two titans dominate the conversation: Sherwin-Williams and Benjamin Moore.
If you ask ten different professional painters which brand is superior, you will likely get ten different answers based on regional availability, personal application style, and specific product lines. However, when we look at the chemical composition, ease of use, and real-world longevity, a clearer picture begins to emerge. This guide breaks down the reality of the Benjamin Moore vs Sherwin Williams argumentto help you decide which bucket of paint belongs in your home.
The Professional Standard: Is Benjamin Moore a High-End Paint?
Before comparing the brands, we must address their reputations. People often ask, is Benjamin Moore high-end paint? The answer depends on what you consider to be high-end. Both companies offer “contractor-grade” entry-level products, but Benjamin Moore has built its entire brand identity around being a slightly more premium, boutique-style manufacturer.
Unlike Sherwin-Williams, which operates thousands of corporate-owned stores, Benjamin Moore is sold through independent dealers. By creating their own waterborne colorants that don’t weaken the paint’s integrity, they have solidified their status as a high-end choice for designers and high-end residential contractors.
What is Better Quality: Sherwin-Williams or Benjamin Moore?
Quality in paint is measured by solids, which are the pigments and binders left behind on the wall after the water or solvent evaporates. Higher solids generally mean better coverage and a more durable film.
Benjamin Moore Quality Factors
Benjamin Moore is often cited for its incredible leveling properties. This means when the paint is applied, it lies down smoothly, hiding brush marks and roller textures better than many competitors. Their flagship lines, such as Aura and Regal Select, are widely considered the gold standard for rich pigment depth. The paint film remains hard and resistant to surfactant leaching (those oily streaks you sometimes see in bathrooms).
Sherwin-Williams Quality Factors
Sherwin-Williams is the workhorse of the American painting industry. Their high-end lines are chemically engineered for extreme durability. While some professionals argue that Sherwin-Williams requires a slightly more skilled hand to avoid lap marks, their top-tier products are virtually indestructible once cured.
In the battle of Sherwin-Williams vs. Benjamin Moore, the better quality often depends on the goal. If you want the most beautiful, smooth finish for an interior living room, Benjamin Moore often wins. If you want a rugged, scrubbable exterior that can survive a harsh sun exposure or coastal moisture, Sherwin-Williams’ top-tier lines are hard to beat.
The Cost Factor: Is Benjamin Moore More Expensive Than SW?
Price is often the deciding factor for homeowners, but it is also the most misunderstood aspect of the industry.
- Retail Pricing: If you walk into a Benjamin Moore dealer and a Sherwin-Williams store as a DIYer without a discount coupon, Benjamin Moore’s premium lines usually carry a higher price than Sherwin-Williams’ equivalents.
- The Discount Factor: Sherwin-Williams is famous for its aggressive marketing due to its corporate culture. They frequently run 30% to 40% off sales. Without these sales, Sherwin-Williams can actually feel more expensive than it should be.
Ultimately, while the sticker price on a gallon might be higher, you have to consider yield. If a high-quality paint covers in two coats while a cheaper paint takes three, the expensive paint is actually the cheaper option.
Durability and Lifespan: Does Benjamin Moore Paint Last Longer Than Sherwin-Williams?
When you spend thousands on a professional paint job, you want it to last you for at least a couple of years.
The reality is that at the highest levels of both brands, the lifespan is nearly identical, provided the surface preparation was done correctly. Paint failure is almost always a result of poor prep, not poor paint. However, there are some factors to consider:
- Interior Longevity: Benjamin Moore tends to hold their sheen longer. In high-traffic hallways, the film stays looking new under repeated scrubbing.
- Exterior Longevity: Sherwin-Williams products are specifically formulated with high-build technology. They create a thicker coating that expands and contracts with the temperature. In many professional circles, Sherwin-Williams is the preferred choice for San Diego exteriors because of its proven track record against UV degradation.
- Color Retention: Benjamin Moore’s paint technology is superior for color retention in dark colors. If you are painting your house a deep navy or forest green, Benjamin Moore is less likely to fade into a chalky grey over five years.
Comparing the Specific Product Lines
To truly understand the difference between the two, you have to compare them accordingly. You cannot compare a budget Sherwin-Williams “Property Management” paint to Benjamin Moore Aura.
The Ultra-Premium Tier
- Benjamin Moore Aura ($95-$115 per gallon): Known for “Color Lock” technology. It is thick, dries incredibly fast, and offers the richest colors in the industry.
- Sherwin-Williams Emerald ($100-$115 per gallon): Exceptional hide and washability. It is a dream to apply for professionals and offers a very sleek finish.
The Professional Standard Tier
- Benjamin Moore Regal Select ($75-$85 per gallon): This is perhaps the most loved paint by contractors. It is reliable, easy to use, and has a beautiful finish.
- Sherwin-Williams Duration ($85-$98 per gallon): A heavy-bodied paint that is excellent for hiding small imperfections in the drywall or siding.
The Entry-Level Tier
- Benjamin Moore Ben ($45-$58 per gallon): A solid choice for low-VOC, budget-friendly painting.
- Sherwin-Williams SuperPaint ($60-$80 per gallon): A classic, reliable paint that has been a staple in the industry for decades.
It is a major misconception among homeowners that you can just color-match the paint with a cheaper brand and cut costs. That is almost an impossible task because both the brands in question use different tinting systems. The colors will never be 100% identical. The way the light hits the pigment is different. So, if you happen to love a color by a specific brand, buy it without any doubts.
Bottom Line: Which One Should You Choose?
Ultimately, choosing between these two giants, there is no loser, but there is usually a “right” choice for your specific home. If you are looking for interior perfection, designer-accurate colors, and a smooth-as-silk finish, Benjamin Moore is the premium choice.
If you need a rugged, industrial-strength coating for a sun-drenched exterior or a high-traffic hallway, Sherwin-Williams offers incredible durability and value. Both brands produce world-class coatings, but the highest-quality paint is only as good as the preparation underneath it.
Get the Professional Finish Your Home Deserves
Choosing between these two legendary brands is a great “problem” to have. It means you are already committed to quality. However, the best paint in the world will still fail if it isn’t applied with precision, at the right temperature, and on the proper substrate preparation.
At American Painting, we have decades of experience navigating the chemical differences between these premium brands. Ready to transform your home with a finish that lasts? Contact us today for a free consultation, and we’ll ensure your home looks flawless.
