Picking the wrong paint can turn your dream room into an expensive mistake. I get it – I’ve been there. After 15 years of painting homes and testing countless brands, I’ve learned what makes these two paint giants different.

In this guide, you’ll discover which brand works better for your specific project. We’ll compare Sherwin Williams and Benjamin Moore on what matters most:

• Real coverage and durability
• True costs (not just the price tag)
• Best uses for each brand
• Top product lines worth your money

You won’t find marketing fluff here. Just honest insights from someone who’s used these paints in hundreds of rooms. Whether you’re painting your first apartment or tackling a whole house, you’ll know exactly which brand to choose and why.

Let’s find your perfect paint match.

Quality and Durability: How Do They Compare?

Both brands offer excellent quality but in different ways. Let me break this down from my real-world experience.

Benjamin Moore’s paint feels like silk going on your walls. The color stays true, and it rarely drips or splatters. I’ve seen their paint for the last 8-10 years without fading, even in sunny rooms.

But here’s something interesting about Sherwin Williams…

Their paint is slightly thicker and covers dark colors better in one coat. When I painted my kitchen last year, their Duration line hid a deep red with just two coats. That’s impressive.

Here’s what you need to know about durability

Benjamin Moore shines in

• Resisting scuffs and scratches
• Keeping its color in bright rooms
• Washing without leaving marks

Sherwin Williams excels at

• Standing up to moisture
• Covering tough stains
• Handling high-traffic areas

Want to know a pro secret? The prep work matters more than the brand. I saw cheap paint last year on a well-prepped wall and expensive paint fail on a dirty surface.

Think about your room’s needs. A sunny living room might do better with Benjamin Moore, while your busy hallway might need Sherwin Williams’s tougher finish.

Cost, Benjamin Moore vs. Sherwin-Williams

Let’s talk real money, not just price tags. I want to help you understand the true cost of each brand.

Benjamin Moore Paint typically runs $50-75 per gallon for their premium lines. Their top-tier Aura line hits around $80-90. Yes, that’s steep.

But here’s what you’re actually paying for: amazing coverage that often needs fewer coats.

Here’s where it gets interesting with Sherwin-Williams…

Their regular prices run $45-65 per gallon, with their Emerald line reaching $80-85. But wait – there’s a money-saving trick. Sherwin-Williams runs 30-40% off sales several times a year. Smart buyers stock up, then.

Let’s break down the real costs for a 12×12 room

Benjamin Moore

• Premium paint (1.5 gallons): $112
• Fewer coats needed
• Less time spent painting
• Total project cost: Around $130

Sherwin-Williams

• Premium paint (2 gallons): $130
• Might need an extra coat
• More time painting
• Total project cost with sale: Around $85

Pro tip: Don’t just compare gallon prices. Factor in coverage, coats needed, and your time. Sometimes, the “expensive” paint actually costs less in the end.

Remember, both brands offer cheaper lines, but I’ve found you usually regret skimping on quality. The extra $20-30 per gallon is worth avoiding a do-over.

Color Consultations: Which Brand Offers Better Guidance?

Here’s the straight truth about color help from both brands. I’ve worked with their color consultants and tested their tools extensively.

Benjamin Moore’s approach feels more personal. Their color specialists take time to understand your style and lighting.

Walk into most Benjamin Moore stores, and you’ll get a free 15-minute consultation. Many shops even offer in-home visits for $150-200.

But Sherwin-Williams has an interesting edge…

Their ColorSnap® system is surprisingly accurate. Open their app, snap a photo of your room, and test colors virtually. I’ve used it with clients, and it’s spookily close to the real thing.

Here’s what each brand does best

Benjamin Moore

• More experienced color consultants
• Better printed color samples
• A larger selection of historical colors
• More nuanced color variations

Sherwin-Williams

• Superior digital color tools
• Free virtual color consulting
• Easier color matching system
• Better-organized color families

Want my insider tip? Use both.

Start with Sherwin-Williams’ digital tools to narrow down colors, then get Benjamin Moore’s peel-and-stick samples for final testing. Their larger samples show you exactly how light plays with the color throughout the day.

The best color consultation is actually testing samples on your walls. Both brands sell sample pots for $8-10, and it’s money well spent.

The Best Benjamin Moore Paints: Top Picks for Your Home

Let me share what I’ve learned after using every Benjamin Moore line. You don’t need to waste money trying them all yourself.

Aura is their top performer, and honestly, it’s worth the extra cost for certain rooms. I used it in my bathroom two years ago – zero mold, zero fading. It covers dark colors like a dream, even deep reds and navy blues.

But here’s what most people don’t know…

Regal Select is actually the smarter choice for most rooms. It’s about $20 cheaper per gallon than Aura and performs nearly as well. The matte finish hides wall imperfections beautifully.

Here’s my real-world breakdown

Best Overall: Regal Select

• Perfect for living rooms and bedrooms
• Smooth, even coverage
• Easy touch-ups
• Around $65 per gallon

Best for Bathrooms/Kitchens: Aura Bath & Spa

• Fights moisture and mildew
• Stands up to scrubbing
• Worth the $85 per gallon

Best Budget Option: Ben

• Good for rentals
• Decent coverage
• About $45 per gallon

Pro tip: Skip their Ceiling Paint. Regular Regal Select in flat white works better and costs about the same.

Remember – even their budget lines outperform many other brands’ premium paints. You really can’t go wrong here.

The Best Sherwin-Williams Paints: Top Picks for Your Home

Let me help you navigate Sherwin-Williams’ lineup. After hundreds of gallons and dozens of projects, I know which lines deliver and which ones don’t.

Duration is their workhorse paint, and it’s my go-to for most jobs. It’s tough as nails and covers like a dream. I painted my kid’s playroom with it three years ago – it still looks fresh despite daily abuse.

Here’s something surprising…

Cashmere often outperforms their pricier Emerald line. The finish is butter-smooth, and it’s a joy to work with. Just don’t use it in bathrooms – it’s not meant for high moisture.

Here’s my tested breakdown

Best Overall: Duration

• Perfect for busy households
• Self-priming on most walls
• Handles touch-ups well
• About $70 per gallon

Best Luxury Feel: Cashmere

• Silky smooth finish
• Great for bedrooms and living rooms
• Easy to apply
• Around $60 per gallon

Best for Tough Spaces: SuperPaint

• Solid coverage
• Handles weather well
• Good for garages and basements
• About $55 per gallon

Pro tip: Watch for their 30-40% off sales. That’s when Duration becomes a steal at around $42 per gallon.

Skip their basic ProMar lines unless you’re painting a rental ceiling. The savings aren’t worth the extra coats you’ll need.

Application: Which Brand is Easier to Work With?

Let’s talk about how these paints actually feel when you’re rolling them on. I’ve spent countless hours with both, and there are real differences you’ll notice.

Benjamin Moore flows like butter on your walls. It’s thinner but in a good way – less drips, less mess. The paint almost seems to know where it should go. When I’m cutting in corners or working around trim, it gives me more control.

But here’s where Sherwin-Williams surprises people…

Their paint has more body, which weekend painters often prefer. It’s more forgiving if you’re not perfect with your technique. The thicker consistency means less splatter on your floors and furniture.

Here’s what matters in real-world use

Benjamin Moore

• Better brush marks leveling
• Longer working time before drying
• Smoother roller application
• Less roller fatigue

Sherwin-Williams

• Easier cutting in for beginners
• Better hide in single coat
• Less likely to run
• More forgiving of amateur technique

Here’s my honest advice: If you’re hiring pros, they’ll probably prefer Benjamin Moore. If you’re doing it yourself, you might find Sherwin-Williams more user-friendly.

Both brands work great with quality tools. Don’t sabotage either paint with cheap rollers – that’s like putting budget tires on a luxury car.

Environmental Impact and Eco-Friendly Paints

Let’s look at how these brands stack up on being earth-friendly. After researching their eco lines and testing them myself, I can help you make a greener choice.

Benjamin Moore takes the lead here with their Natura line. It’s zero VOC even after tinting, and it actually works well. I used it in my daughter’s nursery – no chemical smell at all. Their water-based Advance line for cabinets is another eco win.

Here’s what’s interesting about Sherwin-Williams…

Their Harmony line goes beyond low VOC. It actually helps clean indoor air by removing formaldehyde and other household odors. Sounds like marketing hype, but I’ve noticed a difference in musty rooms.

Here’s the green breakdown

Benjamin Moore’s Eco Strengths

• Zero VOC base paints
• Recycled packaging materials
• Factory solar power usage
• Waterborne colorants

Sherwin-Williams’ Green Features

• Air-purifying technology
• Low VOC options
• Reduced carbon manufacturing
• Paint can recycling program

Pro tip: Both brands offer zero VOC options, but Benjamin Moore keeps it zero even after adding color. With Sherwin-Williams, some color additives can add trace VOCs.

Remember – “eco-friendly” doesn’t mean wimpy performance. These green paints hold up just as well as traditional formulas. They just cost about $10-15 more per gallon.

Performance in Different Spaces: Which Brand is Best for Specific Rooms?

Let me help you pick the right paint for each room. After painting hundreds of spaces, I know where each brand truly shines.

Here’s my room-by-room breakdown based on real-world testing:

1. Kitchens and Bathrooms

Sherwin-Williams wins here. Their Duration line handles steam and grease like a champ. I painted my shower area with it two years ago – still looks fresh despite daily hot showers.

2. Living Rooms and Bedrooms

Benjamin Moore takes this one. Their Regal Select line gives walls a rich, smooth look that’s perfect for your main living spaces. Colors look deeper, and the finish stays consistent in any light.

3. Kids’ Rooms

Sherwin-Williams Duration is your friend. It stands up to crayons, markers, and constant cleaning. Plus, the thicker formula covers bright colors better when your kid outgrows that neon orange wall.

4. High-Traffic Hallways

• Sherwin-Williams SuperPaint for heavy use
• Better scuff resistance
• Easier touch-ups

5. Home Office

Benjamin Moore Regal Select works best here because:

• Less glare on video calls
• Better light reflection
• Reduces eye strain

Pro tip: Both brands work in any room. But matching their strengths to your space saves you headaches later.

For spaces like basements or garages, save some money – Sherwin-Williams ProMar 200 is plenty durable for utility areas.

Shelf Life and Storage: Which Paint Lasts Longer?

Let’s talk about keeping your leftover paint fresh.

I’ve opened countless old paint cans, and I know what makes the difference between usable paint and expensive waste.

Benjamin Moore paint typically stays good for 7-10 years when stored properly. Their airtight cans make a real difference. I recently used a 6-year-old can of Regal Select, and it mixed up perfectly after a good stir.

Here’s something surprising about Sherwin-Williams…

Their paint actually lasts slightly longer, often reaching 10+ years. The thicker formula seems to prevent separation better. But there’s a catch – you need to seal their cans extra carefully.

Here’s what affects paint shelf life

Benjamin Moore

• Better original containers
• Less separation over time
• Easier to remix after storage
• More sensitive to temperature

Sherwin-Williams

• More resistant to freezing
• The thicker formula stays stable longer
• Needs better storage care
• Harder to remix if separated

 For both brands, store paint like this

• Keep it at room temperature (60-80°F)
• Store upside down to seal the lid
• Put plastic wrap under the lid
• Write the date on the can

Remember, even well-stored paint needs a thorough stir before using. If it smells bad or looks like cottage cheese, it’s time to let it go.

Touch-Ups: How Easy Is It to Touch Up Both Brands?

Let’s talk about fixing those inevitable wall dings and marks. After countless touch-up jobs, I can tell you there’s a clear difference between these brands.

Benjamin Moore gets major points here. Their paint blends amazingly well, even months later. I recently touched up a two-year-old Regal Select wall, and you can’t spot the repair, even in direct sunlight.

But here’s where Sherwin-Williams surprises…

While their paint is generally trickier for touch-ups, their SuperPaint line is the exception. It seems designed for spot repairs, especially in flat and matte finishes.

Here’s what you need to know about touch-ups

Benjamin Moore

• Better color consistency over time
• Excellent blend with original paint
• Works well even with different rollers
• Touch-ups hold up in bright light

Sherwin-Williams

• Best results when less than 6 months old
• Needs exact same roller-type
• Works better in low-gloss finishes
• More sensitive to application technique

Pro tip: Store your touch-up paint in a small jar rather than the big can. Each time you open the large can, you expose the paint to air, which affects how well it matches later.

Remember – for both brands; flatter finishes touch up better than glossy ones. If you have kids or pets, consider a matte finish in high-traffic areas. It hides repairs better than eggshells or satin.

Customer Service: Which Brand Provides Better Support?

Let me share my experience dealing with both companies’ support teams.

After hundreds of store visits and dozens of technical questions, I’ve seen the real differences in how they treat customers.

Benjamin Moore’s independent dealers often provide more personal service. The staff usually has years of experience and knows their products inside out. Last month, my local dealer spent 30 minutes helping me troubleshoot a tricky cabinet finish – no purchase required.

Here’s what’s different about Sherwin-Williams…

Their corporate stores offer more consistent service across locations. You get the same paint mixing process and return policy whether you’re in Miami or Seattle. Plus, their stores are usually open earlier, which matters when you’re on a job.

Here’s the support breakdown

Benjamin Moore

• More knowledgeable local dealers
• Better color-matching expertise
• More flexible with custom solutions
• Varies by the individual store owner

Sherwin-Williams

• Longer store hours
• Consistent policies nationwide
• Professional contractor services
• Better online support

Pro tip: Build a relationship with your local store, regardless of brand. I get better service, honest advice, and sometimes even a heads-up about upcoming sales.

Both brands will take returns of unopened paint, but Sherwin-Williams has a slight edge with a 30-day return window versus Benjamin Moore’s typical 14 days.

Making Your Final Choice, Sherwin-Williams or Benjamin Moore?

Here’s the bottom line after testing both brands extensively

There’s no clear “winner” because they each excel in different ways. Benjamin Moore offers superior color depth and a smoother finish that’s perfect for showcase rooms like living spaces and bedrooms. Their paint flows beautifully, and touch-ups are nearly invisible.

Sherwin-Williams shines in durability and coverage, making it ideal for high-traffic areas, bathrooms, and kids’ rooms. Their regular sales make their premium lines more affordable, and their digital tools make color selection a breeze.

But here’s what really matters, Both brands will give you excellent results if you choose the right line for your specific project and prep your surfaces properly. Consider your budget, the room’s purpose, and your painting experience level.

If you’re hiring professionals, ask their preference – they often have brand loyalty based on years of experience. For DIY painters, Sherwin-Williams might be more forgiving, while Benjamin Moore could give you that picture-perfect finish you’re dreaming of. Whatever you choose, you’re getting a quality product from a trusted manufacturer.

Ready to Start Your Paint Project?

Don’t let perfection be the enemy of progress. Both Benjamin Moore and Sherwin-Williams offer quality paints that will transform your space. Here’s your next move:

1. Find Your Local Stores

• Visit a Benjamin Moore dealer to grab some color swatches
• Check out a Sherwin-Williams store to test their ColorSnap app
• Compare prices and upcoming sales

Get Your Samples Grab sample pots of your top color choices from both brands. Paint large swatches on your walls. Watch how they look throughout the day. This small investment will save you from expensive mistakes.

2. Make Your Move

• Got kids and pets? Head to Sherwin-Williams for the Duration.
• Planning a bedroom makeover? Try Benjamin Moore’s Regal Select.
• Working with a tight budget? Wait for a Sherwin-Williams sale.

Need more help? Both brands offer free color consultations. Take advantage of their expertise – it’s worth the time.

Remember: The perfect paint for your project is out there. Now you know enough to choose it with confidence.

Let’s get painting!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use Sherwin-Williams paint with Benjamin Moore primer (or vice versa)?

Yes, you can mix brands between primer and paint. Both brands’ products are compatible with each other.

Just ensure your primer is suitable for your surface type. I’ve often used Sherwin-Williams primer under Benjamin Moore paint with great results.

2. Why is Benjamin Moore only sold in independent stores?

Benjamin Moore maintains a dealer-only model to ensure quality control and expert service.

They believe trained, independent dealers provide better customer support and product knowledge than big box stores.

This approach allows for more personalized service but can make their products less accessible.

3. How much does a gallon of paint typically cover?

Both brands’ paints typically cover 350-400 square feet per gallon. However, your actual coverage depends on wall texture, color change, and application method.

Dark colors or porous surfaces might need more paint. As a rule of thumb, I always buy an extra quart for touch-ups.

4. Do I really need to use a primer?

It depends on your situation. You’ll definitely need a primer on bare drywall when making dramatic color changes or covering stains.

However, both brands offer self-priming paints that work well on previously painted surfaces and are in good condition.

When in doubt, prime – it’s cheaper than adding an extra coat of paint.

5. Which brand has better exterior paint?

Both perform excellently outdoors, but Sherwin-Williams has a slight edge in extreme weather conditions.

Their Duration Exterior line is particularly impressive for harsh climates.

However, Benjamin Moore’s Aura Exterior holds its color longer in intense sun exposure. Your local climate should guide your choice.