Sherwin-Williams vs Benjamin Moore: Paint Compared

Sherwin-Williams and Benjamin Moore are the two most respected premium paint brands in North America, and while both produce excellent coatings, they differ in finish, coverage, price, and where they are sold. This article compares their interior and exterior paints across key factors so you can choose the right one for your project.

Background: Two Industry Leaders

Sherwin-Williams, founded in 1866 in Cleveland, Ohio, is the largest paint company in the United States, selling through its own stores and also through independent dealers. Benjamin Moore, founded in 1883 in Brooklyn, New York, is a premium brand owned by Berkshire Hathaway and sold exclusively through independent retailers. Both have long histories of innovation, but their distribution models and product lines create practical differences for consumers.

Product Lines and Key Paints

Sherwin-Williams offers several interior lines: Duration (self-priming, stain-resistant), Emerald (top-tier with excellent durability), SuperPaint (mid-range with good coverage), and Cashmere (smooth finish, lower durability). Benjamin Moore’s main interior lines are Regal Select (mid-to-high range with great flow and leveling), Aura (premium, high-hide, washable), and Ben (budget-friendly but still decent). For exterior, Sherwin-Williams offers Duration Exterior and Emerald Exterior; Benjamin Moore has Aura Exterior and Regal Exterior.

Coverage and Application

Sherwin-Williams paints generally have higher solids content, which means better one-coat coverage on similar surfaces. For example, Emerald Interior can cover a well-primed wall with one coat, while Benjamin Moore Aura also claims one-coat coverage but often requires a second coat on porous or dark surfaces. In practice, both brands need two coats for most repaint jobs, but Sherwin-Williams tends to build film thickness faster, reducing labor time.

• Sherwin-Williams Duration: Self-priming, excellent adhesion, good for high-traffic areas.
• Benjamin Moore Regal Select: Excellent flow and leveling, minimal brush marks, great for trim and doors.
• Sherwin-Williams Emerald: Best stain resistance and washability in the line.
• Benjamin Moore Aura: High-hide, low-VOC, color-rich finish.

Finish and Sheen

Both brands offer standard sheens: flat, eggshell, satin, semi-gloss, and high-gloss. However, their formulations differ. Benjamin Moore’s eggshell and satin finishes are known for a smoother, more uniform appearance because of their alkyd-based resins. Sherwin-Williams finishes tend to be slightly more durable but can show more roller stipple. For ceilings, flat is best; for trim, semi-gloss or gloss. For walls, eggshell is the most popular choice from both brands.

Color Selection and Matching

Benjamin Moore has a broader color palette (over 3,500 colors) and is famous for its historical collection and color accuracy. Sherwin-Williams has about 1,500 colors, but their ColorSnap system is easy to use. Both can match any color from the other brand, but a color matched from a competitor’s chip may not be exact due to different pigment bases. If you need a specific historical color, Benjamin Moore is often preferred; if you want a curated palette with good coordination, Sherwin-Williams is fine.

Price and Value

Sherwin-Williams frequently runs sales (30–40% off) and offers coupons, making their premium paints cost-effective when purchased during promotions. Benjamin Moore rarely discounts, but its retail prices are comparable to Sherwin-Williams’ regular prices. A gallon of Sherwin-Williams Emerald typically costs $70–$90, while Benjamin Moore Aura costs $75–$95. However, Sherwin-Williams’ frequent sales can bring the price down to $50–$60 per gallon, making it a better value for budget-conscious homeowners.

Durability and Washability

For high-traffic areas like kitchens and hallways, Sherwin-Williams Duration and Emerald outperform Benjamin Moore’s Regal in scrub resistance. Independent tests (like those from Consumer Reports) have ranked Sherwin-Williams Duration and Emerald as top performers for stain removal and scrubbing. Benjamin Moore Aura is slightly less scrub-resistant but has superior color retention and resistance to fading. For exterior use, Sherwin-Williams Duration Exterior has a 100% acrylic formula that resists peeling and blistering better than Benjamin Moore’s Regal Exterior, which is also good but slightly less flexible.

Common Misconceptions

Many believe that Benjamin Moore is always higher quality because it is sold in specialty stores, but both brands are premium. The real difference is in the specific product line. A low-end Benjamin Moore (Ben) will not outperform a mid-range Sherwin-Williams (SuperPaint). Also, some think that “self-priming� means you never need a primer—that’s false. Self-priming paints can skip a separate primer only on previously painted, sound surfaces; on bare drywall or drastic color changes, you still need a primer.

How to Choose

Choose Sherwin-Williams if you want the best durability, are on a budget (use a sale), or need a paint that self-primes. Choose Benjamin Moore if you want the smoothest finish, the widest color selection, or need a paint that levels well for trim and cabinetry. For exterior projects, both are excellent, but Sherwin-Williams Duration Exterior is often recommended for harsh climates because of its mildew resistance and flexibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which paint brand lasts longer? Both brands last 5–10 years on interiors and 5–7 years on exteriors, depending on surface preparation and exposure. Sherwin-Williams Duration tends to have better stain resistance, while Benjamin Moore Aura has better color retention.

Can I mix Sherwin-Williams and Benjamin Moore paints? Yes, you can use both on the same project, but avoid mixing them in the same bucket. If you need to touch up, use the same brand and product line for a seamless match.

Which brand has lower VOCs? Both offer zero-VOC options. Benjamin Moore’s Natura line is zero-VOC, and Sherwin-Williams’ Harmony and Emerald lines are also low-VOC. Check the label for specific VOC content.

Is Benjamin Moore worth the extra cost? If you value a flawless finish and a broader color palette, yes. But if you want the best durability for the price, Sherwin-Williams on sale is a better deal.

Which brand covers better? Sherwin-Williams generally has higher solids, so it covers better in one coat, especially on dark colors. Benjamin Moore Aura also covers well but may need two coats on deep tones.

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