Sherwin Williams and Benjamin Moore Paint-A Comprehensive Guide to interior paint

The Time has come to paint you house. Maybe your moving in, maybe moving out. It maybe 15 years since you last painted and your tired of seeing the red walls in your dining room. Now you are looking on line and have a handfull of paint swatches- but your not sure what kind of paint to get! I hear ya!! So here is somethng to help-Sherwin Williams and Benjamin Moore Paint-A Comprehensive Guide to interior paint

Sherwin-Williams and Benjamin Moore are two paint giants that have been locked in a paint and color wars for decades.

Suddenly, you’re hit with a wave of questions:

“Which one is better?”

“What’s the difference?”

“Why does this can cost more than my weekly grocery bill?”

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t worry – you’re not alone. We get it – choosing the right paint can feel like trying to pick the winning lottery numbers. But fear not! We’re here to tear down the curtain of confusion in the world of Sherwin-Williams and Benjamin Moore paints, breaking down their grades, sheens, best uses, and even those jaw-dropping price tags.

By the End of this article You’ll understand:

1. The different grades of paint offered by Sherwin-Williams and Benjamin Moore
2. The various sheens available and when to use them
3. The best uses for each grade of paint
4. The approximate cost per gallon for each type (spoiler alert: your wallet might need a hug)

So, grab a cup of coffee, settle into your favorite chair (the one with the paint stain you’ve been meaning to cover up), and let’s dive into the colorful world of premium paints.

Sherwin Williams Paint Grades- the Good, Better Best

Lets just list them as we go…

Emerald Interior Acrylic Latex Paint

Emerald is Sherwin-Williams’ top-of-the-line interior paint

• Sheens: Flat, Matte, Satin, Semi-Gloss
• Best Use: High-traffic areas, kitchens, bathrooms, trim
• Approximate Cost: $80-$90 per gallon

This is the Rolls-Royce of Sherwin-Williams paints. It’s like the overachiever of the paint world – resistant to water streaking, easy to clean, and it even helps reduce indoor odors. If your walls could wear a tuxedo, this would be it.

Duration Home Interior Acrylic Latex Paint

• High-performance paint with excellent durability
• Sheens: Flat, Matte, Satin, Semi-Gloss
• Best Use: Living rooms, bedrooms, hallways
• Approximate Cost: $70-$80 per gallon

Duration is like that reliable friend who’s always there when you need them. It’s tough, it’s durable, and it can handle a good scrubbing without complaining.

Cashmere Interior Acrylic Latex Paint

• Known for its smooth application and rich finish
• Sheens: Flat Enamel, Low Lustre, Medium Lustre, Pearl
• Best Use: Bedrooms, living rooms, dining rooms
• Approximate Cost: $60-$70 per gallon

If your walls could wear pajamas, they’d choose Cashmere. It goes on smoother than a jazz saxophone solo and leaves a finish so rich, you might be tempted to pet your walls.

SuperPaint Interior Acrylic Latex Paint

• Good all-around performer
• Sheens: Flat, Satin, Semi-Gloss
• Best Use: General purpose for most rooms
• Approximate Cost: $50-$60 per gallon

SuperPaint is like the Swiss Army knife of paints. It’s not flashy, but it gets the job done and does it well. It’s the paint equivalent of that reliable sedan in your driveway. Another Perk is that they have paint that hase sanitizing and odor eliminating options too!

ProMar 200 Interior Latex Paint

• Professional-grade paint often used by contractors
• Sheens: Flat, Low Sheen, Eg-Shel, Semi-Gloss
• Best Use: New construction, repaints, commercial spaces
• Approximate Cost: $40-$50 per gallon

This is the paint contractors reach for when they need to get the job done quickly and efficiently. It’s like the worker bee of the paint world – no frills, just solid performance.

Benajamin Moore Paint grades- the Good, Better Best

Aura Interior Paint

• Benjamin Moore’s premium offering
• Sheens: Matte, Eggshell, Satin, Semi-Gloss
• Best Use: Any room, especially high-traffic areas
• Approximate Cost: $80-$90 per gallon

Aura is like the paint version of a superhero. It covers like a dream, resists just about everything, and even comes with its own color lock technology. If your walls could flex, they would after being painted with Aura.

Regal Select Interior Paint

• High-quality paint with excellent coverage
• Sheens: Flat, Matte, Eggshell, Pearl, Semi-Gloss
• Best Use: Living rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms
• Approximate Cost: $60-$70 per gallon

Regal Select is the paint equivalent of that friend who’s good at everything. It covers well, cleans up easily, and looks great doing it. It’s a royal pain… for stains, that is!

Ben Interior Paint

• Good quality paint at a more affordable price point
• Sheens: Flat, Eggshell, Semi-Gloss
• Best Use: General purpose for most rooms
• Approximate Cost: $45-$55 per gallon

Don’t let the lowercase name fool you – ben packs a uppercase punch. It’s like the scrappy underdog of the Benjamin Moore lineup, offering solid performance without breaking the bank.

Ultra Spec 500 Interior Paint

• Ultra Spec 500 Interior Paint
• Professional-grade paint for large economy based projects
• Sheens: Flat, Low Sheen, Eggshell, Semi-Gloss, Gloss
• Best Use: New construction, commercial spaces, large residential projects • Approximate Cost: $35-$45 per gallon

Ultra Spec 500 is the marathon runner of paints. It might not have all the bells and whistles, but it’ll go the distance and still look good at the finish line.

Understanding Paint Sheens

Now that we’ve covered the grades, let’s talk about sheens. Types of paint are easy compared to Paint Sheens. Choosing the right sheen is like picking the right outfit for an occasion – it can make or break the look.

1. Flat/Matte: The ninja of the paint world. It hides imperfections like a pro but isn’t great at fighting off stains. Best for low-traffic areas like bedrooms and living rooms.
2. Eggshell/Low Lustre/Velvet: The Goldilocks of sheens – not too shiny, not too dull. Good for moderate-traffic areas like hallways and family rooms.
3. Satin/Pearl: The beauty queen of sheens. It’s got a subtle glow that looks great in any light. Perfect for kitchens, bathrooms, and kids’ rooms.
4. Semi-Gloss: The sporty cousin of the sheen family. It’s durable and easy to clean, making it great for trim, doors, and cabinets.
5. Gloss: The diva of sheens. It’s shiny, it’s bold, and it wants all the attention. Use sparingly on trim or to create dramatic accents.

Which paint should I Use to paint my house?

• Premium Grades (Emerald, Aura): These are your go-to paints for high-traffic areas, kitchens, bathrooms, and anywhere you want the best performance and longest-lasting finish. They’re like the first-class ticket of the paint world – expensive, but oh so worth it.
• Mid-Range Grades (Duration, Regal Select): Perfect for living rooms, bedrooms, and dining rooms. They offer a great balance of performance and value, like flying premium economy.
• Economy Grades (ProMar 200, Ultra Spec 500): Ideal for large projects, new construction, or areas that will likely be repainted in a few years. They’re the economy seats of paint – they’ll get you there, but don’t expect any frills.

How mush does a gallon of paint cost?

As Tom Seleck used to say in Magnum PI- “I know what you’re thinking and your probably right”– “Why does paint cost more than my favorite bottle of wine?” Well, unlike that fine wine, that you eventually flush down the toilet- quality paint is worth the investment. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Premium Grades: $80-$90 per gallon
• Mid-Range Grades: $60-$70 per gallon
• Economy Grades: $35-$50 per gallon

Remember, these are approximate costs and can vary based on location, sheen, volume of pait you or the paint contractor buys, and sales. And yes, we know these prices might make your wallet weep, but think of it this way – you’re not just buying paint, you’re investing in your home’s beauty and protection.

Final thoughts on Buying Interior Paint

You’ve made it through our crash course in Sherwin-Williams and Benjamin Moore Paint A Comprehensive Guide to interior paint You should feel more like a paint pro and less like a deer caught in the colorful headlights of the paint aisle.

Let’s review what we’ve learned:

1. Both Sherwin-Williams and Benjamin Moore offer a range of paint grades to suit different needs and budgets.
2. The right sheen can make a big difference in both appearance and performance.
3. Higher-grade paints generally offer better coverage, durability, and ease of cleaning – but they come with a higher price tag.
4. Choosing the right paint is about balancing quality, performance, and budget for your specific project.

Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to paint. The “best” paint is the one that meets your specific needs, whether that’s durability for a kid’s room, elegance for a formal dining room, or budget-friendliness for a rental property.

The right paint can transform a space from drab to fab. Whether you decide to tackle the painting yourself or call in the pros (hint, hint- schedule a estimate now), we hope this guide has given you the confidence to make an informed decision.

And hey, if you find yourself staring at a wall of paint swatches, wondering if “Agreeable Gray” is really all that agreeable, just remember – it’s only paint. In the grand scheme of things, choosing between “Revere Pewter” and “Stonington Gray” isn’t going to make or break your life. Unless, of course, you pick a color your spouse hates – then all bets are off!

Happy painting, and may your walls always be free of fingerprints, scuff marks, and crayon “art”!

For more information on painting techniques and tools, check out these helpful resources:

1. This Old House’s guide to painting tools: https://www.thisoldhouse.com/painting/21015476/painting-tools
2. Family Handyman’s tips for painting like a pro: https://www.familyhandyman.com/list/tips-for-painting-walls-like-a-pro/
3. Sherwin-Williams’ how-to guides: https://www.sherwin-williams.com/homeowners/how-to
4. Benjamin Moore’s painting tips: https://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us/interior-exterior-paints-stains/how-to-advice

Remember, when in doubt, don’t hesitate to consult with a professional. We at Dfranco Painting and Wallpaper are always here to help you love the space your in!