When it comes to refreshing your home, choosing the right paint brand is a big step. Behr and Dunn-Edwards are both popular choices, but each has its own strengths. For beginners looking for a balance of quality, ease of use, and value, Behr often wins for wider availability and user-friendliness, while Dunn-Edwards provides a premium experience for those prioritizing professional-grade results and durability. This guide will help you make the best decision for your project.
Choosing paint for your home can feel overwhelming, can’t it? You want something that looks beautiful, lasts long, and isn’t a hassle to apply. Behr and Dunn-Edwards are two big names you’ll see everywhere, and trying to figure out which is better can be tricky. Don’t worry! We’ll break down what makes each brand special, side-by-side. You’ll feel confident picking the perfect paint to make your space shine, and applying it will be a breeze. Let’s dive in!
Behr Paint vs. Dunn-Edwards: An Overview for Homeowners
When you’re standing in the paint aisle, the labels can all start to look the same. But Behr and Dunn-Edwards offer distinct experiences for DIYers and homeowners. Understanding their core differences will help you select the paint that best fits your project’s needs, budget, and your skill level.
Behr, widely available at home improvement stores like The Home Depot, is known for its extensive color selection and accessible price point. It’s often the go-to for homeowners looking for a reliable, user-friendly option for everyday projects.
Dunn-Edwards, on the other hand, is a more regional favorite, often found in dedicated paint stores. It’s held in high regard by professionals for its superior quality, exceptional coverage, and long-lasting finish. While it might come with a slightly higher price tag, many find the performance justifies the cost.
Let’s explore some key aspects to help you decide.
Coverage and Application: How Easily Does It Go On?
One of the most important factors for any DIY project is how well the paint covers the surface and how easy it is to apply. Nobody wants to spend hours applying multiple coats when one or two would suffice!
Behr Paint for Ease of Use
Behr paints are generally formulated for good coverage and smooth application. Many users find that Behr paints, especially their premium lines like Marquee and Dynasty, offer excellent one-coat coverage over properly prepared surfaces and existing colors. The paints typically have a good consistency, meaning they brush and roll on without excessive dripping or splattering.
Smooth Application: Behr’s formulas usually glide onto walls evenly, creating a consistent finish.
Good Hiding Power: For most common colors and situations, Behr provides good hiding power, reducing the need for extra coats.
User-Friendly: The paints are designed with the DIYer in mind, making them forgiving for beginners.
Dunn-Edwards for Professional Finish
Dunn-Edwards is renowned for its superior coverage and rich pigments. Professionals often choose Dunn-Edwards because a single coat can often cover existing colors or imperfections remarkably well, saving time and labor. The paint tends to have a thicker, more luxurious feel, which contributes to a very smooth and even finish.
Exceptional Hiding: Dunn-Edwards paints are known for their ability to cover surfaces in fewer coats, even when painting over dark or vibrant colors.
Rich Pigmentation: The colors appear deep and true to the swatch.
Professional-Grade Flow: The paint’s consistency allows for very predictable and clean application, minimizing drips and brush marks if applied correctly.
A good resource for understanding paint application techniques can be found on the PaintQuality.com blog, offering advice applicable to any brand.
Durability and Finish: How Long Will It Last?
The finish and durability of your paint job are crucial for long-term satisfaction. You want your walls to look freshly painted for years to come, resisting scuffs and fading.
Behr’s Long-Lasting Performance
Behr offers paints designed for various levels of durability. Their higher-end lines, such as Behr Dynasty®, are engineered for exceptional stain resistance and washability, making them ideal for high-traffic areas like kitchens, hallways, and kids’ rooms. You can often wash away marks and smudges without damaging the paint film.
Stain Resistance: Many Behr paints are formulated to resist common household stains.
Washability: You can clean them frequently without seeing wear and tear.
Durable Sheens: Available in various sheens (e.g., satin, semi-gloss) that contribute to their durability.
Dunn-Edwards’ Premium Longevity
Dunn-Edwards consistently receives praise for its exceptional durability and the quality of its finishes. Their paints are known to hold up exceptionally well to cleaning and general wear and tear. The films are robust, meaning they are less prone to chipping, cracking, or fading over time. This makes them a fantastic investment for surfaces that see a lot of action.
Superior Durability: Engineered to withstand the test of time and heavy use.
Fade Resistance: Colors remain vibrant longer, even in areas exposed to sunlight.
Excellent Scrubbability: Can be scrubbed vigorously without damaging the finish.
Color Selection: Finding Your Perfect Shade
The array of colors available is often a deciding factor for many homeowners. Both brands offer a vast palette, but their approach and accessibility differ.
Behr’s Extensive Spectrum
Behr boasts an enormous color palette, with thousands of shades to choose from. You can find Behr paint at The Home Depot, making it incredibly convenient to browse samples and purchase paint. Their color collections are often organized, making it easier to find a complementary shade or a cohesive look. They also offer a robust online color visualizer tool.
Thousands of Shades: A color for literally every taste and design idea.
Easily Accessible: Available at The Home Depot.
Color Matching: Behr can also match colors from other brands.
Dunn-Edwards’ Curated Palettes
Dunn-Edwards also offers a wide range of colors, but they are often praised for their carefully curated palettes and the depth and accuracy of their hues. Their colors are known for their richness and how true they appear on the wall compared to the swatch. Visiting a Dunn-Edwards store allows you to see these colors in a professional setting, often with larger display boards and expert advice.
Rich, True Colors: Known for color accuracy and depth.
Professional Collections: Often features designer-inspired color palettes.
Expert Advice: In-store consultants can offer guidance.
Price Point: What’s the Investment?
The cost of paint is a significant consideration for any project, especially when you’re covering large areas.
Behr: The Value Proposition
Behr paints generally fall into a mid-range price category. While not the cheapest option available, they offer a strong balance of quality and affordability. Their premium lines might climb in price, but they remain competitive with comparable lines from other major brands. For the average homeowner, Behr offers excellent value for the performance you receive.
Mid-Range Pricing: Accessible for most homeowners.
Good Value: Delivers quality performance for the cost.
Frequent Sales: Can often be found on sale at The Home Depot.
Dunn-Edwards: The Premium Investment
Dunn-Edwards is typically positioned as a premium paint brand, often carrying a higher price tag than Behr. This reflects the higher quality of pigments, binders, and the overall manufacturing process that contributes to its superior performance. For those who prioritize the absolute best in terms of coverage, durability, and finish, and who plan to keep their painted surfaces looking pristine for many years, the investment in Dunn-Edwards is often well worth it.
Higher Price Point: Generally more expensive than Behr.
Premium Quality Justifies Cost: The durability and coverage make it a worthwhile investment for long-term results.
Professional Grade: The price reflects its professional-grade formulation.
Where to Buy: Accessibility Matters
The ease of purchasing your chosen paint can impact your project timeline and overall satisfaction.
Behr: Widely Available
Behr paint is exclusively sold at The Home Depot. This means you can find it in thousands of locations across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. This widespread availability makes it very convenient for most homeowners to purchase, get supplies, and even find project help.
Exclusive Retailer: The Home Depot.
Numerous Locations: Easy to find almost anywhere.
One-Stop Shop: You can buy all your painting supplies and tools at the same place.
Dunn-Edwards: Dedicated Stores
Dunn-Edwards operates primarily through its own network of company-owned stores, as well as through independent dealers. This means you’ll need to locate a Dunn-Edwards store or an authorized dealer in your area. While this limits the sheer number of purchase points, it ensures a specialized shopping experience with knowledgeable staff who can offer expert advice.
Specialty Stores: Primarily sold at Dunn-Edwards stores and select dealers.
Expert Staff: Knowledgeable associates provide personalized advice.
Regional Availability: More prevalent in the Western and Southwestern United States.
Comparing Specific Product Lines
Both Behr and Dunn-Edwards offer various paint lines, each designed for different purposes and budgets. Understanding these specific lines can help you pinpoint the best option for your needs.
Behr’s Top Product Lines
Behr has several well-regarded lines, each offering different benefits for homeowners:
Behr Premium Plus: A cost-effective, durable option for general interior and exterior use. It offers good stain resistance and washability.
Behr Marquee®: Marketed as a premium interior paint, Marquee boasts excellent one-coat coverage over 1,000 colors and superior stain resistance. It’s a popular choice for high-traffic areas.
Behr Dynasty®: Behr’s most premium interior line, designed for ultimate stain resistance, scrubbability, and mildew resistance. It’s perfect for demanding environments like kitchens and bathrooms.
Behr Ultra™: A popular interior and exterior paint that offers good durability, stain resistance, and coverage. It’s a solid mid-range option.
Dunn-Edwards’ Key Product Lines
Dunn-Edwards product lines are often geared towards professional painters but are accessible to discerning DIYers:
Grace™ Interior: A premium interior paint known for its excellent coverage, washability, and smooth finish. It’s a workhorse for most interior applications.
Spruce™ Interior: A good quality interior paint that offers good coverage and durability at a slightly more accessible price point than Grace.
EverClear™ Exterior: A high-performance exterior paint designed for exceptional durability against the elements, fade resistance, and adhesion.
Select™ Interior: A more budget-friendly interior paint that still offers good coverage and a quality finish, suitable for less heavily trafficked areas.
Key Differences at a Glance: Behr vs. Dunn-Edwards
To help you visualize the distinctions, here’s a comparison table:
| Feature | Behr Paint | Dunn-Edwards Paint |
|---|---|---|
| Availability | Widely available at The Home Depot. | Found at company-owned stores and select dealers; more regional. |
| Price Point | Mid-range; offers good value. | Premium; higher price tag reflecting quality. |
| Coverage | Good to excellent, especially in premium lines. | Excellent; often requires fewer coats. |
| Durability | Good to excellent, with advanced stain/scrub resistance in premium lines. | Excellent; known for superior longevity and resistance to wear. |
| Color Selection | Vast number of colors, easily browsable online and in-store. | Extensive, rich, and accurate colors, often curated for appeal. |
| Target Audience | DIYers, homeowners seeking value and ease of use. | Professionals, discerning DIYers seeking premium quality and performance. |
| Finish Quality | Smooth and consistent, with various sheen options. | Luxurious, rich finish with excellent color trueness. |
Making Your Choice: Which Paint is Right for You?
So, how do you pick between Behr and Dunn-Edwards? It really comes down to your priorities for your painting project.
When to Choose Behr Paint:
You’re on a budget but want good quality: Behr offers a fantastic balance of price and performance.
Convenience is key: Knowing you can easily pop into The Home Depot for paint and supplies is a big plus.
You’re a beginner painter: Behr paints are generally very forgiving and easy to work with.
You need a specific color that’s easily accessible: Their vast selection, often with readily available samples, makes color selection straightforward.
You’re tackling a common DIY project: For most rooms, hallways, or exterior touch-ups, Behr performs admirably.
When to Choose Dunn-Edwards Paint:
You want the absolute best in durability and longevity: Dunn-Edwards is built to last and withstand heavy use.
You’re painting a high-traffic or demanding area: Kitchens, bathrooms, and busy hallways benefit from its superior resistance.
You prioritize color accuracy and a rich, premium finish: Professionals choose Dunn-Edwards for its true colors and beautiful surfaces.
You don’t mind a slightly higher price for top-tier quality: The investment pays off in fewer repaints and a more luxurious look.
You appreciate expert advice: Visiting a dedicated Dunn-Edwards store can provide valuable insights.
For those looking for tips on preparing your walls before painting, checking out resources from the National Park Service on maintenance and preservation can indirectly highlight the importance of a good paint job and surface preparation.
Tips for a Flawless Paint Job, No Matter the Brand
Once you’ve chosen your paint, a few key steps will ensure your project turns out beautifully:
1. Proper Surface Preparation: This is the MOST important step, regardless of the paint brand.
Clean the walls: Wash away any dirt, grease, or grime. TSP (trisodium phosphate) cleaner can be effective for tough grime.
Repair imperfections: Fill holes, cracks, and sand down any rough spots until smooth.
Prime: Use a high-quality primer, especially if you’re painting over dark colors, stains, or unpainted surfaces. This ensures better adhesion and a truer final color.
2. Gather Your Tools: Good tools make a big difference!
High-quality brushes (for cutting in edges)
Roller frames and roller covers appropriate for your wall texture (e.g., 3/8″ nap for smooth walls)
Painter’s tape
Drop cloths or plastic sheeting
Paint tray and liners
* Extension pole for your roller
3. Cutting In: Use your brush to paint a line about 2-3 inches wide along the edges of the ceiling, trim, and corners.
4. Rolling: Load your roller evenly with paint, avoiding overloading. Work in “W” or “V” patterns, overlapping strokes to ensure an even coat.
5. Two Coats are Usually Best: Even with “one-coat” paints, a second coat often provides the deepest color and most durable finish. Allow adequate drying time between coats as per the paint can. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) offers guidelines on reducing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in paints, which is good to be aware of for indoor air quality.
6. Clean Up: Clean your brushes and rollers immediately after use with soap and water.
Frequently Asked Questions about Behr vs. Dunn-Edwards
Having a few common questions answered can ease your mind as you plan your painting project.
Q1: Is Behr paint good for beginners?
Yes, Behr paint is generally considered very good for beginners. It’s user-friendly, applies smoothly, and offers good coverage, making it forgiving for those new to painting.
Q2: Is Dunn-Edwards paint worth the extra cost?
For many, yes. Dunn-Edwards is a premium paint known for its superior coverage, durability, and rich finish. If you’re looking for a long-lasting, high-quality result and don’t mind a higher upfront cost, it’s often worth the investment for demanding areas or for those who want the best finish possible.
Q3: Can I use Behr paint for my kitchen and bathroom?
Absolutely. Behr offers specific lines like Dynasty® and Ultra™ that are formulated with enhanced stain resistance, mildew resistance, and washability, making them excellent choices for kitchens and bathrooms.