Behr Paint vs. Benjamin Moore: Find Your Best Match for a Flawless Finish.
Deciding between Behr and Benjamin Moore paints can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be! Both brands offer quality products, but understanding their strengths helps you pick the perfect paint for your project. This guide breaks down each brand, making your choice simple and ensuring a beautiful result.
Choosing the right paint is like picking the perfect color for your favorite woodworking project. It makes a huge difference in how it looks and how well it lasts. Many folks get stuck wondering whether Behr or Benjamin Moore is the way to go. Both are fantastic brands, but they have different personalities and excel in different areas. Don’t worry, though! We’ll walk through it all, step-by-step, so you can choose with confidence and get that gorgeous finish you’re aiming for.
Behr Paint Vs. Benjamin Moore: Understanding Your Options
So, you’re standing in the paint aisle, staring at two giants: Behr and Benjamin Moore. Both promise beautiful colors and lasting results. But what makes them different? Think of it like choosing between two trusty chisels – each has its own feel and best use. Let’s break down what makes each brand tick so you can make a “genius choice” for your home or project.
Behr Paint: The Accessible All-Rounder
Behr is a name you’ll see everywhere, especially at The Home Depot. This accessibility is one of its biggest strengths. It’s a go-to for many DIYers because it’s generally more budget-friendly and readily available. Imagine needing a specific shade for a weekend project – chances are, Behr has it close by.
Pros of Behr Paint:
Availability: Found in over 2,000 The Home Depot stores and online, making last-minute trips easy.
Affordability: Often priced lower than Benjamin Moore, making it a great choice for larger projects or budget-conscious folks.
Wide Color Selection: Offers a vast array of colors, including popular curated palettes.
Durability: Many Behr paints boast good durability and fade resistance, standing up well to wear and tear.
Innovation: Behr frequently introduces new technologies, like their Marquee® line with excellent one-coat coverage.
Cons of Behr Paint:
Sheen Inconsistency: Some users report slight variations in sheen between batches or across different product lines.
Color Matching: While good, some professionals feel it’s not quite as precise as Benjamin Moore for highly specific custom matches.
Application Feel: Some painters find the texture a bit thicker or harder to glide on compared to higher-end brands, though this varies by product line.
Benjamin Moore: The Professional’s Choice
Benjamin Moore paints have a reputation for being a bit more of a premium product, often favored by professional painters and designers. You’ll typically find them at independent paint and decorating stores. This means you often get a more personalized experience and expert advice when you shop.
Pros of Benjamin Moore Paint:
Exceptional Color Depth and Quality: Benjamin Moore is renowned for its rich, complex colors that often look different and richer in various lighting conditions. Their Gennex® Colorant technology ensures consistency.
Superior Application: Many painters love how Benjamin Moore paints flow smoothly, offering excellent coverage and a more forgiving application.
Durability and Finish: Known for its long-lasting finish, excellent washability, and beautiful subtle sheens that hide imperfections well.
Color Accuracy: Highly regarded for precise color matching and consistency across batches.
Consistency: Their products tend to have very consistent performance and sheen.
Cons of Benjamin Moore Paint:
Price: Benjamin Moore is generally more expensive than Behr, which can be a significant factor for large projects.
Availability: Not available at big-box stores. You need to go to a dedicated dealer, which can be less convenient.
Color Selection (Perceived): While their color palettes are curated and beautiful, at first glance, Behr might appear to have a larger sheer volume of colors due to its expansive range.
Key Differences: A Side-by-Side Look
When we put Behr paint vs. Benjamin Moore side-by-side, several key areas stand out. This comparison can help you pinpoint which brand aligns best with your priorities for your next project.
| Feature | Behr Paint | Benjamin Moore |
|---|---|---|
| Price Range | More affordable, budget-friendly. | Higher price point, considered premium. |
| Availability | Widely available at The Home Depot. | Available at independent paint and decorating stores. |
| Color Palette | Vast, extensive selection, including many trendy options. | Curated, rich, and complex colors with excellent depth. Known for sophisticated hues. |
| Application | Good coverage, can be slightly thicker in some lines. Generally easy for DIYers. | Smooth, excellent flow, often preferred by professionals for ease and forgiving application. |
| Durability & Finish | Good durability, fade resistance, and washable surfaces. | Excellent durability, superior washability, and a refined finish that hides imperfections well. |
| Color Matching | Reliable for most matches. | Considered top-tier for precise and consistent color matching. |
| Best For | DIYers, budget projects, large areas, quick access. | Professionals, high-end finishes, custom color matching, projects where color depth is critical. |
Choosing the “Genius Choice” for Your Project
The “genius choice” isn’t about one brand being universally better than the other. It’s about picking the right tool for the job. Let’s break down scenarios where each shines.
When Behr is Your Genius Choice:
You’re a DIY Beginner: Behr’s ease of access and user-friendly formulas make it fantastic for those new to painting. You can grab your paint and supplies from one convenient stop.
Budget is Key: If you’re painting multiple rooms, a whole house, or a large piece of furniture, Behr’s more accessible pricing can make a big difference.
You Need Paint Now: A quick trip to The Home Depot means you can get started without waiting for special orders or traveling to a specific dealer.
Bold, Trendy Colors are Your Goal: Behr often excels in offering a wide spectrum of on-trend colors that can make a statement in your home.
Durability for High-Traffic Areas: Lines like Behr Ultra™ are formulated for excellent scrubbability and durability, perfect for kids’ rooms or busy hallways.
When Benjamin Moore is Your Genius Choice:
Color is Paramount: If you’re aiming for that unparalleled depth, nuance, and richness in your color that truly transforms a space, Benjamin Moore is often the leader. Their colors have a certain sophistication.
You Value a Flawless Finish: For those who obsess over the perfect sheen, smooth application, and a finish that seems to “glow,” Benjamin Moore is frequently the artist’s preference.
Professional Results are Expected: If you want your finished room to look like it was done by a seasoned pro, the application and finish of Benjamin Moore paints are hard to beat. According to industry surveys, a significant percentage of painting contractors prefer Benjamin Moore for its consistent quality and performance.
You Need Precise Color Matching: When you have a very specific shade in mind or need to match an existing color perfectly, Benjamin Moore’s color matching system and technology are top-notch. This is crucial for maintaining consistency in complex designs.
You’re Willing to Invest: For accent walls, statement pieces, or rooms where you want the absolute best quality and aesthetic, Benjamin Moore can be worth the investment.
Popular Product Lines to Consider
Both Behr and Benjamin Moore offer various paint lines, each designed for specific needs and budgets. Understanding these can help you narrow down your choice even further.
Behr’s Standout Lines:
Behr Marquee®: This line is famous for its “one-coat coverage” promise (over primed surfaces or similar colors), saving you time and effort. It’s highly durable and comes in a wide range of colors.
Behr Dynasty™: A premium interior paint known for its exceptional stain resistance and durability, making it easy to clean and maintain. It offers a beautiful, soft sheen.
Behr Premium Plus®: A solid, reliable choice that balances quality and affordability. It’s a great all-around paint for most interior and exterior surfaces.
Benjamin Moore’s Premier Lines:
Benjamin Moore Aura®: Often considered Benjamin Moore’s flagship interior paint. It offers incredible color depth, exceptional durability, and a beautiful, rich finish. It’s known for its excellent coverage and washability.
Benjamin Moore Regal® Select: A very popular choice among professionals and DIYers alike. It’s a high-quality, versatile interior paint that provides excellent coverage and a smooth application. It comes in various sheens and finishes.
Benjamin Moore ben®: Designed for ease of use and durability, ben® paint offers good coverage and washability at a more accessible price point within the Benjamin Moore family, making it a great entry into their premium quality.
DIY Tips for a Professional Finish
No matter which paint you choose, the right preparation and application techniques are crucial for that beautiful, lasting result. Think of it like preparing your wood before applying stain – meticulousness pays off!
1. Surface Preparation is Key:
Cleanliness: Ensure your walls are spotless. Dust, grease, and grime can prevent paint from adhering properly. A mild detergent and water solution, followed by a clean water rinse, usually does the trick.
Repair: Fill any holes or cracks with spackle or joint compound. Sand it smooth once dry.
Sanding: Lightly sand glossy surfaces to create a better grip for the new paint. A fine-grit sandpaper (120-220 grit) is usually sufficient.
Priming: Use a good quality primer, especially if you’re painting over a dark color with a light one, or if your surface is stained or new. Primer ensures even color and better adhesion. For oil-based stains or tough spots, an oil-based primer is often best. Check out resources like those from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for information on low-VOC paints and primers for healthier homes. EPA: Paints and Coatings
2. Proper Application Techniques:
Tools Matter: Invest in good quality brushes and rollers. A high-density roller cover will give a smoother finish, and a quality angled brush will help with cutting in edges.
Cut In First: Use your brush to paint a border (about 2-3 inches wide) along the edges of the walls, around trim, and in corners. This is called “cutting in.”
Roll in Sections: For the main wall areas, work in sections. Apply paint with your roller in a “W” or “M” pattern, then fill in the gaps with overlapping strokes. This helps ensure an even coat without roller marks.
Maintain a Wet Edge: Always overlap your freshly painted section with the section you are about to paint. This “wet edge” technique prevents visible lines or lap marks where sections meet.
Two Coats are Usually Best: Even with paints that promise one-coat coverage, applying a second thin coat often leads to a richer, more durable, and uniform finish, especially with deep or complex colors.
Ventilation: Ensure good airflow while painting and drying. Open windows and use fans. The CDC also offers tips on indoor air quality, which is important when using paints and solvents.
Frequently Asked Questions About Behr vs. Benjamin Moore
Q1: Which paint is easier to apply, Behr or Benjamin Moore?
Many painters find Benjamin Moore paints have a smoother, more buttery application that glides on easily and is more forgiving. Behr paints are also generally easy to work with, especially for DIYers, though some lines can feel a bit thicker.
Q2: Is Benjamin Moore paint really worth the extra cost compared to Behr?
For many, yes. The extra cost often translates to superior color depth, a more refined finish, better durability, and a smoother application. However, Behr offers excellent value and results, especially for budget-conscious projects.
Q3: Can I use Behr to color match a Benjamin Moore color, or vice versa?
Yes, both brands can attempt to color match. However, for the most precise and consistent results, it’s always best to use the paint from the brand that originally created the color. Benjamin Moore is generally considered more accurate for custom matches.
Q4: Which paint brand is better for covering up imperfections?
Both brands have lines designed for this. However, Benjamin Moore’s premium lines, particularly those with satin or eggshell finishes, are often lauded for their ability to hide minor surface imperfections due to their sophisticated sheen and formulation.
Q5: Are Behr and Benjamin Moore paints durable and washable?
Both brands offer durable and washable paints. Benjamin Moore’s premium lines like Aura and Regal Select are renowned for their exceptional washability and stain resistance. Behr also has lines like Marquee and Dynasty designed for high durability and easy cleaning.
Q6: Where can I buy Behr and Benjamin Moore paint?
Behr paint is primarily sold at The Home Depot. Benjamin Moore paint is available at independent Benjamin Moore retailers and authorized dealers.
Q7: Which brand is better for exterior painting?
Both offer excellent exterior paints. Behr’s Premium Plus Exterior and Benjamin Moore’s Exterior Super Spec are popular choices, each with specific formulations tailored for weather resistance and longevity.
Conclusion: Your “Genius Choice” Awaits
Ultimately, the decision between Behr paint and Benjamin Moore comes down to your specific needs, budget, and desired outcome. If you’re looking for an accessible, budget-friendly option with a wide color selection for a DIY project, Behr is a fantastic choice. Its availability at The Home Depot makes it incredibly convenient.
On the other hand, if you prioritize the ultimate in color depth, a luxurious finish, and a supremely smooth application – and are willing to invest a bit more – Benjamin Moore is often the professional’s choice and for good reason. Their commitment to quality ensures a stunning, long-lasting result that can truly elevate your space.
Remember, the “genius choice” is the one that best fits your project. With careful preparation and the right paint for the job, you’ll achieve a beautiful, durable finish that you can be proud of. Happy painting!