Which paint brand is better—Behr or Sherwin Williams?
Throughout my painting career doing interior and exterior painting, I’ve used many paint brands, including Behr and Sherwin Williams. I primarily use Sherwin-Williams paint for most projects, but occasionally, a customer provides Behr paint from Home Depot. Let’s dive into a detailed comparison of Behr vs Sherwin Williams. In this article, we provide a side-by-side comparison of Behr and Sherwin-Williams paints, focusing on key factors such as costs, user base, coverage, application, durability, ease of use, special features, pros, and cons. Whether you’re a homeowner tackling a DIY project or a contractor seeking reliable products, our detailed analysis will help you make an informed decision. Dive in to see how these two popular paint brands stack up against each other.
Table of Contents
My Personal Experience: Behr vs Sherwin Williams
I’ve painted the entire interior of two homes with Behr paint, using Ultra Premium Plus for the walls of both. I also used their ceiling paint (which I didn’t like) and their regular Premium Plus. While it’s not the worst paint I’ve used, there are aspects I don’t like. I haven’t used their exterior products or interior trim paint.
With significant experience with both brands, I’ll share my thoughts on which paint works better for me and why, based on my needs as an experienced painter.
Rules of Thumb for Good Paint
- Cost Indicates Quality: Higher-priced paint typically offers better coverage and durability.
- Thicker Consistency: Thicker paint covers better, saving you time.
Behr Paint vs. Sherwin Williams
With paint, you get what you pay for. Cheap paint won’t provide the same coverage as premium paint. Inexpensive paint has a thin consistency, requiring more material, more roller dips, and more time. Premium paint, though pricier, is thicker and covers more effectively in one or two coats.
Behr Paint Review
- Cost: Behr’s top paint, Marquee, costs $49 per gallon. Their least expensive wall paint, Premium Plus, is $27 per gallon in flat finish, and $35 for a gallon of eggshell in the Premium Plus Ultra line.
- User Base: Behr is popular among homeowners, though many contractors use it too.
- Quality: I’ve painted two homes with Behr Premium Plus Ultra. The paint is thick, which helps with wall coverage, but it’s challenging for brushwork, especially cutting-in corners. The paint feels too thick and sticky when rolling, requiring multiple passes for even coverage. To be fair, I haven’t used their Marquee line yet.
- Conclusion: Behr Premium Plus Ultra offers good coverage, but the application is less smooth. It might be fine for occasional painting projects, but for daily use, a product that applies easily is essential. Behr paint is cheaper than Sherwin Williams, making it a cost-effective choice for those prioritizing budget over durability and coverage.
Sherwin Williams Review
- Cost: Prices for their top paints, Duration Home and Emerald, range from $80 to $85 per gallon. Emerald urethane paint starts at $109 per gallon. Sales events often offer discounts of 30% to 40%.
- User Base: Sherwin Williams is favored by contractors who benefit from bulk discounts.
- Quality: I frequently use Duration Home for interior walls. The paint covers well in one to two coats. Cutting-in corners with Duration is quicker due to better flow for brushing and rolling. Not all Sherwin-Williams paints are equally good, but their premium paints outperform Behr.
- Conclusion: Sherwin Williams paints like Cashmere, Duration, Emerald urethane, and Super Paint perform much better than Behr. They are expensive, especially without discounts, but their durability and coverage justify the cost.
My Professional Determination on Behr vs. Sherwin Williams
I find the durability, performance, and versatility of Sherwin Williams products superior to Behr. Contractors can get high-quality products at substantial discounts. Behr is a cheaper alternative for homeowners not wanting to spend over $50 per gallon.
| Feature | Behr Paint | Sherwin Williams Paint |
|---|---|---|
| Top Paint Cost | $49 per gallon (Marquee) | $80 to $85 per gallon (Duration Home, Emerald) |
| Least Expensive Paint Cost | $27 per gallon (Premium Plus, flat finish) | $80 to $85 per gallon (Duration Home) |
| Mid-Range Paint Cost | $35 per gallon (Premium Plus Ultra, eggshell finish) | $109 per gallon (Emerald urethane) |
| User Base | Popular among homeowners; some contractors | Favored by contractors; benefits from bulk discounts |
| Coverage | Good coverage for walls; requires multiple coats for even application | Excellent coverage in one to two coats |
| Application | Thick consistency; challenging for brushwork and even rolling | Smooth flow for brushing and rolling; easier application |
| Durability | Decent durability but not the best | High durability; premium paints offer long-lasting finish |
| Ease of Use | Requires more effort for even coverage; thick and sticky | Quicker and easier application, especially for detailed work |
| Special Features | Affordable option for budget-conscious projects | Frequent sales offer substantial discounts |
| Pros | Cost-effective, good for occasional projects | Superior performance, excellent durability, high-quality finish |
| Cons | Challenging application, less smooth finish | Expensive without discounts, some lower-quality products can still be pricey |
| Conclusion | Suitable for budget-conscious projects prioritizing cost over ease of use | Best for those who prioritize quality and professional results over cost |
Painting & Behr vs Sherwin Williams FAQ:
Q: What paint would you recommend for new drywall in a garage?
A: Prime the new drywall with a PVA primer. I use Sherwin Williams Drywall Primer. For paint, use a durable, washable anti-mildew bathroom paint or a durable trim enamel like Sherwin Williams Emerald urethane trim enamel.
Q: Can older painted walls be sanded, primed, and repainted?
A: Check for lead paint first using a lead tester kit. Lightly sand the surface if the paint is in decent condition. Skim coating the surface is an alternative to extensive sanding. Replacing walls with new drywall is also an option but is more labor-intensive.
Q: What is the best product to cover red walls going to white walls?
A: Prime red walls with a quality latex primer. Sherwin Williams PrepRite ProBlock primer or Multi-Purpose primer are good choices. Wall and Wood primer is another option for difficult colors.
Q: Can you recommend a soft white paint color?
A: Sherwin Williams Snowbound is a good soft white color. Westhighland White is also nice.
Q: What finish would you recommend for white exterior paint?
A: Satin and semi-gloss finishes are easier to clean. I prefer satin for its ease of cleaning without too much shine.
Q: Which white paint would you recommend for an entryway with a wood ceiling?
A: Sherwin Williams Duration Home or Harmony are good washable paints for entryway walls.
Q: Which Sherwin Williams exterior paint is best, and what finish do you suggest?
A: Sherwin Williams Duration exterior paint in a satin finish is good. Super Paint is a cheaper option. Emerald exterior paint is said to be their best, though I haven’t used it.
Q: How do you choose the right paint finish for different rooms?
A: For high-traffic areas like kitchens and bathrooms, use a semi-gloss or satin finish for durability and ease of cleaning. For living rooms and bedrooms, an eggshell or matte finish provides a softer look and hides imperfections better.
Q: What is the best way to store leftover paint?
A: Store leftover paint in a cool, dry place. Seal the can tightly to prevent air from getting in. You can also transfer the paint to a smaller, airtight container if there’s not much left in the can.
Q: Can I mix different brands of paint?
A: It’s not recommended to mix different brands of paint, as their formulations can vary. This can affect the color consistency, drying time, and overall finish. Stick to one brand for a uniform result.
Q: How can I avoid streaks when painting?
A: To avoid streaks, use a high-quality brush or roller and apply the paint in thin, even coats. Maintain a wet edge to prevent lap marks. Also, avoid overloading the brush or roller with paint.