Benjamin Moore vs Sherwin-Williams: A Professional Painter's Honest Take

As a professional painting contractor, we use both Benjamin Moore and Sherwin-Williams products. They are both excellent - the real answer is which specific product line is right for which application. Here's the honest breakdown after 15 years of using both.

Benjamin Moore Strengths

Benjamin Moore's Gennex colorant system produces the most accurate, richest colors - especially in deep tones. Aura Interior and Aura Exterior are best-in-class for color depth and washability. Aura Bath and Spa is the best bathroom ceiling paint available. Advance is our first choice for cabinet painting. Benjamin Moore is carried at independent paint stores where staff know the product deeply.

Sherwin-Williams Strengths

Sherwin-Williams Duration Exterior is the most durable exterior paint we've used - outstanding on wood siding in harsh PA winters. Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel is our top choice for interior trim and cabinets - self-leveling, extremely hard finish. VinylSafe technology (in multiple SW lines) is the only truly safe choice for painting vinyl siding darker than original. SW's ColorSnap system has the most sophisticated digital color matching available.

For Interior Walls

Benjamin Moore Regal Select (eggshell) or Aura for premium work. Sherwin-Williams Emerald for rooms needing extreme washability (kitchens, kids' rooms).

For Exterior Siding

Sherwin-Williams Duration for wood and fiber cement. Benjamin Moore Aura Exterior for brick, stucco, and when color accuracy is critical. For vinyl: Sherwin-Williams VinylSafe products only.

For Cabinets and Trim

Sherwin-Williams Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel is our first choice for cabinets. Benjamin Moore Advance is our second choice. Both produce a factory-smooth finish when applied correctly.

Price Comparison

Both brands' premium lines (Aura, Emerald) cost $70-$90/gallon. Both are worth every dollar over big-box brands. A professionally applied coat of premium paint lasts 2-3x longer than a coat of bargain paint.