🎨 The Ultimate Showdown: Contractor-Grade Paints Compared (Sherwin-Williams vs. Benjamin Moore vs. PPG vs. Pittsburgh)
By David @ D’Franco Painting & Wallpaper – where we paint it like we mean it.
🎯 Are All Contractor-Grade Paints Created Equal?
If you’ve ever stared down a sea of paint cans wondering, “Is this $30 gallon of paint really better than the $25 one?” — you’re not alone. Contractor-grade paints are marketed as the go-to for builders, painters, and budget-conscious homeowners. But are they all really the same under the lid? Once again we get into the JOe Friday- “jut the fact’s Ma’am”- Contractor-Grade Paints Compared
Short answer: nope. Long answer: grab your coffee — or roller — and let’s get into it.
At D’Franco Painting, we’ve used ‘em all. From ProMar 200 at Sherwin-Williams to Ultra Spec 500 from Benjamin Moore, to Speedhide from PPG and Pittsburgh Paints’ Hi-Hide lineup. Some more than others. We’re going to break this down like a paint can at the bottom of a ladder.
And yes — we’re including the pros, cons, cost, performance metrics, and some visual flair to keep things spicy. This information is based on us as painters, other painters in our area that we network with, feedback from homeowmers, on line reviews, store managers and deep AI research tools.
SO- dont shoot the messenger!!!
💥 The Contenders
- Sherwin-Williams ProMar 200 – The old faithful of builder paints.
- Benjamin Moore Ultra Spec 500 – The quiet overachiever.
- PPG Speedhide – The underdog with great footwork.
- Pittsburgh Paints Hi-Hide – PPG’s alter ego, same guts, different cape.
All tested. All used in real homes. No fluff. No paid sponsorships. Just the facts, sarcasm, and years of slingin’ brushes.
⚖️ Quick Comparison Table-Contractor-Grade Paints Compared
| Feature | ProMar 200 | Ultra Spec 500 | PPG Speedhide | Pittsburgh Hi-Hide |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg. Cost per Gallon | $30–$35 | $35–$40 | $25–$30 | $25–$30 |
| Sheens Available | Flat, Eggshell, Semi | Flat, Eggshell, Semi | Flat, Eggshell, Semi | Flat, Eggshell, Semi |
| Tint Bases (All Colors?) | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Washability (1–5) | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Scuff Resistance (1–5) | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ |
| Touch-Up Ease | 👍👍 | 👍👍👍 | 👍👍 | 👍👍 |
| VOC Level | Zero-VOC | Zero-VOC | Zero-VOC | Zero-VOC |
| Antimicrobial? | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Coverage (sq ft/gal) | 350–400 | 400+ | 400 | 400 |
(Ratings based on field experience and reviews from pro painter forums)
🧪 Paint by Paint Breakdown
🎨 Sherwin-Williams ProMar 200
What It Is: The workhorse. Builders love it, painters rely on it, property managers depend on it.
Where It Wins:
- Touches up well (your maintenance crew will thank you)
- Dries fast, low odor, covers decent
- Available everywhere — Sherwin stores are basically Starbucks now
- Great Price point
Where It Whiffs:
- Can feel thin, especially in lighter colors
- Not great in kitchens or high-traffic areas
- Wash it too hard? Burnishing happens (that’s paint talk for “shiny patch of sadness”)
Best For: Rental units, commercial jobs, homes where repainting is expected every 3–5 years
🎨 Benjamin Moore Ultra Spec 500
What It Is: The quiet MVP. Less marketing. More muscle.
Where It Wins:
- Excellent hide and coverage — fewer coats needed
- Washes better than you’d expect at this price point
- Looks and acts like a premium paint without the price tag
- Great prices as well
Where It Whiffs:
- Slightly pricier than its ProMar/PPG cousins
- Not as easy to find unless you’ve got a good BM dealer nearby
Best For: Homeowners who want durability without going full designer-paint-budget
🎨 PPG Speedhide
What It Is: The underdog. Surprisingly good — if you can find it.
Where It Wins:
- Lowest price of the bunch
- Solid coverage
- Low spatter when rolling (clean painters rejoice)
Where It Whiffs:
- Not as durable with scrubbing
- Might need a third coat if you’re going from navy to beige
Best For: Large jobs where cost is king, like apartments or flips
🎨 Pittsburgh Paints Hi-Hide
What It Is: PPG’s alter ego. Same DNA, with a little extra hide.
Where It Wins:
- Great hiding ability
- Easily tintable
- Often on sale at Menards (yes, we said it)
Where It Whiffs:
- Some inconsistency between batches noted by pro painters
- Doesn’t outperform Speedhide much — more of a clone
Best For: Fast repaints, budget-conscious crews, DIYers who want something easy and forgiving
📊 Graph It Out – Washability vs. Cost
Which one gives you the best scrub for your buck?
🤔 FAQs: What Homeowners Ask Us About These Paints
Q: Will these paints hold up to kids and pets? A: Maybe for a bit. If your kids treat the walls like a WWE ring, go Ultra Spec. Otherwise, expect to touch up ProMar or Speedhide every year or two.
Q: Can I use these Contractor-Grade Paints trim or doors? A: Technically, yes. But they’re not made for it. We recommend a dedicated trim enamel like Emerald Urethane or Advance.
Q: Are they all really Zero-VOC? A: Yep. Even with tint. You won’t get that “fresh paint headache” like in the old days.
Q: Why does one look different when I touch it up later? A: Usually the sheen or the lighting. Pro tip: keep extra paint labeled and stored in a cool dry place, and always stir it well before touching up.
🧠 Final Thoughts: Our Honest Take
At D’Franco, we use Ultra Spec 500 and ProMar 200 the most. Why?
- They work
- Easy to find in our area
- Our clients like the finish
- They’re priced well for what you get
But let’s be honest — none of these are the Iron Man of paint. They’re more like Hawkeye: skilled, affordable, gets the job done… just don’t expect them to take a missile to the face and walk away looking fresh.
Use the right paint for the right situation. And if you’re not sure what your home needs, you know who to call. (Best painters in South elgin and St Charles article)
We also love these brands cause of the paint reps and store managers that are easy to reach, quick to help!
. 👉 D’Franco Painting & Wallpaper YouTube
💰 Don’t Forget: Give $200, Get $200
Refer a friend and you both score $200 toward your next project. That’s basically 8 gallons of Speedhide, or one wall painted in pure joy.
🙌 All Our Success? It’s Because of Our Faith in Christ
We serve because we’ve been served — and we’re thankful for every opportunity. Visit our church family
Written by the crew who’s spilled more paint than most have used: D’Franco Painting & Wallpaper, serving Huntley, Elgin, Crystal Lake, and beyond.
#interiorpainting #paintcomparison #dfrancopainting #promar200 #ultraspec500 #ppgspeedhide #paintreview #chicagopainters #newcovenantbiblechurch
