California Paints vs Benjamin Moore The Definitive Winner
For most DIYers and homeowners, Benjamin Moore is the definitive winner. Its widespread availability, user-friendly application, and vast, reliable color selection make it the go-to choice. While California Paints offers exceptional quality and durability, its limited availability often makes it impractical for the average person’s weekend project.
Picking the right paint can feel overwhelming. You walk into a store, see rows and rows of cans, and two names always seem to pop up: Benjamin Moore and California Paints. You’ve probably heard friends or even professional painters swear by one or the other. It leaves you wondering, which one is actually better for my project? It’s a common question, and I’m here to help you figure it out.
Don’t worry, we’re going to break it all down in simple terms. I’ll walk you through the key differences, from how the paint feels going on the wall to how it holds up against scuffs and spills. By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly which brand is the right partner for your next woodworking project or room makeover.
Understanding the Contenders: A Quick Look at Each Brand
Before we dive into a side-by-side comparison, let’s get to know our two paint giants. They both have long histories and great reputations, but they come from slightly different places.
Benjamin Moore: The Household Name
If you’ve ever painted anything, you’ve heard of Benjamin Moore. Founded way back in 1883, this company is a cornerstone of the paint world. They are known for exceptional quality, innovation, and an almost legendary color collection. You can find Benjamin Moore in thousands of independent hardware stores and dedicated retailers across the country. This makes it incredibly easy for homeowners and DIY enthusiasts to get their hands on a can whenever inspiration strikes.
- Widespread Availability: Easy to find in local stores.
- Trusted Reputation: A brand people have relied on for over a century.
- Iconic Colors: Known for rich, complex colors that designers love.
California Paints: The Professional’s Choice
California Paints might not be as famous in every household, but it has a fiercely loyal following among professional painters and contractors. Established in 1926, this brand has built its name on creating durable, high-performance coatings. They are often praised for their innovative formulas, like their 2010 line with its unique micro-emulsion technology. California Paints is more of a specialty brand, typically sold through exclusive dealers, meaning you might have to search a little harder to find it.
- Pro-Grade Quality: Formulated for superior durability and performance.
- Innovative Formulas: Known for cutting-edge paint technology.
- Limited Availability: Sold through a smaller network of specialty retailers.
Head-to-Head Comparison: The Key Factors
Alright, let’s put these two paints to the test. To find a true winner for your needs, we need to compare them on the things that matter most: application, durability, color, price, and more.
Coverage and Application: How They Go On
How a paint feels when you apply it can make or break a project. You want something that glides on smoothly and covers well, so you don’t have to spend all weekend applying coat after coat.
Benjamin Moore is famous for being beginner-friendly. Paints like Regal Select are creamy, easy to work with, and level out beautifully, which helps minimize brush and roller marks. It has excellent “hide,” meaning it does a great job of covering old colors or small imperfections in just one or two coats. This saves you time and effort.
California Paints is also a high-quality paint that applies well, but it can sometimes feel a bit thicker to those not used to it. Professional painters often love this consistency, as it means less dripping and splattering. Their high-end lines, like the 2010 series, offer phenomenal coverage, often covering in a single coat where other paints might need two. For a beginner, the learning curve might be slightly steeper, but the results are fantastic.
Winner: Benjamin Moore (for its user-friendliness)
Durability and Longevity: How They Hold Up
Whether you’re painting a bookshelf or a kitchen wall, you want the finish to last. Durability means resistance to scuffs, stains, and fading over time.
Both brands excel in this category. Benjamin Moore’s premium lines, like Aura and Regal Select, are famous for their washability and toughness. You can easily scrub away crayon marks or food splatters without damaging the finish. They also use high-quality pigments that resist fading from sunlight, keeping your colors true for years.
California Paints often shines brightest when it comes to durability. Their products, especially lines like Super-Scrub and the ceramic-fortified 2010 line, are engineered to withstand serious wear and tear. This is why you’ll often find California Paints in high-traffic commercial spaces like schools and hospitals. It’s an incredibly tough paint that’s built to last.
Winner: California Paints (by a slight edge for its specialized, ultra-durable formulas)
Color Selection and Accuracy: Finding Your Perfect Shade
Choosing a color is the most exciting part of any painting project! You need a brand that not only has a wide selection but also provides colors that look as good on your wall as they do on the swatch.
Benjamin Moore is an undisputed king of color. With over 3,500 shades, their color library is vast and iconic. Designers and homeowners love their curated collections and the complexity of their colors, which seem to shift beautifully in different lights. Their Gennex® Color Technology ensures that the color in the can is vibrant, true, and long-lasting because the colorants are mixed in without certain chemicals that can weaken paint over time.
California Paints also offers a beautiful and extensive color palette. They are known for having unique, historically accurate color collections and sophisticated shades. Their color matching technology is excellent, and their pigments are high-quality. However, their library isn’t quite as vast or as widely recognized as Benjamin Moore’s legendary collection.
Winner: Benjamin Moore (for its sheer volume of iconic colors and advanced color technology)
Price and Value: What’s the Cost?
Let’s talk money. Neither of these brands is a “budget” paint. You are paying for premium quality. However, there are still differences in price, and it’s important to think about value, not just the upfront cost.
A more expensive paint that covers in one coat can be cheaper in the long run than a “bargain” paint that requires three coats and a separate primer. Here’s a general price comparison for their popular interior lines:
| Paint Tier | Benjamin Moore Line | Approx. Price/Gallon | California Paints Line | Approx. Price/Gallon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Good (Mid-Tier) | Regal Select | $70 – $80 | Super-Scrub | $65 – $75 |
| Better (Premium) | Aura | $85 – $95 | 2010 | $80 – $90 |
| Best (Specialty) | Aura Bath & Spa | $90 – $100 | Elements | $85 – $95 |
As you can see, they are very closely priced. California Paints tends to be slightly less expensive for a comparable product. However, the real value comes from performance. Both brands offer such good coverage and durability that they often save you money on labor and extra paint, making them a great investment.
Winner: Tie. Both offer excellent value for their price point.
Availability and Accessibility: Where Can You Buy Them?
This is where we see the biggest difference between the two brands, and it’s often the deciding factor for most people.
Benjamin Moore has a massive retail network. You can find their paint at thousands of dedicated Benjamin Moore stores and independent hardware stores all over the country. Chances are, there’s a retailer within a short drive from your home. This makes it easy to grab a sample, ask for advice, or pick up an extra gallon if you run short.
California Paints is much more exclusive. It’s sold through a limited number of specialty paint dealers. In some areas, you might not be able to find a supplier at all. This limited availability makes it a challenge for the average DIYer to access the brand, even if they want to try it.
Winner: Benjamin Moore (by a landslide)
VOCs and Environmental Friendliness: The Health Factor
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are chemicals released into the air from paint as it dries. They can affect air quality, so many people look for low-VOC or zero-VOC options, especially for indoor projects. For more information, you can read the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s guide on VOCs.
Both brands have made huge strides in this area and offer excellent eco-friendly options.
Benjamin Moore’s Aura and Regal Select lines are low-VOC. They also offer a zero-VOC paint called Eco Spec®, which is a great choice for nurseries, bedrooms, or anyone sensitive to chemical odors.
California Paints has long been a leader in this space. Their flagship 2010 line is a zero-VOC paint that also has very low odor. They also have other environmentally friendly product lines, proving their commitment to creating healthier coatings.
Winner: Tie. Both companies offer excellent low and zero-VOC choices.
So, Which Paint Should You Choose?
After looking at all the factors, the “definitive winner” really depends on you and your project. Let me break it down into a simple choice for you.
Choose Benjamin Moore If…
- You’re a DIYer or beginner. Its user-friendly formula is more forgiving and easier to apply for a beautiful finish.
- You need easy access to paint. With stores all over, you can quickly get supplies and expert advice.
- You want the perfect color. Their massive and iconic color selection is unmatched.
- You’re painting a standard room in your home. For living rooms, bedrooms, and hallways, Regal Select offers the perfect balance of price, durability, and ease of use.
Choose California Paints If…
- You have a dealer nearby. If accessibility isn’t an issue for you, it’s an excellent brand to consider.
- You prioritize maximum durability. For a project that will take a lot of abuse (like kitchen cabinets, mudroom walls, or commercial spaces), their Super-Scrub or 2010 lines are tough to beat.
- You are an experienced painter. If you’re comfortable with professional-grade paints, you’ll appreciate the quality and performance.
- You’re looking for a specific high-performance formula. Their specialized coatings offer solutions that other brands might not have.
The Final Verdict
When it comes to California Paints vs. Benjamin Moore, there isn’t one “bad” choice. Both are premium brands that will give you a beautiful, long-lasting finish. However, for the vast majority of homeowners, DIYers, and woodworking enthusiasts, Benjamin Moore is the clear winner.
Its combination of widespread availability, beginner-friendly application, and an incredible color library makes it the most practical and reliable choice. It takes the stress out of painting and empowers you to get a professional-looking result with confidence.
California Paints is a phenomenal product, but its limited access makes it a niche choice. If you happen to live near a dealer and need ultimate durability, give it a try. Otherwise, you can walk into almost any town, grab a can of Benjamin Moore, and know you’re getting one of the best paints money can buy. Now go get started on that project—you’ve got this!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is California Paints as good as Benjamin Moore?
Yes, in terms of quality and durability, California Paints is absolutely as good as Benjamin Moore. In some high-performance categories, like scuff resistance, some pros would even say it’s better. The main difference isn’t quality—it’s availability.
Why is Benjamin Moore so popular?
Benjamin Moore is popular because it strikes the perfect balance of professional-grade quality and homeowner accessibility. It’s easy to find, easy to use, has a legendary color selection, and delivers consistently beautiful and durable results.
Is expensive paint really worth it for a small project?
Yes, absolutely. High-quality paint like Benjamin Moore or California Paints has better pigments and binders. This means it covers better in fewer coats, saving you time and effort. It also creates a more durable finish that looks better and lasts much longer, which is especially important for furniture or cabinets.
Where can I buy California Paints?
California Paints is sold through a network of exclusive, independent dealers. You cannot find it in big-box home improvement stores. You’ll need to use the dealer locator on their official website to see if there is a store in your area.
Do I always need a primer with these paints?
Not always. Many modern paints from both brands are “paint and primer in one.” They do a great job covering previously painted surfaces in good condition. However, you should always use a dedicated primer when painting over bare wood, new drywall, glossy surfaces, or making a drastic color change (like from dark red to light yellow).
What are VOCs and why should I care?
VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) are chemical solvents in paint that get released into the air as the paint dries. They can cause headaches and dizziness and contribute to indoor air pollution. Choosing a low-VOC or zero-VOC paint is healthier for you and your family, especially for interior projects like bedrooms and living areas.
Can I use interior house paint on furniture?
You can, but it’s very important to prepare the surface correctly and choose the right paint. For furniture, you want an extremely durable enamel paint. Benjamin Moore’s ADVANCE is an excellent choice specifically designed for cabinets and trim. A high-quality interior paint like Regal Select can also work if you properly sand, prime, and apply a protective topcoat like a clear polyurethane.
