Best Interior Paint Brands: Sherwin-Williams vs Benjamin Moore vs Behr Compared

Introduction

Stand in the paint aisle and you're confronted with dozens of brands, each claiming to be the best. Sherwin-Williams promises superior coverage. Benjamin Moore emphasizes color accuracy and depth. Behr advertises premium performance at accessible prices. PPG, Dunn-Edwards, and others compete for your attention. How do you know which paint is actually worth your money?

At Lamorinda Painting, we've been using professional-grade interior paints since 2003. We're based in Lafayette and serve Lamorinda, the East Bay, and the greater Bay Area. Over two decades, we've applied thousands of gallons of paint from every major brand. We know which paints cover in one coat versus three, which colors look accurate on the wall versus disappointing, and which finishes hold up versus showing wear within months.

The truth is that paint brand matters significantly—but not always in the ways marketing suggests. Premium paint from a quality brand costs 2-3 times more than budget paint, but it often covers better, looks richer, lasts longer, and makes application easier. However, you don't always need the most expensive option, and some mid-tier products outperform premium competitors.

In this guide, you'll learn the real differences between major paint brands, which products offer genuine value, and how to choose the right paint for your Bay Area home. And if you'd like professional painters who know these products inside and out, we're always happy to provide a free estimate.

---

Understanding Paint Quality: What Makes Paint "Good"

Before comparing brands, you need to understand what separates good paint from mediocre paint.

The Components of Quality Paint

According to Sherwin-Williams technical data sheets, paint consists of four main components:

Pigments: Provide color and hiding power. Higher pigment concentrations mean better coverage and richer, more accurate color.

Binders (Resins): Hold pigments together and adhere to the surface. Better binders mean better adhesion, durability, and scuff resistance. Acrylic resins are generally superior to vinyl resins.

Solvents: Carry pigments and binders during application, then evaporate. In modern paints, this is typically water.

Additives: Improve performance characteristics like flow, leveling, mildew resistance, and open time (how long the paint stays workable).

Premium paints use higher-quality binders, more pigment, and better additives. According to Benjamin Moore's product specifications, their premium lines use 100% acrylic binders and higher pigment volumes, which explains their superior performance and higher cost.

What to Look for in Quality Paint

Coverage: Good paint should cover most colors in two coats. Excellent paint covers many colors in one coat. Poor paint requires three or more coats even over white.

Color accuracy: The paint on your wall should match the paint chip. Lower-quality paints often look washed out or "off" compared to the sample.

Durability: Quality paint resists scuffs, marks, and wear. It should clean without the finish degrading.

Application properties: Premium paint flows smoothly, levels well (brush marks disappear), and has adequate open time for blending.

Longevity: Good paint should look fresh for 5-7 years indoors. Poor paint fades, yellows, or loses sheen within 1-2 years.

---

Sherwin-Williams: The Professional's Standard

Sherwin-Williams is the most-specified brand among professional painters in the Bay Area. There's a reason.

Sherwin-Williams Product Lines

Sherwin-Williams offers multiple product tiers:

Emerald (Premium): $70-90/gallon. Top-of-line interior paint with exceptional coverage, durability, and color depth. Advanced formula with excellent stain resistance.

Duration Home (Premium): $60-75/gallon. Excellent coverage and durability. Good stain and moisture resistance. Popular for whole-house projects.

Cashmere (Mid-Premium): $50-65/gallon. Smooth application, nice sheen, good performance. Particularly popular for its velvety finish.

SuperPaint (Mid-Tier): $40-55/gallon. Solid all-around performer. Good coverage and durability at moderate price point.

ProMar 200 (Budget-Professional): $30-40/gallon. Contractor-grade workhorse. Decent coverage, acceptable durability, economical for rental properties.

What Sherwin-Williams Does Well

According to our experience applying Sherwin-Williams products for 20+ years:

Color accuracy: Sherwin-Williams colors on the wall match the chips exceptionally well. Deep colors stay rich and saturated.

Coverage: Emerald and Duration lines often cover in one coat, even over moderate color changes. This saves labor and materials.

Durability: Premium Sherwin-Williams paints resist scuffing and marking remarkably well. We see Duration and Emerald finishes still looking fresh 7-8 years after application in Bay Area homes.

Wide availability: Sherwin-Williams has many Bay Area stores (Lafayette, Walnut Creek, Pleasant Hill, Concord, etc.), making color matching and product access convenient.

Professional support: Sherwin-Williams reps understand professional painting and offer useful technical support.

Sherwin-Williams Limitations

Price: Premium SW paints are expensive. For budget-conscious projects, the cost can be prohibitive.

Sheen consistency: Some homeowners find SW's sheen definitions (particularly eggshell and satin) slightly higher gloss than competitors. Test before committing.

Store experience: Sherwin-Williams stores are pro-oriented, which some homeowners find less welcoming than big-box retailers.

Best Sherwin-Williams Products for Bay Area Homes

For most rooms: Duration Home in eggshell or satin. Excellent balance of performance and value.

For kitchens and bathrooms: Emerald in satin. Superior moisture and stain resistance.

For ceilings: ProMar 200 Ceiling White in flat. Economical, good coverage, appropriate for low-touch surfaces.

For trim: Emerald or Duration in semi-gloss. Hard, durable finish that cleans beautifully.

---

Benjamin Moore: The Designer's Favorite

Benjamin Moore has a reputation for superior color and finish quality. That reputation is largely deserved.

Benjamin Moore Product Lines

Aura (Ultra-Premium): $75-95/gallon. Top-tier paint with exceptional color depth, coverage, and unique Color Lock technology.

Regal Select (Premium): $60-75/gallon. Excellent all-around performer. Great coverage, durability, and color selection.

Ben (Mid-Tier): $45-60/gallon. Solid paint at accessible price. Good for renters, flips, or budget-conscious projects.

Natura (Premium-Low VOC): $60-75/gallon. Zero-VOC formula for health-conscious homeowners.

Advance (Specialty): $65-80/gallon. Waterborne alkyd for trim and cabinets. Exceptional hardness and smooth finish.

What Benjamin Moore Does Well

According to professional painter feedback and our own experience:

Color depth: Benjamin Moore colors have exceptional richness and complexity. Their deep colors (navy, forest green, charcoal) look more sophisticated than equivalent colors from other brands.

Color consistency: BM's color matching between stores and batches is excellent. Touch-up paint mixed years later matches original application remarkably well.

Finish quality: Benjamin Moore paints have beautiful sheens. Their eggshell is softer and more elegant than most competitors.

Low-VOC options: Natura line offers zero-VOC performance without sacrificing quality—important for health-conscious Bay Area homeowners.

Independent dealers: BM dealers tend to provide more personalized service and color consultation than chain stores.

Benjamin Moore Limitations

Price: BM premium products are expensive, often the highest-priced options in their categories.

Coverage variability: While Aura coverage is outstanding (often one-coat), Regal Select and Ben sometimes require two coats where SW Duration would cover in one.

Store access: Fewer locations than Sherwin-Williams. Bay Area coverage is good but not as dense.

Best Benjamin Moore Products for Bay Area Homes

For whole-house projects: Regal Select in eggshell. Beautiful finish, good durability, wide color selection.

For bold colors: Aura. The color depth and coverage justify the premium price for saturated hues.

For health-conscious homes: Natura in eggshell or satin. Zero VOC without performance compromise.

For trim and cabinets: Advance in semi-gloss. Waterborne alkyd provides furniture-like finish.

---

Behr: The Best Big-Box Option

Behr (Home Depot's house brand) has improved dramatically over the past decade and now offers competitive quality at accessible prices.

Behr Product Lines

Dynasty (Premium): $50-65/gallon. Top Behr line with one-coat coverage claims and good durability.

Marquee (Premium): $45-60/gallon. Excellent stain-blocking and coverage. Good all-around performer.

Premium Plus Ultra (Mid-Premium): $35-50/gallon. Solid performance at moderate price.

Premium Plus (Mid-Tier): $25-35/gallon. Basic quality, acceptable performance, economical.

Ultra Scuff Defense (Specialty): $40-55/gallon. Extra durability for high-traffic areas and kids' rooms.

What Behr Does Well

Based on industry analysis and professional use:

Value pricing: Behr offers good performance at prices 20-40% lower than equivalent SW or BM products.

Accessibility: Available at every Home Depot, making it convenient for Bay Area homeowners.

Paint + Primer formulas: Behr's premium lines genuinely reduce primer needs in many situations.

Color tools: Behr's app and online tools for color selection and coordination are user-friendly.

Consistent mid-tier performance: Premium Plus Ultra is a reliable workhorse that performs better than its price suggests.

Behr Limitations

Professional skepticism: Many pro painters avoid Behr due to inconsistent performance in earlier formulations. Current products are better but the reputation persists.

Coverage variability: Coverage can be inconsistent. Some colors cover beautifully; others require multiple coats even in premium lines.

Durability: Behr paints generally don't hold up as long as premium SW or BM. We see more wear at 3-5 years.

Color accuracy: Behr colors sometimes look slightly different on walls versus chips, particularly in complex or deep hues.

Best Behr Products for Bay Area Homes

For budget-conscious quality: Premium Plus Ultra in eggshell or satin. Good balance of performance and price.

For high-traffic areas: Ultra Scuff Defense. Noticeably more durable than standard Behr.

For DIY projects: Marquee or Dynasty in premium colors. Easier application and better coverage help DIYers achieve good results.

---

PPG and Dunn-Edwards: Regional Alternatives Worth Considering

While SW, BM, and Behr dominate market share, two other brands merit attention in the Bay Area.

PPG (Pittsburgh Paints)

PPG acquired Pittsburgh Paints and offers professional-quality products through independent dealers and some Home Depot stores.

Best products: Ultra-Hide 250, Manor Hall, and Timeless lines offer good performance at competitive prices.

Strengths: Excellent coverage, good durability, strong color selection.

Bay Area availability: Limited but growing. Several dealers in Oakland, Walnut Creek, and San Francisco.

Dunn-Edwards

Dunn-Edwards is a California-based company with strong West Coast presence and products formulated for our climate.

Best products: Aristoshield (premium interior), Evershield (durable interior), Suprema (excellent eggshell finish).

Strengths: California-focused formulations that handle our climate well. Good UV resistance. Strong color palettes that work in Bay Area light.

Bay Area availability: Multiple locations throughout the East Bay, including Walnut Creek, Concord, and Pleasant Hill.

Why we like them: Dunn-Edwards understands Bay Area painting conditions—coastal moisture, inland heat, UV exposure. Their regional focus produces products well-suited to our needs.

---

How to Choose the Right Paint Brand for Your Project

Use this decision framework based on your specific situation.

For Whole-House Interior Projects

Best choice: Sherwin-Williams Duration Home or Benjamin Moore Regal Select Why: Consistency across large projects matters. Premium quality in one product line simplifies specification and ensures uniform results. Cost consideration: The labor to paint a house is the same regardless of paint cost. Premium paint adds perhaps $400-800 to total project cost but significantly improves results and longevity.

For Single-Room Refreshes

Best choice: Benjamin Moore Regal Select, Sherwin-Williams Duration, or Behr Marquee/Dynasty Why: Smaller projects allow color experimentation. BM's color depth shines here. Behr offers budget-friendly experimentation.

For Rental Properties

Best choice: Behr Premium Plus Ultra or Sherwin-Williams ProMar 200 Why: Good-enough quality at economical prices. Will look fresh for 2-3 years (typical rental turnover cycle).

For High-End Custom Homes

Best choice: Benjamin Moore Aura or Sherwin-Williams Emerald Why: When quality is paramount and budget is flexible, these premium products deliver the best color, coverage, and longevity.

For Health-Conscious Families

Best choice: Benjamin Moore Natura (zero-VOC) or Sherwin-Williams Harmony (low-VOC) Why: Genuinely low-emission formulas without performance compromise.

For DIY Painters

Best choice: Behr Marquee/Dynasty or Benjamin Moore Regal Select Why: Behr is forgiving and accessible. BM's independent dealers often provide helpful advice. Both apply more easily than budget products.

---

Bay Area Climate Considerations for Paint Selection

Our regional climate affects paint performance in specific ways.

Coastal Areas (Richmond, El Cerrito, Hercules, Pinole)

Higher humidity and moisture require:

• Premium paints with better moisture resistance (SW Emerald, BM Aura, Behr Dynasty)
• Satin or semi-gloss finishes in bathrooms and kitchens
• Mildew-resistant formulations

Inland Areas (Walnut Creek, Concord, Antioch, Brentwood)

Heat and UV exposure call for:

• Paints with good UV resistance (Dunn-Edwards products perform well)
• Quality binders that resist heat-related degradation
• Colors that won't fade in intense sunlight

Moderate Climate (Lafayette, Orinda, Moraga)

Balanced conditions allow flexibility:

• Any premium or mid-tier paint performs well
• Choose based on color preferences and budget rather than climate requirements

---

Common Paint Brand Mistakes

Avoid these errors we see frequently in Bay Area homes.

Mistake #1: Choosing Paint Based Solely on Price

The cheapest paint costs less per gallon but often requires more coats, taking more time and actually costing more overall when labor is factored in. According to PPG's cost-analysis data, premium paint that covers in one coat often costs less total than budget paint requiring three coats.

Mistake #2: Mixing Brands Within a Project

You use SW on walls, BM on trim, and Behr on ceilings to get "the best of each." Colors and sheens don't match properly, and the results look disjointed. Stick with one brand per project for consistency.

Mistake #3: Buying Paint Without Testing

You choose "Naval" from SW because it looked great online, but you don't test it in your room. The actual color disappoints. Always buy sample pots and test, regardless of brand.

Mistake #4: Using Budget Paint in High-Traffic Areas

You save money using Behr Premium Plus in your hallway. Six months later, it shows scuffs and wear everywhere. Premium paint in high-traffic areas is always worth the investment.

---

When to Hire Professional Painters

Brand choice matters, but application quality matters more.

Signs You Should Hire a Pro

• You're painting an entire home and want consistent, flawless results
• You're using expensive premium paint and don't want to waste it on amateur application
• Your walls need significant prep work
• You want expert color and product consultation
• You value your time more than the cost savings of DIY

At Lamorinda Painting, we've been using professional-grade paints from all major brands since 2003. We're fully licensed and insured, and we know which products work best in every Bay Area situation. We use only premium paints—typically Sherwin-Williams Duration/Emerald and Benjamin Moore Regal Select/Aura—to ensure results that last.

Your satisfaction is our top priority, and estimates are always free. If you're in Lafayette, Lamorinda, or anywhere in the East Bay, contact us today for a free estimate.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the best interior paint brand overall?

There's no single "best" brand—it depends on priorities. Benjamin Moore Aura offers the best color depth and richness. Sherwin-Williams Emerald provides the best durability and coverage. Behr Dynasty offers the best value for performance. For most Bay Area homes, Sherwin-Williams Duration Home or Benjamin Moore Regal Select provide the best balance of quality, performance, and value.

Q: Is Sherwin-Williams or Benjamin Moore better?

Both are excellent premium brands. Sherwin-Williams tends to have slightly better coverage and durability. Benjamin Moore tends to have superior color depth and complexity, particularly in deep, saturated hues. SW is better for practical performance; BM is better for color aesthetics. We use both depending on project requirements.

Q: Is Behr paint as good as Sherwin-Williams?

Behr's premium lines (Dynasty, Marquee) have improved significantly and now offer good performance at lower prices than SW. However, top-tier SW products (Emerald, Duration) still outperform equivalent Behr products in coverage, durability, and longevity. Behr is the best big-box brand but doesn't quite match premium SW or BM quality.

Q: Which paint brand do professional painters use?

Most professional painters in the Bay Area use Sherwin-Williams or Benjamin Moore. Sherwin-Williams is probably most common due to wide availability, contractor pricing programs, and consistent performance. Benjamin Moore is popular among high-end painters and designers who prioritize color quality. Some pros use Dunn-Edwards for regional advantages.

Q: Is expensive paint worth it?

Usually, yes. Premium paint typically covers better (requiring fewer coats), looks better (richer color, nicer finish), lasts longer (5-7+ years versus 2-3), and applies more easily (better flow and leveling). The paint cost difference is modest compared to labor costs. For a typical room, premium paint adds $50-100 to total cost but significantly improves results and longevity.

Q: What paint brand has the best coverage?

Sherwin-Williams Emerald and Benjamin Moore Aura both offer exceptional one-coat coverage in most situations. Behr Dynasty also claims one-coat coverage but performs less consistently. For reliable one-coat coverage over light to moderate color changes, SW Emerald is probably the industry leader.

---

Conclusion

Paint brand matters significantly for interior painting results. Premium paints from Sherwin-Williams, Benjamin Moore, and specialty brands like Dunn-Edwards offer genuinely superior coverage, color, durability, and application properties compared to budget options.

For most Bay Area homes, Sherwin-Williams Duration Home or Benjamin Moore Regal Select provide the best balance of performance and value. For high-end projects where color depth matters most, Benjamin Moore Aura excels. For budget-conscious projects, Behr Premium Plus Ultra or Dynasty offer reasonable quality at accessible prices.

Remember that paint is only part of the equation—proper surface preparation and skilled application matter just as much as brand choice. The best paint applied poorly looks worse than mid-tier paint applied expertly.

At Lamorinda Painting, we help Bay Area homeowners choose the right paint for their specific needs and apply it with the expertise that premium products deserve. We're based in Lafayette and serve Lamorinda, the East Bay, and the greater Bay Area.

Contact us today for a free estimate on your interior painting project. Your satisfaction is our top priority.

---

Internal Links:

• Interior Painting Services
• How to Choose White Paint Colors
• Paint Sheen Guide

External Links:

• Sherwin-Williams Products
• Benjamin Moore Paint Lines

Schema Markup: Article + FAQPage + BreadcrumbList

Images Needed:

• Comparison of same color from different brands
• Coverage test showing one-coat vs multi-coat
• Premium vs budget paint finish quality
• Major brand product line comparison chart