Choosing the right paint for your home or project involves more than just picking a color. Benjamin Moore and Sherwin-Williams are two premium paint brands known for their quality, color selection, and durability. Here’s a guide to help you navigate the process of choosing the perfect paint from these two companies.
1. Identify the Surface and Room Type
Start by determining what you’re painting — interior walls, exterior siding, trim, cabinets, or ceilings. Different surfaces require different paint formulations. For example, high-moisture areas like bathrooms and kitchens benefit from mildew-resistant and washable finishes, while living rooms can use softer, matte finishes.
- Benjamin Moore’s Aura® Bath & Spa is excellent for humid rooms.
- Sherwin-Williams’ Duration Home® offers mold and mildew resistance with excellent washability.
2. Choose the Right Finish
Paint finishes affect how light interacts with a surface and how easy it is to clean.
- Flat/Matte: Hides imperfections but is harder to clean.
- Eggshell: Slightly more durable and has a soft glow; good for living areas.
- Satin/Pearl: More washable, great for hallways and kids’ rooms.
- Semi-gloss/Gloss: Durable and washable; ideal for trim, doors, and kitchens.
Benjamin Moore’s Regal® Select offers various finishes, while Sherwin-Williams’ Emerald® line provides top-tier finish options with excellent durability.
3. Test Colors with Samples
Lighting can dramatically affect how a color looks. Get sample pots or peel-and-stick swatches from either brand to test on your walls. Observe the color during different times of the day to see how it reacts to natural and artificial light.
- Benjamin Moore offers Color Samples in 16 oz. cans for easy wall testing.
- Sherwin-Williams provides Color to Go® samples and large ColorSnap® peel-and-stick swatches.
4. Use Color Tools and Resources
Both brands offer helpful online and in-store tools:
- Benjamin Moore’s Color Portfolio® app lets you visualize colors in your space using AR (augmented reality).
- Sherwin-Williams’ ColorSnap® Visualizer allows you to upload photos or use virtual room previews.
These tools help narrow down options and offer coordinating palettes, which is helpful for whole-home color schemes.
5. Consider Paint Quality and Budget
Both brands have multiple paint lines at different price points:
- Benjamin Moore: Aura (premium), Regal Select (high quality), and ben® (budget-friendly).
- Sherwin-Williams: Emerald (premium), Duration (high quality), SuperPaint (mid-range), and Captivate (economical).
Higher-end paints generally offer better coverage, color retention, and washability, which can save you time and effort in the long run.
Final Thoughts
Both Benjamin Moore and Sherwin-Williams offer exceptional paint options for any project. Consider your surface, lighting, room usage, and budget. Test colors before committing, and don’t overlook expert help. With the right approach, you can achieve beautiful, lasting results in your space.