Behr paint versus Valspar: Both are popular choices for DIYers! Behr often shines in durability and a wide color selection, while Valspar is known for its affordability and good coverage. For most beginners, either brand offers great results. Your final choice might depend on your budget, specific project needs (like high-traffic areas), and the exact finish you’re going for.
Planning a painting project can feel daunting, especially when you’re standing in the paint aisle. Two names you’ll see everywhere are Behr and Valspar. Which one is right for your walls? Does one cover better? Is one more durable? It’s a common question that trips up many budding decorators and homeowners. Don’t worry, though! Choosing between popular brands like Behr paint versus Valspar doesn’t have to be a headache. We’ll break down what makes each one special, helping you pick the perfect paint for your space. Let’s get started and make your next painting job successful and satisfying!
Behr Paint Versus Valspar: A Beginner’s Guide to Choosing
As a DIY enthusiast and someone who loves seeing a project come together beautifully, I know how important the right materials are. Paint is a fundamental part of any home improvement project, whether you’re refreshing a living room or tackling a small furniture upcycle. Behr and Valspar are two giants in the paint world, readily available at major home improvement stores. They both offer a vast array of colors and finishes, but the subtle differences can impact your project’s outcome and your experience. Understanding these differences will empower you to make a confident choice, ensuring you get the look and longevity you desire without unnecessary struggle.
Understanding Paint Types: What’s Under the Lid?
Before we dive into Behr versus Valspar directly, let’s quickly touch upon paint bases. Most interior paints today are either latex (water-based) or oil-based. For most DIY projects, latex paints are the way to go for their easy cleanup, low odor, and quick drying times. These are what Behr and Valspar primarily offer for interior walls.
Latex (Water-Based) Paint: This is the most common type for walls and ceilings. It’s flexible, easy to clean with soap and water, and dries relatively fast.
Oil-Based Paint: Less common for walls now due to its strong fumes and difficult cleanup (requiring mineral spirits), but it offers a very hard, durable finish. Often reserved for trim, furniture, or high-moisture areas where extreme durability is needed.
For the scope of this comparison, we’ll focus on the popular interior latex paints from both Behr and Valspar.
Behr Paint: The Trusted Workhorse
Behr paint is a brand you’ll find exclusively at The Home Depot. It’s known for its wide range of products, from budget-friendly options to premium lines designed for enhanced durability and coverage. Behr is often praised for its color accuracy and its extensive selection, making it a go-to for many DIYers aiming for specific design goals.
Key Characteristics of Behr Paint
Color Selection: Behr boasts an enormous palette of colors, featuring everything from their iconic “Ultra Pure White” to deep, dramatic hues. They often release trending color collections that can inspire your next project. You can explore their full range on the Behr color page for inspiration.
Durability: Many of Behr’s premium lines, like Marquee and Dynasty, are formulated for excellent scrubbability and resistance to scuffs and stains. This is a big plus for high-traffic areas like hallways, kids’ rooms, or kitchens.
Coverage: While some users report excellent one-coat coverage with their premium lines, others suggest that average coverage might still require two coats, especially when switching from a dark color to a light one. This can vary greatly depending on the specific product line and the surface being painted.
Primer in One: Many Behr paints are marketed as “primer and paint in one.” While these can reduce the need for a separate priming step in many cases, for significant color changes or painting over difficult surfaces (like glossy paint or stains), a dedicated primer is often still recommended for the best results.
VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds): Behr offers various low- and zero-VOC options in their product lines, contributing to healthier indoor air quality.
Popular Behr Product Lines to Consider:
Valspar Paint: The Value-Packed Choice
Valspar paint is widely available at Lowe’s and other retailers. It’s often seen as a strong competitor to Behr, offering a good balance of quality and affordability. Valspar is known for its excellent coverage and a wide spectrum of colors, often giving users confidence that their chosen hue will look great without endless coats.
Key Characteristics of Valspar Paint
Popular Valspar Product Lines to Consider:
Valspar Interior Paint (e.g., Valspar® Signature® or Valspar® Pro): These lines offer good all-around performance with improved coverage and durability. They are excellent choices for balancing cost and quality for common household painting.
Valspar Reserve: Positioned as their premium interior paint, offering advanced stain and scuff resistance, excellent coverage, and often a zero-VOC formulation. It competes with Behr’s higher-end offerings.
Behr Paint Versus Valspar: A Side-by-Side Comparison
Let’s break down some key aspects to help you decide between Behr paint versus Valspar.
| Feature | Behr Paint | Valspar Paint |
|---|---|---|
| Availability | Exclusively at The Home Depot. | Widely available at Lowe’s and other retailers. |
| Price Point | Generally mid-range to premium, with some more budget-friendly options. Top lines can be pricier. | Often seen as more affordable, offering good value. Premium lines are competitive. |
| Color Selection | Extensive, well-organized color palettes. Strong brand recognition for specific shades. | Vast and diverse color options, including designer collaborations. |
| Coverage | Coverage can be excellent, especially in premium lines (e.g., Marquee). Some users find standard lines require two coats. | Often praised for strong hiding power, potentially requiring fewer coats in many situations. |
| Durability | Premium lines (Marquee, Dynasty) are known for exceptional scrubbability and stain resistance. | Good durability and washability in their standard and premium lines, suitable for most homes. |
| Ease of Use | Generally easy to apply with good flow and leveling. Low VOC options available. | Easy application characteristics with good leveling. Low VOC options available. |
| Formulation Options | Offers “primer and paint in one” options. Wide range of finishes and sheens. | Comprehensive range of sheens. Some lines are specifically formulated for enhanced performance. |
Key Factors for Your Decision
When you’re weighing Behr paint versus Valspar, consider these points:
1. Your Budget: If every dollar counts, Valspar often presents a slightly more budget-friendly option for comparable quality. However, if you’re looking at specific premium lines, prices can be very similar.
2. The Project’s Demands:
High-Traffic Areas: For hallways, kids’ rooms, or kitchens where durability and washability are paramount, Behr’s premium lines like Marquee or Dynasty might offer a slight edge in extreme scrub resistance.
Quick Refresh: If you’re painting a room and want confident, even coverage with potentially fewer coats, Valspar’s reputation for good hiding power is a strong contender.
3. Color Accuracy and Finish: Both brands offer a huge range of colors. If you have a very specific color in mind, check swatches from both and see which one resonates with you. Similarly, look at sample finishes to see how the sheen looks under your lighting.
4. Where You Shop: This is a practical consideration. If The Home Depot is more convenient for you, Behr is your primary choice. If Lowe’s is closer, Valspar is readily available.
Painting Tips for Beginners: Getting the Best Results
No matter which brand you choose, a few basic painting techniques will elevate your results. I always tell my DIY friends, good preparation is half the battle!
Essential Preparation Steps:
1. Clean the Walls: Dust, grease, and grime can prevent paint from adhering properly. Wipe down your walls with a mild detergent and water solution, then rinse and let them dry completely. For kitchens, use a degreaser.
2. Repair Imperfections: Fill nail holes and cracks with spackle. Sand smooth once dry.
3. Sand Glossy Surfaces: If you’re painting over a glossy finish, lightly sand it with fine-grit sandpaper. This creates “tooth” for the new paint to grip. Wipe away dust.
4. Tape and Cover: Use painter’s tape to protect trim, windows, and door frames. Cover furniture and floors with drop cloths. You can find great tips on proper taping and covering from resources like those provided by the Building Science Information (BSI) – while this link is about material protection, the principles of careful covering apply.
5. Prime if Necessary: While many paints are “primer and paint in one,” for drastic color changes, stained or heavily marked walls, or glossy surfaces, a dedicated primer will ensure better coverage and a more uniform finish.
Application Techniques for a Smooth Finish:
1. Stir the Paint: Never shake paint. Stir it gently but thoroughly with a paint stirrer to combine the colorants evenly.
2. “Cut In” First: Use an angled brush to paint a 2-3 inch border around the edges of the wall, corners, and around trim. This is called “cutting in.”
3. Use a Roller for Large Areas: Load your roller with about half the width of paint. Roll it onto a section of the wall, using an even, overlapping motion. Work in a “W” or “M” pattern to distribute the paint evenly, then fill in the shape with parallel strokes.
4. Maintain a Wet Edge: Always overlap your painted sections while the previous section is still wet. This prevents visible lap marks and ensures a uniform finish.
5. Apply Thin Coats: It’s better to apply two thin coats than one thick one. Thicker coats can drip, sag, and take longer to dry.
6. Allow Proper Drying Time: Check the paint can for recoat times. Rushing to apply a second coat can ruin the finish of the first.
7. Remove Tape Carefully: Remove painter’s tape while the last coat of paint is still slightly wet, pulling it off at a 45-degree angle. If the paint is fully dry, score the edge with a utility knife first to prevent peeling.
Behr Paint Versus Valspar: Which One Wins for You?
Ultimately, the “better” paint between Behr paint versus Valspar often comes down to personal preference and specific project needs. Both brands are reputable, widely used, and can produce beautiful results in the hands of a DIYer.
Choose Behr if: You value an incredibly vast color selection, are shopping at The Home Depot, and might be willing to spend a bit more for their top-tier lines that promise extreme durability for high-traffic areas. Their Marquee line is particularly well-regarded for its one-coat coverage promise.
Choose Valspar if: You’re budget-conscious, appreciate good coverage that might save you time and paint, and are shopping at Lowe’s. Their paints generally offer excellent value for money and are reliable performers for most home projects.
Many professional painters use a variety of brands depending on the job, and for good reason. Modern paints from major manufacturers are all formulated to high standards. Don’t be afraid to grab a few sample pots of your chosen colors from both* Behr and Valspar to see how they look on your wall in different lights throughout the day. This small step can make a big difference in your final decision.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Behr Paint vs. Valspar
Q1: Which paint is generally more expensive, Behr or Valspar?
A1: Typically, Behr’s premium lines can be slightly more expensive than Valspar’s comparable premium lines. However, both brands offer a range of products at different price points, so it’s always best to compare specific product lines.
Q2: Is Behr or Valspar known for better coverage?
A2: Many DIYers report that Valspar has excellent hiding power, meaning it often covers existing colors well in fewer coats. Behr’s premium lines, like Marquee, also promise excellent one-coat coverage in many situations, but some of their more standard paints might require two coats, similar to other brands.
Q3: Where can I buy Behr paint and where can I buy Valspar paint?
A3: Behr paint is exclusively sold at The Home Depot. Valspar paint is widely available at Lowe’s, as well as many other hardware stores and paint retailers.
Q4: Which brand is better for high-traffic areas like hallways or kids’ rooms?
A4: For maximum durability and scrubbability in high-traffic areas, Behr’s premium lines such as Behr Marquee or Behr Dynasty are often recommended due to their enhanced stain and scuff resistance. Valspar also offers durable options, but Behr generally touts superior performance in this category for its top-tier products.
Q5: Are there DIY-friendly “paint and primer in one” options from both Behr and Valspar?
A5: Yes, both brands offer “paint and primer in one” formulations. Behr heavily promotes this feature in many of its lines, including Premium Plus and Marquee. Valspar also offers many products designed to provide coverage and sealing benefits typically associated with a separate primer.
Q6: Which brand offers a wider range of colors?
A6: Both Behr and Valspar offer an extensive range of colors, typically numbering in the thousands. The choice often comes down to specific shades and inspiration. It’s recommended to look at their online color tools or in-store displays to find the exact hue you’re looking for.
Q7: Which is easier to clean up after painting?
A7: Since both are primarily water-based latex paints, cleanup for both Behr and Valspar is generally straightforward. You can typically clean brushes, rollers, and spills with just soap and water. Oil-based products from either brand would require mineral spirits for cleanup.
Conclusion: Making Your Confident Paint Choice
Navigating the world of paint brands like Behr paint versus Valspar doesn’t have to be complicated. You’ve learned that both offer excellent quality and a vast array of choices for your home projects. Behr often stands out for its premium durability and exclusive availability at The Home Depot, while Valspar is frequently praised for its value, excellent coverage, and accessibility at Lowe’s.
As your woodworking mentor, I always emphasize that the right tools and materials make a huge difference. With paint, this means understanding your project’s needs—whether it’s a high-traffic zone demanding robust scrubbing power or a budget-friendly refresh that needs to cover well. Don’t underestimate the power of proper preparation or the satisfaction of a smooth application.
Take the time to consider your budget, the specific room you’re painting, and your personal preferences. Grab some sample pots, test them on your walls, and trust your instincts.