Best Paint Brands Available in Contra Costa County

If you're planning a painting project anywhere from Lafayette to Antioch, you've probably noticed that Contra Costa County offers plenty of paint choices. Walk into any big box store or specialty paint retailer and you'll face rows of color chips and technical jargon. Should you choose Sherwin-Williams or Benjamin Moore? Is Behr a smart pick for your budget, or should you stick with a local favorite like Kelly-Moore or Dunn-Edwards?

We've been painting homes across Lamorinda and the greater East Bay for more than 22 years. In that time, we've worked with every major brand available in this area. We know which products hold up to our coastal humidity near Richmond, which ones handle the blazing inland heat in Brentwood, and which deliver the smooth, durable finish you want in your Lafayette kitchen or Walnut Creek living room.

This guide walks you through the five most widely available paint brands in Contra Costa County. We'll cover where to buy them, what they're known for, and which scenarios make each one the right choice for your home.

Why Paint Brand Choice Matters in Contra Costa County

Not all paints perform the same way in our climate. Contra Costa County stretches from the cool, humid coast near Richmond and El Cerrito to the hot, dry valleys around Concord and Brentwood. Paint that works beautifully on a shaded Moraga hillside might struggle on a stucco house baking under full sun in Antioch.

Good paint isn't just about color. It's about durability, washability, coverage, and how well it stands up to UV exposure, moisture, and temperature swings. The right product makes your project last longer and look better. The wrong one can lead to early fading, peeling, or chalking that costs you more in the long run.

Choosing a reputable brand also means better support. Quality manufacturers offer technical data sheets, application guidance, and customer service that help you get the job done right. When you pick up a can of premium paint from a trusted brand, you're also buying decades of product development and testing.

Sherwin-Williams: Professional-Grade Quality at Dedicated Stores

Sherwin-Williams is one of the most recognized names in professional painting. The company has been making coatings since 1866, and today they operate dozens of dedicated paint stores across Contra Costa County. You'll find locations in Walnut Creek, Concord, Pleasant Hill, Lafayette, and Richmond, making it easy to get expert advice and color-matching services close to your project.

What Sherwin-Williams Is Known For

Sherwin-Williams built its reputation serving professional painters. Their stores stock a full range of primers, specialty coatings, and finishing products you won't always find at big box retailers. Staff members are trained to answer technical questions about surface prep, product selection, and application methods.

The brand's top interior lines like Duration Home and Emerald offer excellent hide, washability, and color retention. Duration is designed to cover in one coat when applied properly, which saves time and labor on large rooms. Emerald uses advanced resin technology for a smoother finish and better stain resistance, making it popular for kitchens, bathrooms, and high-traffic hallways.

For exteriors, Sherwin-Williams offers products like Duration Exterior and SuperPaint that resist fading, mildew, and chalking. In our experience painting homes across Lafayette and Orinda, these paints hold up well against the UV exposure and seasonal temperature changes common in the East Bay.

Where to Buy Sherwin-Williams in Contra Costa County

Sherwin-Williams operates company-owned stores throughout the county. You can also find select products at Lowe's, though the full professional product range is only available at Sherwin-Williams retail locations. Stores offer color-matching, custom tinting, and delivery services for contractors and homeowners.

Pricing is generally in the premium range. Expect to pay more per gallon than you would for big box brands, but you're also getting better coverage, durability, and access to knowledgeable staff. Sherwin-Williams runs frequent sales, so it's worth checking their website or visiting a local store before you buy.

Best Uses for Sherwin-Williams Products

We reach for Sherwin-Williams when a project demands high performance. Interior spaces that get heavy use—like family rooms, kitchens, and kids' bedrooms—benefit from the washability and stain resistance of Duration or Emerald. For exterior work in areas with intense sun exposure, like homes on west-facing slopes in Walnut Creek or San Ramon, Duration Exterior provides excellent UV protection.

Sherwin-Williams also offers specialized primers for tough substrates. Their bonding primers work well on slick surfaces like old oil-based paint or factory-finished cabinets. Stain-blocking primers handle tannin bleed-through on oak trim and water stains on ceilings.

Benjamin Moore: Premium Paint with a Loyal Following

Benjamin Moore has earned a reputation for rich, complex colors and premium paint formulations. The brand is sold through independent retailers rather than company-owned stores, which means you'll often get personalized service and local expertise when you shop. Contra Costa County has several Benjamin Moore dealers, including locations in Walnut Creek, Lafayette, and Pleasant Hill.

What Benjamin Moore Is Known For

Benjamin Moore's color palette is legendary. Designers and homeowners love the depth and subtlety of shades like White Dove, Hale Navy, and Revere Pewter. The company's Color Preview system lets you test small samples at home before committing to full gallons, which takes the guesswork out of picking the right greige or blue-gray for your Moraga living room.

On the performance side, Benjamin Moore's Aura line is considered one of the best interior paints available. It offers excellent hide, a smooth finish, and low VOC levels that make it a good choice for homes with kids, pets, or family members sensitive to paint fumes. Regal Select is another popular option that balances cost and performance for whole-house projects.

For exteriors, Benjamin Moore offers Aura Exterior and ben Exterior. Aura Exterior is a premium product with exceptional color retention and resistance to fading, mildew, and moisture. It's a solid choice for coastal areas like El Cerrito and Hercules, where salt air and humidity put extra stress on painted surfaces.

Where to Buy Benjamin Moore in Contra Costa County

Benjamin Moore is sold through independent paint and decorating stores. These retailers often carry a full range of Benjamin Moore products, plus complementary brands for specialty coatings and stains. Staff members are usually well-trained in color consultation and can help you navigate product options for your specific project.

Pricing is comparable to Sherwin-Williams, placing Benjamin Moore in the premium category. The investment pays off in better coverage, richer color, and longer-lasting results. Many dealers offer contractor pricing or volume discounts if you're tackling a large project.

Best Uses for Benjamin Moore Products

Benjamin Moore shines in projects where color accuracy and finish quality matter. If you're painting a high-end home in Orinda or updating a carefully designed interior in Danville, Benjamin Moore's color depth and smooth application deliver professional results. Aura is particularly good for dramatic accent walls or rooms where you want a single bold color to look perfect from every angle.

The brand's low-VOC formulations also make it a smart pick for nurseries, bedrooms, and enclosed spaces where air quality is a priority. Regal Select works well for budget-conscious whole-house repaints where you still want a durable, attractive finish.

Kelly-Moore: A California Favorite with Local Roots

Kelly-Moore is a West Coast paint company with deep roots in California. Founded in 1946, the brand has built a loyal following among contractors and homeowners who appreciate quality products and local service. Kelly-Moore operates stores throughout Contra Costa County, including locations in Concord, Antioch, and Walnut Creek.

What Kelly-Moore Is Known For

Kelly-Moore offers a wide product range at competitive prices. Their Durapro line is a workhorse interior paint that delivers solid coverage and durability for everyday projects. Enviro-Cote is their low-VOC option, ideal for health-conscious homeowners or projects in occupied spaces.

For exteriors, Kelly-Moore's Tuff Cote and Acry-Plex products handle California's climate challenges well. Tuff Cote is formulated to resist fading, chalking, and mildew, making it a reliable choice for stucco homes across the East Bay. Acry-Plex offers excellent adhesion and flexibility, which helps it stand up to the expansion and contraction that happens when temperatures swing from chilly mornings to hot afternoons in places like Clayton or Brentwood.

Kelly-Moore stores also carry a full line of specialty coatings, including texture products for ceiling repairs, epoxy floor coatings, and industrial-grade primers. If you need something beyond standard wall and trim paint, Kelly-Moore's local stores usually have it in stock.

Where to Buy Kelly-Moore in Contra Costa County

Kelly-Moore operates company-owned stores across the county. Store staff are trained to assist with color matching, product selection, and surface prep advice. Many locations offer free delivery to job sites, which is helpful if you're managing a large project or working on a tight schedule.

Pricing sits in the mid-to-premium range. Kelly-Moore isn't the cheapest option, but it's often more affordable than Sherwin-Williams or Benjamin Moore while still delivering professional-grade performance. The company runs regular promotions and contractor programs that can make larger purchases more budget-friendly.

Best Uses for Kelly-Moore Products

We turn to Kelly-Moore for reliable, cost-effective solutions on a wide range of projects. Their products work well for rental properties, fix-and-flip renovations, and homeowner projects where quality matters but budgets are tight. Kelly-Moore also excels in specialty applications—their texture products make popcorn ceiling repairs easier, and their epoxy floor coatings hold up well in East Bay garages that see heavy use.

For exterior work in inland areas with high heat and UV exposure, Kelly-Moore's Tuff Cote performs admirably. We've used it on dozens of homes in Concord, Pleasant Hill, and Antioch with excellent long-term results.

Dunn-Edwards: Engineered for the Western Climate

Dunn-Edwards is another California-based paint company with a strong presence in Contra Costa County. Founded in 1925, the brand focuses on formulations designed specifically for the Western United States, where intense sun, low humidity, and temperature extremes challenge standard paint products.

What Dunn-Edwards Is Known For

Dunn-Edwards emphasizes environmental responsibility and performance. Their Aristoshield line is a premium interior paint with excellent hide, washability, and low-VOC formulation. It's a favorite among contractors who need a reliable product that covers well and stands up to daily wear in busy family homes.

For exteriors, Dunn-Edwards offers Evershield, a high-performance acrylic that resists fading, mildew, and weather damage. The brand also makes Spartashield, a budget-friendly exterior option that still delivers solid performance for homeowners looking to refresh their curb appeal without breaking the bank.

Dunn-Edwards stores provide color consultation services and digital tools that let you visualize paint colors in different lighting conditions. Their staff can help you select products tailored to Contra Costa County's climate, whether you're dealing with coastal fog in Richmond or dry heat in Oakley.

Where to Buy Dunn-Edwards in Contra Costa County

Dunn-Edwards operates stores throughout the East Bay, including locations in Walnut Creek, Concord, and Pleasant Hill. Like other specialty paint retailers, their stores carry a full range of products, primers, and specialty coatings. Many locations offer delivery services and contractor programs.

Pricing is competitive with Sherwin-Williams and Benjamin Moore, placing Dunn-Edwards in the premium category. The brand offers good value for the performance you get, especially if you choose one of their mid-tier lines like Suprema or Evershield.

Best Uses for Dunn-Edwards Products

Dunn-Edwards works well for projects across the county, but we find it particularly effective in hot, dry inland areas. Their exterior paints are formulated to handle the UV exposure and temperature swings common in Concord, Antioch, and Brentwood. Evershield's advanced resin technology provides excellent color retention even under intense sun.

For interior work, Aristoshield is a strong choice when you need a durable, low-odor paint for occupied homes. It's ideal for families with young children or anyone sensitive to paint fumes. The washability and stain resistance make it practical for kitchens, bathrooms, and high-traffic hallways.

Behr: Big Box Convenience with Improving Quality

Behr is the exclusive house brand for The Home Depot, making it one of the most accessible paint options in Contra Costa County. You'll find Behr products at every Home Depot location, from Lafayette to Pittsburg. The brand has worked hard to improve its formulations in recent years, and many of their premium lines now compete with specialty brands in terms of performance.

What Behr Is Known For

Behr offers a wide range of products at multiple price points. Their Marquee line is a premium interior paint with one-coat coverage, excellent hide, and good stain resistance. Dynasty is another high-end option designed for smooth application and durability. For budget-conscious projects, Behr Premium Plus provides decent coverage and washability at a lower price point.

Behr's exterior paints include Marquee Exterior and Premium Plus Exterior. Both are formulated to resist fading, mildew, and weather damage, though performance varies depending on the specific product and application conditions. Behr also offers a solid range of primers, including bonding primers for tough substrates and stain-blocking options for problematic surfaces.

One of Behr's advantages is convenience. Home Depot stores are everywhere, they're open long hours, and you can often find the product you need in stock. Behr also provides extensive online resources, including color visualizers, how-to guides, and product data sheets.

Where to Buy Behr in Contra Costa County

Behr is sold exclusively at The Home Depot. You'll find locations in Walnut Creek, Concord, Pleasant Hill, Richmond, Antioch, and other cities throughout the county. Home Depot's paint departments offer color-matching services and staff who can answer basic questions about product selection and application.

Pricing ranges from budget-friendly to mid-premium. Behr Marquee sits at the higher end, comparable to mid-tier products from Sherwin-Williams or Benjamin Moore. Behr Premium Plus is significantly cheaper, making it a popular choice for DIY homeowners and landlords managing rental properties.

Best Uses for Behr Products

Behr works well for homeowners who value convenience and want decent performance without the premium price tag. If you're tackling a DIY project in your Moraga garage or refreshing a guest bedroom in your San Ramon home, Behr Premium Plus can deliver satisfactory results at a fraction of the cost of specialty brands.

Behr Marquee is worth considering for projects where you want better coverage and durability but still prefer the convenience of shopping at Home Depot. It's a solid choice for living rooms, dining rooms, and bedrooms in homes that don't see extreme wear.

For exterior projects, Behr's performance can vary. In our experience, their premium exterior lines hold up reasonably well in moderate climates but may not last as long as Sherwin-Williams, Benjamin Moore, or Dunn-Edwards in harsh conditions. If you're painting a rental property or a home you plan to sell soon, Behr Exterior can be a cost-effective option. For your primary residence or a high-end project, we usually recommend investing in a more durable product.

Comparing Coverage, Durability, and Price

When you're standing in the paint aisle, three factors usually matter most: how well the paint covers, how long it lasts, and what it costs. Here's how the five brands stack up.

Coverage: Premium lines from Sherwin-Williams (Duration, Emerald), Benjamin Moore (Aura, Regal Select), and Behr (Marquee) all advertise one-coat coverage when applied properly over primed, uniform surfaces. In practice, most projects still benefit from two coats, especially when making dramatic color changes or covering dark walls. Kelly-Moore and Dunn-Edwards mid-tier products typically require two coats but deliver solid hide and even color.

Durability: For long-term performance, Sherwin-Williams, Benjamin Moore, and Dunn-Edwards lead the pack. Their premium formulations resist fading, chalking, and mildew better than budget options. Kelly-Moore's Tuff Cote and Acry-Plex also perform well, particularly in California's climate. Behr's high-end products have improved significantly in recent years, though they may not quite match the longevity of top-tier specialty brands.

Price: Expect to pay $50 to $80 per gallon for premium lines from Sherwin-Williams, Benjamin Moore, or Dunn-Edwards. Kelly-Moore and Behr Marquee typically fall in the $40 to $60 range. Behr Premium Plus and other budget options can be found for $25 to $40 per gallon, though you'll often need more coats and may face shorter lifespan.

Choosing the Right Brand for Your Contra Costa County Project

Your best paint choice depends on the scope of your project, your budget, and the specific conditions at your home. Here are a few guidelines based on what we've learned painting across Lafayette, Walnut Creek, and beyond.

For high-traffic interiors (kitchens, hallways, family rooms): Go with premium products from Sherwin-Williams (Duration, Emerald), Benjamin Moore (Aura, Regal Select), or Dunn-Edwards (Aristoshield). The extra cost delivers better washability and stain resistance, which means your paint job looks good longer.

For whole-house repaints on a budget: Kelly-Moore Durapro or Behr Premium Plus offer decent performance at a lower price point. You'll likely need two coats, but you'll save enough per gallon to offset the extra material cost.

For exterior projects in harsh conditions: Stick with proven performers like Sherwin-Williams Duration Exterior, Benjamin Moore Aura Exterior, or Dunn-Edwards Evershield. Coastal homes near Richmond or El Cerrito benefit from mildew-resistant formulations. Inland homes in Concord or Brentwood need paints with strong UV resistance.

For specialty projects (cabinets, trim, doors): Use products specifically formulated for these surfaces. Sherwin-Williams ProClassic, Benjamin Moore Advance, and Kelly-Moore's specialty trim paints all provide smoother finishes and better durability than standard wall paint.

For environmentally conscious homeowners: Look for low-VOC or zero-VOC options like Benjamin Moore Aura, Sherwin-Williams Harmony, Dunn-Edwards Aristoshield, or Kelly-Moore Enviro-Cote. These products minimize indoor air pollution and are ideal for nurseries, bedrooms, and homes with family members sensitive to fumes.

Where to Get Expert Advice in Contra Costa County

Paint brands matter, but so does proper application. Even the best paint will fail if it's applied over dirty, glossy, or damaged surfaces. Successful projects start with thorough cleaning, careful sanding, quality primer, and attention to manufacturer guidelines for temperature, humidity, and recoat times.

If you're tackling a DIY project, take advantage of the expertise available at local paint stores. Staff at Sherwin-Williams, Benjamin Moore dealers, Kelly-Moore, and Dunn-Edwards locations are trained to answer technical questions and recommend products for your specific situation. Bring photos of your project, note any surface issues, and ask about climate considerations for your area.

If you're considering hiring a professional, look for painters who explain their product choices and can adapt to your home's conditions. We've been serving Lamorinda and the East Bay for more than two decades, and we've learned that the right paint, proper prep, and skilled application make all the difference.

Why Lamorinda Painting Trusts Multiple Brands

We don't stick to just one paint brand. Over 22 years of painting homes across Contra Costa County, we've learned that different projects call for different products. We use Sherwin-Williams when a job demands top-tier durability and coverage. We reach for Benjamin Moore when color accuracy and finish quality are critical. We rely on Kelly-Moore and Dunn-Edwards for cost-effective solutions that still deliver professional results.

What matters most is matching the right product to your project, your budget, and your home's conditions. We're fully licensed and insured, we use high-quality materials, and we always leave your home spotless when the job is done. Your satisfaction is our top priority, and our estimates are always free.

FAQs About Paint Brands in Contra Costa County

Which paint brand is best for Contra Costa County's climate? No single brand dominates. Sherwin-Williams, Benjamin Moore, and Dunn-Edwards all offer premium products engineered for California's UV exposure, temperature swings, and variable humidity. Choose formulations designed for your specific conditions—coastal homes need mildew resistance, inland homes need strong UV protection.

Is Behr as good as Sherwin-Williams or Benjamin Moore? Behr's premium lines like Marquee have improved significantly and can deliver good results for many projects. However, top-tier products from Sherwin-Williams and Benjamin Moore generally offer better durability, color retention, and long-term performance. For high-end homes or demanding conditions, specialty brands are worth the investment.

Where can I find Kelly-Moore paint in Contra Costa County? Kelly-Moore operates stores in Concord, Antioch, Walnut Creek, and other East Bay cities. Check their website for locations near you. Store staff can help with color matching and product selection.

Should I buy paint from a big box store or a specialty paint store? Specialty paint stores (Sherwin-Williams, Benjamin Moore dealers, Kelly-Moore, Dunn-Edwards) offer expert advice, professional-grade products, and better customer service. Big box stores (Home Depot, Lowe's) provide convenience and lower prices. For complex or high-value projects, the expertise at specialty stores is worth the trip.

How much does premium paint cost in Contra Costa County? Expect to pay $50 to $80 per gallon for premium interior or exterior paints from Sherwin-Williams, Benjamin Moore, or Dunn-Edwards. Kelly-Moore's mid-tier products run $40 to $60 per gallon. Budget options from Behr start around $25 to $40 per gallon. Remember that higher-quality paints often cover better and last longer, reducing your total cost over time.

Can I mix and match paint brands on the same project? It's generally safe to use different brands for different parts of a project—one brand for walls, another for trim, a third for cabinets. Just make sure each product is appropriate for its intended surface and compatible with any primers or topcoats you're layering. When in doubt, ask store staff or consult product data sheets.

Ready to Start Your Painting Project?

Choosing the right paint brand is an important first step, but successful projects also depend on proper surface prep, quality primers, skilled application, and attention to detail. Whether you decide to tackle the work yourself or hire a professional crew, the time you invest in planning and product selection pays off in a finish that looks great and lasts for years.

Lamorinda Painting offers high-quality painting services at affordable prices throughout Lafayette, Moraga, Orinda, and the greater East Bay. We're fully licensed and insured, we use the best products for your specific project, and we always leave your home spotless. Contact us today for a free estimate on your next painting project.