“Which paint is better—Benjamin Moore or Sherwin-Williams?”
It's the question we get asked most often by Mequon and Fox Point homeowners. And after painting hundreds of homes with both brands, our honest answer is: it depends on your specific situation.
Let's break down the real differences—not the marketing hype—so you can make an informed decision.
The Bottom Line (For Those in a Hurry)
Choose Benjamin Moore If...
- • Color accuracy is critical (matching existing trim)
- • You want the widest color selection
- • You prefer independent paint store expertise
- • Budget is less of a concern
Choose Sherwin-Williams If...
- • You need great coverage with fewer coats
- • DIY-friendly application is important
- • You want easier availability (more stores)
- • Professional contractor discounts matter
Interior Paint Comparison
Premium Lines Face-Off
| Feature | BM Regal Select | SW Emerald |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage | Very Good | Excellent |
| Color Accuracy | Excellent | Very Good |
| Washability | Excellent | Excellent |
| Dry Time | 1 hour | 1 hour |
| VOCs | Low | Zero |
| Price (gallon) | $70-80 | $75-85 |
For interior walls in Whitefish Bay and Cedarburg homes, both Regal Select and Emerald deliver beautiful, durable finishes. We often choose based on the specific color—Benjamin Moore's “White Dove” is slightly different than trying to match it in Sherwin-Williams, for example.
Exterior Paint Comparison
For Wisconsin exteriors, paint selection matters even more. Our harsh freeze-thaw cycles, humid summers, and UV exposure demand premium products.
Our Top Exterior Picks
Benjamin Moore Aura Exterior
Our go-to for most exterior projects. Exceptional color retention, flexibility for Wisconsin's temperature swings, and superior mildew resistance.
Sherwin-Williams Duration
Excellent coverage and self-priming formula. Great for large exterior projects where efficiency matters. Lifetime limited warranty.
Cabinet Paint Comparison
For cabinet refinishing, we've tested extensively. Here's what actually performs:
Our Cabinet Paint Pick: Benjamin Moore Advance
Advance is a waterborne alkyd that flows like oil paint but cleans up with water. The self-leveling formula delivers a factory-smooth finish that's incredibly durable. It's what we use on 90% of cabinet projects.
Runner-up: Sherwin-Williams Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel (similar performance, slightly easier to apply)
What About Price?
Both brands' premium lines cost $70-85 per gallon—roughly 2-3x more than big-box store paint. Is it worth it?
Absolutely. Here's why:
- • Better coverage means fewer coats (saves labor cost)
- • Superior durability means longer time between repaints
- • Better color retention (no fading or yellowing)
- • Lower VOCs for healthier indoor air
Paint is typically 10-15% of a painting project's cost. Labor is 85-90%. Saving $20 per gallon on cheap paint makes no sense when it fails in 3 years instead of 7-10.
The Truth: Preparation Matters More Than Brand
Here's what most paint comparisons won't tell you: the quality of preparation and application matters more than the paint brand.
A skilled painter using Sherwin-Williams will outperform a rushed job using Benjamin Moore every time. We've seen cheap paint jobs last 10 years with excellent prep, and premium paint fail in 2 years with poor prep.
At Renaissance Man Painter, we use both brands based on the specific project needs. What we never compromise on is preparation—that's where the real difference is made.
Our Recommendation
For most Mequon and Ozaukee County projects:
- Interior walls: Either brand's premium line (we often match to existing trim colors)
- Exterior: Benjamin Moore Aura for wood, SW Duration for fiber cement
- Cabinets: Benjamin Moore Advance (hands down)
- Trim: Either brand's trim enamel (both excellent)
The best paint for your project depends on your specific situation—existing colors, surface type, climate exposure, and budget. That's why we offer free consultations to help you choose.