When it comes to choosing the right paint for your home, two brands that always come up are Behr and Sherwin-Williams.
Both are popular and offer a variety of options, whether you’re tackling a DIY project or working as a professional.
As someone who’s familiar with both brands, I understand how confusing it can be to choose between the two.
Each has its own strengths and weaknesses, and what works best for you will depend on your specific needs.
In this blog, I’ll break down the key differences between Behr and Sherwin-Williams in terms of price, quality, performance, and customer feedback.
By the end of this post, I’m sure you’ll have a clearer idea of which brand is the right fit for your home project.
Overview of Behr Paint
Behr is a well-known paint brand available at Home Depot, offering a wide range of affordable, high-quality paints for both interior and exterior use.
Popular products include Behr Premium Plus Ultra, a paint and primer in one, and Behr Marquee, which is known for its excellent one-coat coverage.
Behr’s paints are budget-friendly and widely available, with a large selection of colors to choose from.
However, some downsides include lower durability over time, particularly in high-traffic areas. Behr paint can also be thick, making it harder to apply evenly, leading to streaks or uneven coverage.
The finishes, while decent, may not be as smooth or professional as premium brands like Sherwin-Williams.
Overview of Sherwin-Williams Paint
Sherwin-Williams has been a trusted name in the paint industry for decades and is often considered a premium brand. It’s widely recognized for its superior durability and high-quality products.
Sherwin-Williams offers a variety of paints suited for both interior and exterior applications, with a reputation for delivering professional-grade finishes.
Popular lines include Emerald, known for its top-tier performance and excellent durability, and duration, which provides long-lasting protection and superior coverage.
For those looking for a more affordable option without sacrificing quality, SuperPaint offers great coverage and durability, making it ideal for most home projects.
Sherwin-Williams paints are designed to deliver exceptional results and are often the go-to choice for homeowners and professionals alike.
Behr vs. Sherwin-Williams: Performance and Durability
When it comes to performance and durability, both Behr and Sherwin-Williams have their strengths.
Behr’s Performance
Behr offers solid performance, particularly with its Marquee line, which is known for excellent one-coat coverage. For DIY projects, Behr is a popular choice, as it provides decent results at a more affordable price.
Many users find that Behr performs well for smaller projects or areas that don’t see heavy wear and tear. Its paints are easy to apply, and they provide a decent finish for most interior spaces.
However, Behr may not be the best choice for high-traffic areas or exterior surfaces that face harsh weather conditions.
Sherwin-Williams Performance
Sherwin-Williams, on the other hand, is known for its superior durability. The brand offers a wide variety of paints that are specifically formulated to withstand wear and tear.
Many professional painters swear by Sherwin-Williams products for their long-lasting results and exceptional coverage.
Sherwin-Williams paints are designed to resist fading, staining, and moisture, making them an excellent choice for high-traffic areas and exterior surfaces.
The Emerald line, in particular, stands out for its excellent stain resistance, smooth application, and long-lasting protection.
Coverage and Application: Behr vs Sherwin-Williams
Both Behr and Sherwin-Williams offer high-performing paints, but they differ when it comes to ease of application and the level of coverage.
Behr Paint
Behr’s Marquee line is especially known for its one-coat coverage, making it a popular choice for homeowners and DIYers who want to complete their projects quickly.
It’s an excellent option for interior walls, offering good coverage with minimal effort. Many users appreciate Behr’s ease of use, particularly when tackling smaller or less demanding jobs.
However, some find that Behr’s thicker consistency can make it harder to apply evenly on larger surfaces. This can sometimes lead to streaks or uneven coverage, requiring touch-ups or extra coats in certain areas.
Still, for the most part, Behr provides solid performance with good coverage, especially for those who value convenience and time-saving.
Sherwin-Williams Paint
Sherwin-Williams stands out for its smooth application and excellent coverage, particularly with its premium lines like Emerald and Duration.
These paints are designed to cover in fewer coats while providing a professional, flawless finish. Sherwin-Williams’ formulations are easy to apply, even for those with minimal experience, thanks to their smooth texture.
The high-quality ingredients in Sherwin-Williams paints also ensure long-lasting results, making them an ideal choice for areas exposed to heavy wear or outdoor conditions.
Although Sherwin-Williams is more expensive than Behr, the superior coverage, smoother finish, and long-lasting performance justify the cost for many homeowners. It’s a top choice for those seeking a high-end result and professional-grade finish.
Pros and Cons of Sherwin-Williams and Behr
Choosing between Sherwin-Williams and Behr depends on your project’s needs and budget.
| Brand | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Sherwin Williams | Superior durability | Higher price |
| Smooth, professional finish | Available only at Sherwin-Williams stores | |
| Excellent coverage with fewer coats | Not budget-friendly | |
| Wide range of eco-friendly options | ||
| Behr | Affordable pricing | Durability may not last in high-traffic areas |
| One-coat coverage with Marquee | Thicker paint can be difficult to apply evenly. | |
| Easily available at Home Depot | Lower quality finish compared to premium brands | |
| Wide variety of colors |
Behr vs. Sherwin-Williams: Price Comparison
One of the main differences between Behr and Sherwin-Williams is their pricing. Behr is known for being budget-friendly, while Sherwin-Williams tends to be more expensive, reflecting its premium product offerings.
| Brand | Paint Line | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Behr | Behr Premium Plus | Around $30 per gallon |
| Behr Marquee | Around $50 per gallon | |
| Behr Premium Plus Ultra | Around $40 per gallon | |
| Sherwin Williams | SuperPaint | Around $60 per gallon |
| Duration | Around $75 per gallon | |
| Emerald | Around $90 per gallon |
Behr vs. Sherwin-Williams: Customer Opinions and Reviews
When it comes to choosing between Behr and Sherwin-Williams, real homeowners and professionals have plenty to say.
Customer Opinions on Behr
Behr is widely appreciated for its affordability and ease of use, making it a top choice for DIY enthusiasts and budget-conscious homeowners.
It’s favored for smaller projects, offering solid coverage and a variety of finishes. However, while Behr works well for light-use areas, its durability in high-traffic spaces is sometimes questioned.
- Affordability: Behr is praised for being budget-friendly, making it a popular choice for homeowners and DIYers on a budget.
- Ease of Use: The Behr Marquee line is especially loved for its one-coat coverage, saving time and effort, particularly on smaller or less demanding projects.
- Value for Money: Many customers appreciate the wide variety of finishes and colors Behr offers for the price.
- Good for Light Use: Behr performs well in areas with less foot traffic, making it a solid choice for bedrooms, living rooms, and other light-use spaces.
- Durability Concerns: Some customers report that Behr paints, especially Premium Plus, wear faster in high-traffic areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and hallways.
- Fading and Chipping: Over time, some users have noted fading or chipping, particularly in spaces with heavy use or exposure to harsh conditions.
Customer Opinions on Sherwin-Williams
Sherwin-Williams is known for its premium quality, durability, and professional-grade finishes. It’s a favorite among professionals and homeowners who seek long-lasting results, especially in high-traffic or exterior areas.
While the higher price may be a concern for some, many feel it’s worth the investment due to its superior performance and longevity.
- Superior Durability: Sherwin-Williams is known for its excellent durability and is often chosen for high-traffic areas and exterior applications.
- Professional-Grade Finish: The Emerald and Duration lines are praised for their professional-grade finishes, smooth application, and vibrant colors.
- Long-Lasting Results: Customers appreciate the long-term performance, with paints that resist stains and maintain their appearance over time.
- Higher Price: Sherwin-Williams is more expensive than Behr, which can be a barrier for homeowners on a budget, especially when covering large areas.
- Quality Justifies the Price: Many users believe the higher price is justified due to the superior durability, coverage, and professional-quality finish.
- Preferred by Professionals: Professional painters and those who prioritize quality often prefer Sherwin-Williams for its consistency and top-tier performance.
Conclusion
If you’re deciding between Behr and Sherwin-Williams, it really comes down to your priorities and budget. I recommend going with Behr if you’re after an affordable option that still delivers solid performance.
It’s perfect for DIY projects, and the Marquee line offers excellent coverage at a reasonable price, making it an ideal choice for smaller or less demanding tasks.
However, if you’re willing to invest in premium quality, Sherwin-Williams is hard to beat.
Their paints, known for exceptional durability and smooth finishes, are perfect for high-traffic areas or for those who want results that last for years.
Ultimately, the right brand for you depends on your needs and budget. If long-lasting results are your priority, I’d lean toward Sherwin-Williams.
Ready to get started? Choose the paint that suits your project best and transform your space today.
With a Master in Architectural Studies from University of Pennysylvania, Marwa Haydar has pioneered living spaces since 2005. Her expertise, initially honed in a prestigious architectural firm, is evident in her approach to creating environments. Marwa became part of our team in 2019 and has since been a driving force in our home improvement section, known for her practical yet stylish solutions. She’s been spearheading our design workshops since then, infusing her passion for teaching into her work. In her leisure time, Marwa enjoys exploring historic architecture and is an enthusiastic pottery hobbyist, further enriching her understanding of form and texture.
