Choosing the Right Paint: A Comparison of Benjamin Moore and Sherwin-Williams
Selecting the perfect paint for your home can be a daunting task, especially with so many options available. Two of the most reputable brands in the industry, Benjamin Moore and Sherwin-Williams, offer a wide variety of paint types tailored to different surfaces, finishes, and durability needs. Whether you’re painting walls, trim, cabinets, or exteriors, understanding the unique features of these paints can help you achieve the best results. In this article, we’ll explore the top paint lines from Benjamin Moore and Sherwin-Williams, their ideal uses, and what makes them stand out.
Benjamin Moore Paint Types
Benjamin Moore is renowned for its high-quality paints, vibrant pigments, and long-lasting finishes. Here are some of their most popular paint lines and what they’re best suited for:
Regal Select®
Best for: Interior walls and ceilings.
Why it’s great: This premium interior paint provides excellent coverage, a smooth finish, and superior durability. Available in matte, eggshell, and semi-gloss sheens, it’s versatile enough for any room.
Ideal for: High-traffic areas like living rooms, hallways, and bedrooms.
Aura®
Best for: Interior and exterior surfaces.
Why it’s great: Aura is Benjamin Moore’s most advanced paint, featuring Color Lock® technology for rich, fade-resistant color. It’s self-priming, spatter-resistant, and offers exceptional hide in just one coat.
Ideal for: Accent walls, exterior siding, and doors.
Advance®
Best for: Cabinets, trim, and furniture.
Why it’s great: This waterborne alkyd paint combines the smooth finish of oil-based paints with the easy cleanup of water-based paints. It’s highly durable and resistant to yellowing over time.
Ideal for: Kitchen cabinets, doors, and woodwork.
Ben®
Best for: Budget-friendly interior projects.
Why it’s great: Ben is an affordable option that still delivers good coverage and a washable finish. It’s available in matte and eggshell sheens.
Ideal for: Rental properties, kids’ rooms, and low-traffic areas.
Arborcoat®
Best for: Exterior wood surfaces.
Why it’s great: This premium exterior stain and paint protects wood from UV rays, moisture, and mildew. It’s available in transparent, semi-transparent, and solid finishes.
Ideal for: Decks, fences, and outdoor furniture.
Scuff-X®
Best for: High-traffic and high-abuse areas.
Why it’s great: Scuff-X is Benjamin Moore’s most durable interior paint, specifically designed to resist scuffs, marks, and stains. It’s perfect for areas that see a lot of wear and tear.
Ideal for: Hallways, kids’ rooms, schools, and commercial spaces.
Sherwin-Williams Paint Types
Sherwin-Williams is another industry leader, offering paints known for their durability, ease of application, and extensive color selection. Here are some of their top paint lines and their best uses:
Emerald® Interior Acrylic Latex
Best for: Interior walls and ceilings.
Why it’s great: Emerald is Sherwin-Williams’ premium interior paint, offering exceptional durability, stain resistance, and a smooth finish. It’s also low-VOC and available in multiple sheens.
Ideal for: High-traffic areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and family rooms.
Duration Home®
Best for: Interior and exterior surfaces.
Why it’s great: Duration Home is known for its durability and moisture resistance, making it a great choice for both indoor and outdoor projects. It also offers excellent hide and a smooth application.
Ideal for: Bathrooms, exteriors, and trim.
ProClassic® Waterborne Acrylic-Alkyd
Best for: Cabinets, trim, and doors.
Why it’s great: This hybrid paint combines the durability of alkyd with the easy cleanup of water-based paints. It provides a smooth, brush-mark-free finish and is resistant to yellowing.
Ideal for: Kitchen cabinets, furniture, and interior woodwork.
Cashmere®
Best for: Interior walls.
Why it’s great: Cashmere is a luxurious paint that offers a velvety, smooth finish. It’s easy to apply and provides excellent coverage, making it a favorite among DIYers.
Ideal for: Living rooms, bedrooms, and accent walls.
SuperPaint®
Best for: Exterior surfaces.
Why it’s great: SuperPaint is a versatile exterior paint that offers excellent weather resistance, UV protection, and mildew resistance. It’s available in flat, satin, and gloss finishes.
Ideal for: Siding, stucco, and trim.
Harmony®
Best for: Eco-friendly interior projects.
Why it’s great: Harmony is a zero-VOC paint that also helps reduce indoor odors and improve air quality. It’s durable and available in multiple sheens.
Ideal for: Nurseries, bedrooms, and homes with allergy sufferers.
How to Choose the Right Paint
Consider the Surface: Different surfaces (walls, trim, cabinets, etc.) require different types of paint. For example, use durable paints like Benjamin Moore Advance or Sherwin-Williams ProClassic for cabinets and trim.
Choose the Right Sheen: Flat or matte finishes are great for hiding imperfections, while satin and semi-gloss are better for high-traffic areas and trim.
Think About Durability: For high-traffic areas, opt for premium paints like Benjamin Moore Regal Select or Sherwin-Williams Emerald.
Eco-Friendly Options: If you’re concerned about VOCs, consider paints like Sherwin-Williams Harmony or Benjamin Moore Natura®.
Conclusion
Both Benjamin Moore and Sherwin-Williams offer a wide range of paints designed to meet the needs of any project. Whether you’re looking for a durable exterior paint, a smooth finish for cabinets, or an eco-friendly option for your living room, these brands have you covered. By understanding the strengths of each paint type, you can make an informed decision and achieve professional-quality results.
For more tips and expert advice on choosing the right paint for your home, visit [Your Website Name] and explore our resources to transform your space with confidence.
Sources:
Benjamin Moore. (n.d.). Paint Products. Retrieved from https://www.benjaminmoore.com
Sherwin-Williams. (n.d.). Paint Products. Retrieved from https://www.sherwin-williams.com
This Old House. (2023). How to Choose the Right Paint. Retrieved from https://www.thisoldhouse.com
