Behr Paint vs. Dunn Edwards: Essential Differences for Your Next Project
Choosing between Behr and Dunn-Edwards paints doesn’t have to be complicated. Behr is widely available at home improvement stores and offers a solid range of DIY-friendly options, often at a more accessible price point. Dunn-Edwards, typically found at independent dealers, is a favorite among professionals for its premium quality, excellent coverage, and long-lasting finish. Understanding their key differences will help you pick the perfect paint for a beautiful, successful outcome.
Hey there, DIY pals! Md Meraj here, ready to help you navigate the colorful world of paint. When you’re prepping to spruce up a room, one of the biggest decisions is picking the right paint. You might have seen Behr and Dunn-Edwards mentioned, and maybe wondered what sets them apart. It’s a common question, and honestly, it can feel a bit overwhelming with so many choices! Don’t worry, though. We’re going to break down exactly what makes these two popular paint brands different, so you can feel confident in your choice. Keep reading, and we’ll make choosing your next paint color and finish a breeze!
Behr Paint vs. Dunn-Edwards: A Quick Overview
Deciding between Behr and Dunn-Edwards often comes down to what you’re looking for in a paint: availability, budget, and professional-grade performance. Behr is a household name, easily found at The Home Depot, offering a vast selection that caters well to the average homeowner tackling DIY projects. It’s known for being user-friendly and cost-effective. Dunn-Edwards, on the other hand, is a bit more of a specialist, often favored by painting contractors and designers for its superior durability, richer colors, and exceptional coverage that can save you time and effort.
Where Can You Buy Behr and Dunn-Edwards Paint?
One of the most immediate differences you’ll notice is where you can get your hands on these paints. This accessibility plays a big role in which brand you might choose for a weekend project.
Behr Paint: Behr is famously sold exclusively at The Home Depot. This makes it incredibly convenient for most homeowners, as The Home Depot is a ubiquitous presence across the country. You can easily pop in for paint, brushes, and all your other DIY supplies in one stop.
Dunn-Edwards Paint: Dunn-Edwards paint is typically found at dedicated Dunn-Edwards stores or authorized independent paint dealers. This means you might need to do a little more searching to find a location, but it often comes with a more specialized customer service experience. The staff at these locations are usually very knowledgeable about paint and color. A good resource to find a dealer near you is the Dunn-Edwards Store Locator.
Key Differences: Quality, Performance, and Price
When we talk about paint quality and performance, we’re looking at things like how well it covers the surface, how durable the finish is, and how easy it is to work with. Price is, of course, a major factor for most DIYers.
1. Paint Quality and Coverage
This is where a lot of the professional versus DIY distinction comes in.
Behr Paint: Behr offers good coverage for most DIY projects. Their paints are formulated to be user-friendly, meaning they generally apply smoothly and evenly. For standard repainting jobs, Behr often requires two coats for excellent results. Some of their premium lines, like Marquee, are designed for one-coat coverage under specific conditions, but traditional two-coat application is common.
Dunn-Edwards Paint: Dunn Dunn-Edwards is renowned for its superior opacity and coverage. Many professional painters choose Dunn-Edwards because it often requires fewer coats, saving them time and reducing the amount of paint needed. This is particularly noticeable when painting over darker or more vibrant colors. Their formulations are designed for a richer, more vibrant finish that tends to last longer.
2. Durability and Finish
How well the paint holds up over time, especially in high-traffic areas, is crucial.
Behr Paint: Behr paints are durable and offer a good range of finishes from matte to high gloss. Their finishes are generally washable, making them suitable for most rooms in a home. For areas that see a lot of wear and tear, like kitchens or bathrooms, Behr offers specific formulations that are mildew-resistant and scrubbable.
Dunn-Edwards Paint: Dunn-Edwards is often considered to have a premium, more robust finish. Their paints are known for their excellent scrubbability and resistance to fading, even in direct sunlight. This makes them an excellent choice for high-moisture areas or rooms that get a lot of use. The colors often appear richer and have a more sophisticated sheen. One of their standout lines, perfect for high-traffic areas, is the Ever-Escote, which boasts exceptional durability.
3. Color Selection and Accuracy
Color is why we paint, right? Both brands offer a wide spectrum, but there are nuances.
Behr Paint: Behr boasts an extensive palette of colors, and their availability at The Home Depot means you can see many swatches and sample pots easily. They also frequently introduce new trending colors. Their color-matching system is generally quite good for replicating other brands’ colors in Behr paint.
Dunn-Edwards Paint: Dunn-Edwards is highly respected for the depth and accuracy of its colors. They offer a very broad range, including unique historical and custom shades. Professionals often praise Dunn-Edwards for their consistent color accuracy and the way colors appear on the wall versus on a swatch. Their color matching is also considered top-tier.
4. Price Point
Budget is always a consideration for any DIY project.
Behr Paint: Behr generally falls into the mid-to-upper-mid price range for DIY paints. While not the absolute cheapest option, it offers good value for its quality and performance, especially when considering its widespread availability and the ease of purchase.
Dunn-Edwards Paint: Dunn-Edwards is typically priced higher than Behr. This reflects its premium quality, professional-grade formulation, and often superior coverage. While the initial cost per gallon might be more, the potential need for fewer coats and its enhanced durability can make it a cost-effective choice in the long run.
Behr Paint vs. Dunn-Edwards: Product Lines to Consider (Beginner Focus)
Both brands offer a variety of paint lines, each designed for different needs. For beginners, focusing on user-friendly, all-purpose lines is usually best.
Behr’s Popular Lines for DIYers:
Behr ULTRA™: This is a popular choice for its good balance of performance and price. It’s a paint and primer in one, which can simplify the process for beginners, especially when painting over a similar color. It offers good durability and coverage for most interior applications.
Behr PREMIUM PLUS®: A step up from basic interior paints, this line is known for its excellent washability and stain resistance. It’s a solid, dependable choice for high-traffic areas like hallways and family rooms.
Behr MARQUEE®: This is Behr’s premium line, advertised with “One-Coat Color” technology. While not always achieving true one-coat coverage in every situation, it’s designed to provide superior hiding power and exceptional durability. It’s a good option if you want to minimize painting time and achieve a high-quality finish.
Dunn-Edwards’ Popular Lines for DIYers:
Dunn-Edwards SPARTASHIELD®: This is a versatile interior latex paint that offers excellent coverage and a durable finish. It’s a great all-around choice for most rooms in your home and is often used by professionals for its reliability.
Dunn-Edwards ARISTAFLEX®: For exceptional stain resistance and washability without sacrificing a beautiful finish, Aristaflex is a top pick. It’s ideal for areas that need to be cleaned often, such as kitchens, bathrooms, and kids’ rooms.
Dunn-Edwards GRIPPER®: This is a high-performance primer that’s excellent for difficult surfaces or when you need superior adhesion. While not technically a topcoat, good priming is key to a great paint job, and GRIPPER is a professional favorite.
Behr Paint vs. Dunn-Edwards: Side-by-Side Comparison
To help visualize the differences, here’s a table outlining some key aspects:
| Feature | Behr Paint | Dunn-Edwards Paint |
|---|---|---|
| Availability | Exclusively at The Home Depot | Dunn-Edwards stores and authorized dealers |
| Price Range | Mid to Upper-Mid | Higher (Premium) |
| Coverage | Good, generally requires 2 coats for best results (some premium lines offer one-coat claims) | Excellent, often fewer coats needed due to superior opacity |
| Durability | Good; washable and available in scrubbable formulations | Excellent; superior scrubbability, fade resistance, and longevity |
| Color Depth & Accuracy | Wide selection, good color matching | Highly regarded for rich, accurate colors and consistency |
| Formulation | User-friendly, DIY-focused | Professional-grade, preferred by contractors for performance |
| Ideal For | General home use, budget-conscious DIY, easy accessibility | High-traffic areas, demanding finishes, projects where longevity is key, professional results |
Where Can You Buy Behr and Dunn-Edwards Paint?
One of the most immediate differences you’ll notice is where you can get your hands on these paints. This accessibility plays a big role in which brand you might choose for a weekend project.
Behr Paint: Behr is famously sold exclusively at The Home Depot. This makes it incredibly convenient for most homeowners, as The Home Depot is a ubiquitous presence across the country. You can easily pop in for paint, brushes, and all your other DIY supplies in one stop.
Dunn-Edwards Paint: Dunn-Edwards paint is typically found at dedicated Dunn-Edwards stores or authorized independent paint dealers. This means you might need to do a little more searching to find a location, but it often comes with a more specialized customer service experience. The staff at these locations are usually very knowledgeable about paint and color. A good resource to find a dealer near you is the Dunn-Edwards Store Locator.
Frequently Asked Questions About Behr vs. Dunn-Edwards Paint
Here are some questions beginner DIYers often have about these paint brands:
Q1: Is Behr paint good enough for professionals?
A1: Behr is a very capable brand, especially for general home improvement. Many DIYers and even some contractors use it successfully. However, professional contractors often lean towards brands like Dunn-Edwards for their superior performance, coverage, and perceived higher quality, especially on larger or more demanding jobs.
Q2: Is Dunn-Edwards paint worth the extra cost for a beginner?
A2: For beginners, it can be. While it costs more per gallon, its superior coverage might mean you use less paint overall, and its durability means your paint job might last longer, saving you money and effort in the long run. If budget is very tight, Behr is still a solid choice.
Q3: Which brand has better color accuracy?
A3: Dunn-Edwards is generally considered to have superior color accuracy and depth. Professionals often praise their consistency, meaning the color you see on the swatch is very close to what you get on the wall.
Q4: Can I use Behr or Dunn-Edwards for exterior painting?
A4: Yes, both brands offer excellent exterior paint lines. Dunn-Edwards is particularly well-regarded for its exterior durability and fade resistance. Always choose a product specifically labeled for exterior use, as it’s formulated to withstand weather conditions.
Q5: How do I choose the right sheen for my walls?
A5: For most interior walls in living areas, eggshell or satin finishes are excellent. They offer a soft look and good washability. For kitchens and bathrooms, satin or semi-gloss are better due to moisture and the need for frequent cleaning. Flat or matte finishes are best for ceilings or walls with many imperfections, as they don’t reflect light and hide flaws.
Q6: What’s the main difference in how they feel* when painting?
A6: Many users find Dunn-Edwards has a smoother, richer feel as it glides onto the wall, often leading to less effort for full coverage. Behr applies well too, but some find it might require a bit more “working” the paint to achieve the same level of opacity, especially if you haven’t properly prepped or primed.
Conclusion: Making Your Choice
So, Behr paint vs. Dunn-Edwards – which one is right for your project? As your DIY mentor, my advice is to consider your priorities.
If you’re looking for incredible convenience, a wide range of readily available colors, and a solid, dependable paint that won’t break the bank, Behr is an excellent choice. It’s perfect for many homeowner projects, providing good results with user-friendly application. Its accessibility at The Home Depot means you can grab everything you need in one go, which is a big win for any DIYer.
On the other hand, if you’re aiming for that premium, long-lasting finish, want superior coverage that might save you time and paint, and are willing to invest a bit more upfront, Dunn-Edwards is a fantastic option. Professionals trust it for a reason – it delivers exceptional durability and color depth. It’s a great choice for high-impact areas or when you want your paint job to look its absolute best and last for years.
Ultimately, both brands are reputable and can help you achieve a beautiful result. Look at your budget, the specific needs of the room you’re painting, and how much time and effort you want to put in. Whichever you choose, remember to use good prep techniques, the right tools, and of course, a little bit of that DIY spirit! Happy painting!