Benjamin Moore vs Sherwin-Williams: An Honest Comparison

Brand Overview

Benjamin Moore has been manufacturing paint since 1883 and is known for its proprietary Gennex colorant technology, which produces exceptionally rich color depth and accuracy. Benjamin Moore paints are sold through independent dealers rather than company-owned stores, which means pricing can vary by retailer but service tends to be more personal.

Sherwin-Williams is the largest paint manufacturer in the world and operates over 5,000 company-owned stores. Their product line is extensive - from builder-grade to premium - and their retail network makes it easy to access tinting, service, and pro accounts almost anywhere. Sherwin-Williams stores also offer contractor discount programs with significant savings for professionals and frequent buyers.

Durability Comparison

Both brands produce high-durability paints at their premium tier. Here is how the leading products compare:

Category	Benjamin Moore	Sherwin-Williams
Top interior line	Aura Interior	Emerald Interior
Mid-range interior	Regal Select	Duration Home
Top exterior line	Aura Exterior	Emerald Exterior
Scrub resistance	Excellent (Aura)	Excellent (Emerald)
Fade resistance	Very Good	Excellent
Typical lifespan (interior)	10+ years	10+ years
Typical lifespan (exterior)	8 - 12 years	8 - 12 years

At the premium level, both brands are exceptionally durable and washable. The differences that matter more in practice are color performance and how each paint applies - both of which we cover below.

Color Selection

Benjamin Moore is widely regarded as the leader for whites, off-whites, and nuanced neutral tones. Their Gennex colorant system produces color depth that is difficult to replicate. Designers consistently specify Benjamin Moore whites - colors like White Dove (OC-17), Simply White (OC-17), and Chantilly Lace (OC-65) are industry standards. For color work requiring accurate whites, creamy neutrals, or subtle grays, Benjamin Moore is the benchmark.

Sherwin-Williams excels in bold, saturated colors. Their color system is highly consistent and predictable, which makes it ideal for color matching, commercial brand standards, and applications where vibrancy matters. The SW ColorSnap system and extensive fan deck make their color selection process fast and reliable. Their trending colors program and color consultants in stores add practical value for homeowners making color decisions.

If you are selecting a white or off-white for a main living area: lean Benjamin Moore. If you want a bold saturated color or need color consistency across a large commercial facility: Sherwin-Williams performs extremely well.

Specific Product Recommendations

Sherwin-Williams Products We Recommend

• SW Emerald Interior: Their best interior paint. Self-priming, excellent hide, durable and washable. Worth the premium price for main living areas.
• SW Duration Exterior: A workhorse exterior paint with outstanding durability in harsh climates. Good value at its price point.
• SW Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel: Outstanding for trim, doors, and cabinets. Hard finish, excellent leveling, and very scrubbable.
• SW SuperPaint: A solid mid-range option that offers good coverage and durability at a lower price point than Emerald.

Benjamin Moore Products We Recommend

• BM Aura Interior: The best interior paint on the market for color richness and depth. One-coat hide on most colors. Exceptional washability.
• BM Regal Select: A step below Aura but still an excellent paint with very good hide and durability. A great value choice.
• BM Advance: A water-based alkyd hybrid that delivers the flow and hardness of oil-based paint with easier water cleanup. Excellent for cabinets and trim.
• BM Aura Exterior: Superb for exterior work, especially on colors where fade resistance matters.

Price Difference

At the premium level, both brands are similarly priced. Expect to pay $75 to $90 per gallon for Benjamin Moore Aura and $75 to $85 per gallon for Sherwin-Williams Emerald at retail prices. Mid-range products (Regal Select, SuperPaint) run $50 to $65 per gallon. Sherwin-Williams frequently runs 30 to 40 percent off sales, which can make their premium products significantly more affordable. Benjamin Moore pricing is less promotional but more consistent.

What Joseph Assise III Uses and Recommends

We use both brands depending on the project. For clients who prioritize exceptional white and neutral tones or want the absolute best interior color depth, we lean toward Benjamin Moore Aura. For exterior work, commercial projects, and situations where fade resistance in bold colors is critical, Sherwin-Williams Emerald is our go-to. For cabinet work, Benjamin Moore Advance is our top choice due to its unmatched flow and hardness. We will always recommend the right product for your specific project - not just the brand we have in the truck today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Benjamin Moore worth the extra cost over Sherwin-Williams?

At the premium tier (Aura vs Emerald), the price difference is minimal and both deliver exceptional results. Benjamin Moore Aura is widely considered the best interior paint for color depth and one-coat coverage. If you are doing a full home repaint and want the best possible result, Aura is worth the investment. For more budget-sensitive projects, Regal Select and SW SuperPaint are excellent alternatives.

Which brand has better whites - Benjamin Moore or Sherwin-Williams?

Benjamin Moore is the near-universal answer among design professionals for whites. Colors like White Dove, Simply White, and Chantilly Lace are design industry staples because the Gennex colorant technology produces a warmth and depth that is hard to replicate. SW White paints are good, but BM whites have a reputation that is well-earned.

Can you mix Benjamin Moore and Sherwin-Williams paint on the same project?

Yes. It is common to use one brand for walls and another for trim, or different brands on different rooms. The key is using compatible products within each application area - do not mix brands in the same can or on the same surface coat-to-coat. We specify the exact product for each surface area in our proposals.

Where do I buy Benjamin Moore paint near Easton, PA?

Benjamin Moore is sold through independent dealers. There are several dealers in the Easton and Bethlehem area. We can point you to a local dealer during your estimate, or we can source the paint ourselves through our trade account.

Does the brand of paint really matter if the prep is done right?

Prep is the most important factor in how long a paint job lasts. But product quality absolutely matters for coverage, durability, and appearance over time. A premium paint applied over well-prepared walls dramatically outperforms a budget paint applied over the same preparation. Both factors matter - you need good prep AND good product.