Behr Exterior Paint vs Sherwin Williams: For a long-lasting, beautiful finish on your home’s exterior, choosing between Behr and Sherwin-Williams is a common dilemma. Both offer excellent quality, but understanding their differences helps you pick the perfect paint for your project and budget. Let’s break it down so you can confidently make the essential choice for a stunning, durable result.
Hey there, fellow DIYers and homeowners! Md Meraj here, your go-to guide for making your home improvement projects a success. Today, we’re tackling a big one: how to choose the right exterior paint. It can feel a little overwhelming, right? You want your home to look its best, and you need that paint to stand up to sun, rain, and everything in between. It’s a common puzzle, but don’t worry! I’m here to help you sort through the options. We’ll look at two of the biggest names out there – Behr and Sherwin-Williams – and figure out which one is the best fit for your home. Get ready to paint with confidence!
Picking the right exterior paint is more than just choosing a color. It’s about protecting your home, enhancing its curb appeal, and ensuring the finish lasts for years. When you’re standing in the paint aisle or browsing online, Behr and Sherwin-Williams are two names that often come up. They’re both giants in the paint world, offering a vast range of products. But what sets them apart? And more importantly, which one is right for your specific needs and budget? As a DIY enthusiast who’s spent countless hours painting, I know how crucial this decision can be.
Let’s dive into what makes each brand tick, compare their strengths, and help you make the most informed decision for your home’s exterior facelift. This isn’t about which paint is “better” overall, but which is better for you and your project.
Understanding Your Exterior Paint Needs
Before we compare brands, let’s think about what your home’s exterior actually needs from its paint. This helps you look at the options with a clearer goal.
- Protection: This is number one! Exterior paint is your first line of defense against the elements – sun’s UV rays, rain, snow, wind, and even insects. A good paint forms a barrier that prevents moisture from seeping into your home’s structure and guards against fading and cracking.
- Durability: You want a paint that will last. Peeling, chipping, and fading are frustrating and costly to fix. High-quality exterior paints are formulated to withstand wear and tear from weather and time.
- Appearance: Let’s be honest, curb appeal matters! The right paint color and finish can dramatically change the look of your home, making it more attractive and potentially increasing its value.
- Ease of Application: As DIYers, we appreciate paint that goes on smoothly, covers well, and doesn’t cause us unnecessary headaches.
- Budget: Paint prices vary significantly. Knowing your budget helps narrow down the choices. Are you looking for a premium, long-lasting investment, or a more budget-friendly option for a quick refresh?
Behr Exterior Paint: The Home Depot Favorite
Behr paint is widely available thanks to its exclusive partnership with The Home Depot. This accessibility is a huge plus for many DIYers. Behr offers a solid range of exterior paints, often praised for their value and good performance. They focus on providing durable finishes that are relatively easy to work with.
Popular Behr Exterior Paint Lines
Behr has several lines, but two stand out for exterior projects:
- BEHR ULTRA™ Exterior Paint: This is one of their premium exterior lines. It’s known for its excellent durability, advanced adhesive technology (meaning it sticks really well!), and built-in primer. This “primer and paint in one” can save you a step, which is often appealing for DIY projects. It offers great coverage and is resistant to mildew and fading.
- BEHR MARQUEE® Exterior Paint: Positioned as their most advanced exterior paint, MARQUEE® boasts exceptional durability, enhanced resistance to dirt and mildew, and superior color coverage, especially with accent colors. It’s formulated for one-coat coverage in many situations (though always test your specific color and surface!).
Pros of Behr Exterior Paint
- Accessibility: Easily found at The Home Depot, making it convenient to purchase.
- Value for Money: Often offers a good balance of quality and price, especially in their mid-range to premium lines.
- “Paint and Primer in One”: Many Behr exterior paints have this feature, which can simplify the application process, saving time and effort.
- Good Durability: Behr paints are generally durable and provide good protection against the elements.
- Wide Color Selection: Available in a vast array of colors to suit any style.
Cons of Behr Exterior Paint
- Application Can Vary: While generally good, some users report that thicker Behr formulas can be a bit trickier to apply smoothly in extreme temperatures or very humid conditions compared to some high-end professional brands.
- One-Coat Coverage Isn’t Always Guaranteed: While advertised, achieving true one-coat coverage can depend heavily on the color change, surface condition, and application technique.
Sherwin-Williams Exterior Paint: The Professional Choice
Sherwin-Williams is a brand often favored by painting contractors and professionals. They have a reputation for high-quality formulations, extensive durability, and a wide range of specialized products. While you might pay a bit more, many believe the longevity and performance justify the cost. Sherwin-Williams stores are standalone, offering personalized advice and a very distinct customer experience.
Popular Sherwin-Williams Exterior Paint Lines
Sherwin-Williams offers a deep catalog, but these are top contenders for exteriors:
- SuperPaint® Exterior Acrylic Latex: This is a workhorse. It’s designed for excellent adhesion, durability, and resistance to cracking, peeling, and blistering. It’s also formulated with mildew resistance and UV protection. It’s a great option for general exterior use.
- Duration® Exterior Acrylic Latex: This is often considered a step up. It features Sherwin-Williams’ Moisture Vapor Technology, which allows moisture to escape from the surface without compromising the coating. This makes it incredibly durable and resistant to blistering and peeling, especially in humid climates or on challenging surfaces. It offers superior adhesion and hides well.
- Emerald® Exterior Acrylic Latex: This is their most premium exterior line. Emerald® comes with the Loxon® Concrete & Masonry Primer (if needed for specific surfaces) and offers outstanding resistance to fading, mildew, and staining. It provides excellent coverage and a beautiful, lasting finish. It’s also known for its excellent adhesion and flexibility, making it resistant to cracking.
Pros of Sherwin-Williams Exterior Paint
- Exceptional Durability and Longevity: Sherwin-Williams paints are known for holding up exceptionally well over time, resisting fading, chalking, and peeling.
- Superior Adhesion: Their formulations often provide excellent adhesion, meaning the paint sticks better and is less likely to fail.
- Professional Quality: Many contractors swear by its performance, reliability, and consistent results.
- Advanced Technologies: Brands like Duration® and Emerald® offer specific technologies to combat moisture and UV damage, which are key for exterior protection.
- Excellent Coverage: Generally offers very good hiding power, often requiring fewer coats, especially with their premium lines.
- Personalized Advice: Sherwin-Williams stores offer expert advice from knowledgeable staff.
Cons of Sherwin-Williams Exterior Paint
- Higher Price Point: Generally more expensive than Behr, especially their premium lines.
- Availability: You need to go to a dedicated Sherwin-Williams store, which may be less convenient than a trip to The Home Depot.
Behr Exterior Paint vs Sherwin-Williams: A Closer Look at Key Features
To make the best choice, let’s break down how these brands stack up in specific areas.
Durability and Longevity
Both brands offer durable exterior paints. However, Sherwin-Williams, especially with lines like Duration® and Emerald®, often gets the nod for superior long-term performance and resistance to extreme weather conditions. Their advanced technologies are specifically designed to handle moisture and UV exposure more effectively over many years. Behr’s ULTRA™ and MARQUEE® are very durable and offer excellent protection for most residential applications, but Sherwin-Williams might have an edge for homeowners in harsh climates or those seeking the absolute longest lifespan between repaintings.
Coverage and Application
This can be subjective and depend on the specific product line and the painter. Many users find both brands to apply smoothly. Behr often promotes “paint and primer in one” formulas, which can simplify the DIY process by potentially reducing the number of coats needed. Sherwin-Williams also has excellent coverage; their higher-end lines are designed for robust hiding power. Professionals often appreciate the predictable flow and leveling of Sherwin-Williams paints, which can lead to a more uniform finish. For DIYers, the perceived ease of Behr’s “one-step” products is appealing.
Price and Value
Generally, Behr paints are more budget-friendly than Sherwin-Williams. You can get a good quality exterior paint from Behr at a lower price point, making it an excellent value for many homeowners. Sherwin-Williams occupies a higher price tier, particularly for their premium lines like Emerald®. The value proposition for Sherwin-Williams lies in its perceived longevity and performance – you might pay more upfront, but it could last longer, potentially saving money in the very long run. For a project on a tighter budget, Behr often provides a fantastic balance of cost and quality.
Environmental Considerations and VOCs
Both Behr and Sherwin-Williams are making strides in offering lower VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) options, which are better for air quality and the environment. It’s always a good idea to check the product specifications for VOC content. Many of their modern exterior formulations are low-VOC or zero-VOC. Sherwin-Williams, being a more professionally focused brand, often has detailed technical data sheets available on their website, which can inform you about specific environmental attributes.
For more information on VOCs and paint, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provides great insights into indoor air quality and chemical compounds in building materials.
Color Selection and Matching
Both brands offer an extensive palette of colors. Behr, available at The Home Depot, has a vast selection of colors that are easy to browse and try out with their sample pots. Sherwin-Williams also boasts a huge color range, and their stores are excellent resources for color advice and precise matching. If you have a very specific color in mind or need a perfect match to an existing color, both can do it, but the in-store experience at Sherwin-Williams might feel more specialized.
Behr Exterior Paint vs Sherwin-Williams: Which is Right for Your Home?
So, how do you decide? Let’s use a simple guide:
Choose Behr Exterior Paint if:
- You’re looking for a great balance of quality and affordability.
- Convenience is key, and The Home Depot’s accessibility is a major plus.
- You appreciate “paint and primer in one” products to simplify your DIY steps.
- Your climate is moderate, and you don’t need the absolute highest level of extreme weather protection.
- You’re working on a tighter budget but still want a durable and attractive finish.
Choose Sherwin-Williams Exterior Paint if:
- You want the longest possible lifespan and are willing to invest more upfront.
- You live in an area with harsh weather conditions (intense sun, extreme humidity, heavy rain/snow).
- You’re prioritizing professional-grade durability and a flawless finish.
- You value expert advice and a dedicated paint store experience.
- You’re looking for specialized formulations for challenging surfaces like stucco, wood, or metal.
Application Tips for Any Exterior Paint
No matter which brand you choose, proper application is key to a long-lasting, beautiful finish. Here are some tips:
- Prep is Paramount: Clean the surface thoroughly. Remove dirt, mildew, and peeling paint. Power washing is often a great way to start.
- Repair Damage: Fill any cracks or holes. Sand down any rough spots. A smooth surface is essential for paint adhesion. For more on surface preparation, resources like Building Science Information offers valuable technical insights into how coatings interact with building materials.
- Prime Appropriately: Even with “paint and primer in one,” a dedicated primer can make a huge difference, especially on bare wood, chalky surfaces, or when making a drastic color change.
- Check the Weather: Paint within the temperature and humidity ranges recommended by the manufacturer. Avoid painting in direct, hot sun, or when rain is expected.
- Use Quality Tools: Invest in good brushes and rollers. They can make a significant difference in how smoothly the paint applies and the final look.
- Apply Even Coats: Apply paint evenly, working in manageable sections. Avoid over-brushing or over-rolling, which can lead to uneven sheen or lap marks upon drying.
- Allow Proper Drying Time: Ensure each coat is thoroughly dry before applying the next, following the manufacturer’s instructions precisely.
Behr Exterior Paint vs Sherwin-Williams: Product Comparison Table
Here’s a quick comparison of some popular lines. Keep in mind that specific product formulations can change, so always check the latest product data sheets.
| Feature | Behr ULTRA™ Exterior Paint | Behr MARQUEE® Exterior Paint | Sherwin-Williams SuperPaint® Exterior | Sherwin-Williams Duration® Exterior | Sherwin-Williams Emerald® Exterior |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Typical Price Point | Mid-High | High | Mid-High | High | Very High |
| Durability Rating | Very Good | Excellent | Very Good | Excellent | Superior |
| Key Feature | Primer + Paint, Good Adhesion | Advanced Coverage, Dirt Resistance | All-around performer | Moisture Vapor Tech, Extreme Durability | Premium Finish, Extreme UV/Fade Resistance |
| DIY Friendliness | High (Primer + Paint) | High (Coverage) | Good | Good | Very Good |
| Warranty | Limited Lifetime | Limited Lifetime | Limited Lifetime | Limited Lifetime | Limited Lifetime |
| Availability | The Home Depot | The Home Depot | Sherwin-Williams Stores | Sherwin-Williams Stores | Sherwin-Williams Stores |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I use Behr paint on a house that was previously painted with Sherwin-Williams?
Yes, absolutely! You can paint Behr over Sherwin-Williams, or vice-versa. The most critical factor is proper surface preparation. Ensure the old paint is clean, sound, and free of peeling. A coat of the appropriate primer might be needed, especially if making a drastic color change or painting over a glossy surface.
Q2: Which paint lasts longer, Behr or Sherwin-Williams?
While both offer durable exterior paints, Sherwin-Williams, particularly their Duration® and Emerald® lines, are generally considered to have an edge in long-term durability and resistance to extreme weather conditions. However, Behr’s premium lines are also very long-lasting and provide excellent protection for most homes.
Q3: Is Sherwin-Williams paint worth the extra cost compared to Behr?
For many, yes. If you prioritize the absolute longest lifespan, superior resistance to harsh weather, and professional-grade finishes, then the higher upfront cost of Sherwin-Williams may be justified by fewer repaintings and better protection over time. However, Behr offers excellent value and performance that meets the needs of many homeowners at a more accessible price point.