The Ultimate Paint Brand Comparison: Which One is Right for Your Project?

Introduction

When it comes to painting your home or business, choosing the right paint brand is just as important as picking the perfect color. The quality of the paint you use can affect everything from how many coats you need to how well it holds up over time. Factors like durability, coverage, price, and ease of application all play a role in determining which paint is best for your project.

With so many options on the market—Sherwin-Williams, Benjamin Moore, Behr, PPG, Valspar, Dunn-Edwards, and Glidden—it can be overwhelming to decide which one to go with. That’s why we’re breaking down all the major brands in an unbiased way, giving you the pros, cons, and performance insights to help you make an informed decision.

Let’s be clear: I’m not a brand loyalist. We use all the major brands. The best paint isn’t about the name on the can—it’s about the right fit for the job. Whether you’re looking for premium durability, budget-friendly options, or something in between, this guide will help you navigate the choices so you can get the best results possible.

In the following sections, we’ll compare key factors like coverage, durability, washability, VOC levels, and price. We’ll also look at real-world performance statistics, industry insights, and expert recommendations to give you a well-rounded perspective. By the end of this article, you’ll have all the information you need to choose the right paint for your next project.

Key Takeaways

• 🎨 No single “best” paint brand—each has strengths depending on budget, durability, and application needs.
• 🛠 Sherwin-Williams & Benjamin Moore lead in durability, coverage, and professional use, but at a premium price.
• 💰 Behr & Valspar offer great value for DIYers and budget-conscious homeowners but may require extra coats.
• 🏠 PPG & Dunn-Edwards are solid choices for contractors, offering durability and good regional availability.
• 🚪 For cabinets, trim, and high-moisture areas, go for high-quality enamels like Benjamin Moore Advance or Sherwin-Williams Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel.
• 💡 Test before you commit! Paint samples and proper prep work can save time, money, and frustration.
• 🖌 “I’m not a brand loyalist. I use all the major brands.” The best paint depends on the job, not just the label on the can.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Paint Brand

When selecting a paint brand, several critical factors should guide your decision. Here’s what to look for:

Coverage

• How many coats are needed for full opacity?
• Higher-quality paints often require fewer coats, saving time and money.

Durability

• How well does the paint hold up over time?
• Consider scrub resistance, fading, and chipping—especially for high-traffic areas.

Washability

• How easy is it to clean painted surfaces?
• Some paints resist stains and can be wiped down without damage, while others may show wear over time.

Sheen Levels

• How consistent are the sheen levels across different brands?
• Some brands have more uniform finishes, while others may vary in glossiness even within the same sheen category.

VOC Levels

• What is the health and environmental impact of the paint?
• Low or zero-VOC options are better for indoor air quality and environmentally friendly projects.

Ease of Application

• Does the paint level well for a smooth finish?
• Consider how well it spreads, whether it works better with brushes, rollers, or sprayers, and if it has a tendency to drip or splatter.

Price vs. Performance

• Finding the best value based on the factors above.
• More expensive paints often last longer and provide better coverage, reducing the need for frequent repainting.

Understanding these key factors will help you make the best choice for your specific painting needs. In the next section, we’ll dive into a detailed comparison of the top paint brands on the market.

The Top Paint Brands Compared

Now that we’ve covered the key factors to consider, let’s take a closer look at how the major paint brands stack up against each other. We’ll compare Sherwin-Williams, Benjamin Moore, Behr, PPG, Valspar, Dunn-Edwards, and Glidden across the categories that matter most.

Brand	Coverage	Durability	Washability	Sheen Consistency	VOC Levels	Ease of Application	Price Range
Sherwin-Williams	★★★★☆	★★★★★	★★★★★	★★★★☆	Low	★★★★☆	$$$$
Benjamin Moore	★★★★★	★★★★★	★★★★★	★★★★★	Low	★★★★★	$$$$
Behr	★★★★☆	★★★★☆	★★★★☆	★★★★☆	Low	★★★★☆	$$$
PPG	★★★★☆	★★★★☆	★★★★☆	★★★★☆	Low	★★★★☆	$$$
Valspar	★★★☆☆	★★★☆☆	★★★☆☆	★★★★☆	Low	★★★☆☆	$$
Dunn-Edwards	★★★★☆	★★★★★	★★★★★	★★★★☆	Low	★★★★☆	$$$$
Glidden	★★★☆☆	★★★☆☆	★★★☆☆	★★★☆☆	Low	★★★☆☆	$

Sherwin-Williams

Sherwin-Williams is known for its premium quality and is often preferred by professionals. It offers excellent durability and washability, making it a great choice for high-traffic areas. Their Emerald and Duration lines are top-tier, while SuperPaint offers great performance at a lower cost.

Benjamin Moore

Benjamin Moore is widely regarded as one of the best paint brands available, particularly their Regal Select and Aura lines. It provides superior coverage, durability, and sheen consistency, though it comes at a higher price point.

Behr

Behr, available at Home Depot, is a popular choice for DIYers. It offers solid coverage and durability, with the Behr Marquee line being a standout for one-coat coverage. However, some professionals find it slightly more difficult to work with compared to premium brands.

PPG

PPG is a reliable brand with a broad selection of paints, including PPG Timeless and Manor Hall, which offer excellent durability and coverage. It’s often chosen for commercial projects and large-scale applications.

Valspar

Valspar is a more budget-friendly option available at Lowe’s. It provides decent coverage and durability but may require more coats compared to premium brands. It’s a solid choice for homeowners on a budget.

Dunn-Edwards

A favorite among professionals in the western U.S., Dunn-Edwards offers high-quality paints with excellent durability and color retention. Its EVEREST and SPARTAWALL lines are highly rated.

Glidden

Glidden is one of the most affordable options on the market. While it doesn’t offer the same level of coverage or durability as higher-end brands, it’s a reasonable choice for low-budget projects and rental properties.

In the next section, we’ll break down which paints are best for specific applications, such as interior vs. exterior, high-traffic areas, and more.

Deep Dive: Strengths & Weaknesses of Each Brand

Sherwin-Williams

Sherwin-Williams is a favorite among professional painters and contractors due to its excellent durability and coverage. It offers a vast selection of products, including high-end lines like Emerald and more budget-friendly options like SuperPaint and Captivate. Its flagship product, Duration, is known for extreme durability and moisture resistance, making it an excellent choice for exteriors and bathrooms.

• Strengths: Superior durability, excellent washability, and deep color selection.
• Weaknesses: Higher price point, some products require professional application techniques.
• Best for: High-traffic areas, exterior projects, and long-term durability.

Benjamin Moore

Benjamin Moore is synonymous with high-end quality. Its Aura line offers superior coverage and deep, rich colors that outperform many competitors. Regal Select is another strong option, providing a balance of affordability and performance.

• Strengths: Premium color richness, excellent adhesion, smooth application.
• Weaknesses: Expensive, harder to find in big-box stores.
• Best for: Upscale interior work and projects where color depth matters.

Behr

Behr is a go-to brand for homeowners and DIYers. Available at Home Depot, it offers good performance at a more affordable price. While it may require more coats than premium brands, its Marquee line boasts one-coat coverage.

• Strengths: Budget-friendly, easy to find, good for DIYers.
• Weaknesses: Requires more coats for deep color.
• Best for: Homeowners looking for cost-effective options.

PPG Paints

PPG offers a solid balance between quality and affordability. It’s widely used in commercial settings due to its durability and availability.

• Strengths: Good coverage, strong contractor brand.
• Weaknesses: Slightly thinner consistency compared to premium brands.
• Best for: General contractor work and commercial projects.

Dunn-Edwards

A popular choice on the West Coast, Dunn-Edwards paints are formulated for extreme sun exposure and offer excellent fade resistance.

• Strengths: UV-resistant, smooth application.
• Weaknesses: Limited nationwide availability.
• Best for: Sun-exposed areas and professional applications.

Valspar

Valspar, available at Lowe’s, is a mid-tier option with decent coverage and performance.

• Strengths: Affordable, widely available.
• Weaknesses: Inconsistent quality across product lines.
• Best for: Mid-range interior projects.

Glidden

Glidden is a budget-friendly option often found in Walmart and Home Depot.

• Strengths: Extremely affordable.
• Weaknesses: Lower durability, may require multiple coats.
• Best for: Quick, low-cost projects.

Next, we’ll discuss which paints are best for specific applications, such as interior vs. exterior, high-traffic areas, and more.

Paint Performance Statistics & Industry Insights

When comparing paint brands, real-world performance data and expert opinions can provide a clearer picture of how each brand stacks up. Below are key insights based on lab tests, contractor surveys, and consumer ratings.

Lab Tests & Studies

Independent lab tests evaluate factors such as:

• Coverage – How well a paint hides the underlying surface in one or two coats.
• Scrub Resistance – How well the paint withstands repeated cleaning without fading or wearing down.
• Fade Resistance – How colors hold up to sunlight exposure over time.
• Adhesion – How well the paint sticks to various surfaces, reducing peeling and chipping.

Contractor Surveys

Professional painters work with different brands daily, and their insights are invaluable. Surveys from trade organizations like the Painting Contractors Association (PCA) and National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) reveal:

• Sherwin-Williams and Benjamin Moore are the top choices for high-end projects.
• Behr and Valspar are preferred by DIYers and budget-conscious clients.
• PPG and Dunn-Edwards are strong in commercial and exterior applications.

In the 2025 America’s Most Trusted® Paint Study by Lifestory Research, Behr emerged as the most trusted paint brand, achieving a Net Trust Quotient Score of 118.0. This annual study surveyed 7,922 consumers across the United States, focusing on their trust and perceptions of leading paint brands.

Following Behr, the top paint brands ranked in the study were Sherwin-Williams, Benjamin Moore, Kilz, Valspar, Glidden, Dutch Boy, Pittsburgh Paints, Olympic, Pratt & Lambert, and Royal (Ace).

This study highlights the importance of brand trust in consumer decision-making when selecting paint products. Behr’s leading position suggests that consumers place significant confidence in its quality and performance.

Consumer Reports Ratings

Consumer Reports tests various paint brands based on:

• Stain resistance
• Wear over time
• Ease of application

In the latest Consumer Reports paint rankings:

• Best Overall Interior Paint: Benjamin Moore Regal Select
• Best Budget-Friendly Choice: Behr Premium Plus
• Best for Exteriors: Sherwin-Williams Duration
• Best for Kitchens & Bathrooms: PPG Ultra-Hide Zero VOC

These ratings help homeowners and professionals choose the best paint for their specific needs. You can check the full breakdown of scores at Consumer Reports’ official site (subscription required).

Choosing the Right Paint for Your Specific Needs

Not all paints are created equal, and the best choice depends on the type of project you’re tackling. Below is a breakdown of which brands work best for different applications.

Project Type	Best Brand Options	Why?
High-End Interior	Benjamin Moore, Sherwin-Williams	Superior coverage, color depth, smooth application, and long-lasting finish.
Budget Interior	Behr, Valspar	Affordable, decent coverage, widely available.
Exterior	Sherwin-Williams, Dunn-Edwards, PPG	Strong fade resistance, weather durability, and adhesion.
Rental Property	Glidden, Behr	Budget-friendly, easy application, and decent durability.
DIY Homeowner	Behr, Valspar	Good price-to-performance ratio, available at big-box stores.
Professional Contractors	Sherwin-Williams, PPG, Dunn-Edwards	Consistent quality, contractor discounts, and excellent coverage.

Best Paint for High-End Interior Projects

If you’re painting a luxury home or want the absolute best finish, Benjamin Moore Regal Select and Sherwin-Williams Emerald are top-tier options. These paints provide:

• Excellent hide in one or two coats
• Rich, deep color with minimal fading
• Smooth application with minimal brush or roller marks
• Exceptional durability for high-traffic areas

Best Paint for Budget Interior Projects

For those looking to save money while still getting decent performance, Behr Premium Plus and Valspar 2000 are solid choices. They may require an extra coat for full coverage, but they offer:

• Affordable price points
• Easy touch-ups
• Low-VOC options for indoor air quality

Best Paint for Exterior Applications

Exterior paints must withstand sun, rain, wind, and extreme temperatures. Sherwin-Williams Duration, Dunn-Edwards Evershield, and PPG Permanizer are known for:

• Superior UV and fade resistance
• Strong adhesion to various surfaces
• Resistance to cracking, peeling, and mildew

Best Paint for Rental Properties

If you’re a landlord looking for a cost-effective solution, Glidden Essentials and Behr Premium Plus offer:

• Decent durability for high-turnover units
• Easy-to-clean surfaces
• Low cost per gallon

Best Paint for DIY Homeowners

For weekend projects, ease of use is key. Behr Marquee and Valspar Signature are both good choices because they:

• Have built-in primer for fewer coats
• Are readily available at Home Depot and Lowe’s
• Provide good value for DIYers

Best Paint for Professional Contractors

Pros need paint that goes on fast, provides great coverage, and offers good pricing. Sherwin-Williams SuperPaint, PPG Speedhide, and Dunn-Edwards Spartashield are commonly used because they:

• Are formulated for fast application
• Offer bulk pricing and contractor discounts
• Provide reliable performance across multiple projects

FAQs: Answering Common Questions

How do I know if I need primer?

Primer is necessary if:

• You’re painting over a darker color with a lighter one
• The surface is porous (bare drywall, wood, or masonry)
• You’re painting over stains or glossy finishes
• You want maximum adhesion for long-lasting results

Some premium paints, like Behr Marquee and Sherwin-Williams Emerald, have built-in primer, but for challenging surfaces, a dedicated primer is still the best choice.

Which paint has the best one-coat coverage?

For one-coat coverage, look for high-hide paints like:

• Behr Marquee
• Sherwin-Williams Emerald
• Benjamin Moore Aura

Keep in mind that “one-coat” depends on the color contrast between coats and the surface being painted.

What’s the best way to clean painted walls?

• Flat & Matte Finishes: Use a soft sponge with mild soap and water. Avoid scrubbing.
• Eggshell & Satin Finishes: Use a damp microfiber cloth and a gentle cleanser.
• Semi-Gloss & Gloss Finishes: These are the most washable; you can use a mild detergent with a soft cloth.

Avoid harsh chemicals that can damage the paint’s sheen.

Does expensive paint really make a difference?

Yes, but it depends on your needs. High-end paints have:

• Better pigments for richer colors
• Stronger binders for durability and scrub resistance
• Smoother application for a professional finish

If you’re painting a high-traffic area or a long-term project, the investment in premium paint pays off.

What’s the best paint for bathrooms and kitchens?

Moisture-prone areas need mildew-resistant paint with a durable finish. The best choices include:

• Benjamin Moore Aura Bath & Spa (Matte, mildew-resistant)
• Sherwin-Williams Duration Home (Mold-resistant technology)
• Behr Premium Plus Ultra (Affordable and moisture-resistant)

How long should I wait between coats of paint?

Most latex paints require 2-4 hours before recoating, but factors like humidity and temperature affect drying time. Oil-based paints need at least 24 hours.

Which paint brand is best for cabinets and trim?

For cabinets and trim, use a high-quality enamel paint:

• Benjamin Moore Advance (self-leveling, durable)
• Sherwin-Williams Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel (great for woodwork)
• PPG Break-Through (fast-drying, great adhesion)

What’s the best exterior paint for extreme weather?

If your home faces harsh sun, rain, or cold, go with:

• Sherwin-Williams Duration (Best for UV protection)
• Dunn-Edwards Evershield (Fade-resistant, great for desert climates)
• PPG Permanizer (Strong adhesion for humid climates)

How can I make my paint job last longer?

• Prep the surface properly (clean, sand, and prime when needed)
• Use high-quality tools (good brushes & rollers make a difference)
• Apply two coats for better durability
• Avoid painting in extreme temperatures (too hot or too cold affects adhesion)

What’s the best budget-friendly paint that still performs well?

If you’re looking for the best value without sacrificing quality:

• Behr Premium Plus (Affordable, good durability)
• Valspar 2000 (Good for DIYers and rentals)
• Glidden Premium (Super budget-friendly for quick projects)

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Final Thoughts: No One-Size-Fits-All Answer

When choosing paint, there’s no single “best” brand—only the best one for your specific project. The right choice depends on your budget, the surface you’re painting, durability needs, and the conditions your paint will face.

Tips for Choosing the Best Paint for Your Project:

✅ Test Samples: Always test a few colors and finishes before committing. Lighting and wall texture can dramatically change how a color looks.

✅ Check Reviews & Performance Data: Industry reports, contractor surveys, and real-world experiences can give you valuable insights.

✅ Consider Long-Term Costs vs. Short-Term Savings: A cheap gallon of paint may require more coats and frequent touch-ups, costing you more in the long run.

As I always say:

I’m not a brand loyalist. We use all the major brands.

Every paint has its place. Whether you’re a homeowner tackling a DIY project, a landlord needing a quick refresh, or a professional contractor looking for the best performance, there’s a perfect paint for your job—it just depends on what you need.