Benjamin Moore vs Sherwin-Williams: Which Paint Is Better?

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Neither brand wins outright — the better paint depends on the project. Benjamin Moore edges ahead on color depth and interior wall paint (Regal Select and Aura are industry benchmarks), while Sherwin-Williams wins on availability, contractor pricing, and cabinet enamels (Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel is the pro standard). For most DIY homeowners, you will be happy with either brand’s premium line — but the details below will steer you to the right product.

Head-to-Head Comparison Table

Category	Benjamin Moore	Sherwin-Williams	Winner
Flagship interior paint	Regal Select (~$70/gal)	Emerald (~$90/gal)	BM (value)
Top-tier interior paint	Aura (~$85/gal)	Emerald (~$90/gal)	Tie
Mid-range interior paint	Ben (~$52/gal)	SuperPaint (~$65/gal)	SW (performance)
Cabinet/trim enamel	Advance (~$75/gal)	Emerald Urethane (~$95/gal)	SW (durability)
Coverage (one-coat hiding)	Excellent (Aura/Regal)	Excellent (Emerald/Duration)	Tie
Color palette size	~3,500 colors	~1,700 colors	BM
Retail availability	Independent dealers only	4,000+ company stores + Lowe’s	SW
Contractor/pro pricing	Dealer-dependent	Deep pro discounts (30-40%)	SW
Touch-up ability	Excellent (Regal/Aura)	Very good (Emerald)	BM (slight edge)
Zero-VOC options	Natura, Aura, Regal Select	Harmony, Emerald	Tie

Prices are approximate 2025-2026 US retail per gallon; regional pricing and sales vary significantly, especially at Sherwin-Williams stores.

Interior Wall Paint Showdown: Regal Select vs Emerald

This is the matchup most homeowners actually face. Benjamin Moore Regal Select and Sherwin-Williams Emerald are the two most-specified premium interior paints in North America.

Coverage and Hiding

Both cover exceptionally well. Aura (BM’s step above Regal) is widely considered the best-hiding paint on the consumer market thanks to its Color Lock technology, which binds pigment more densely. Emerald matches it closely — independent tests consistently put both in the top tier, with Aura holding a slight edge in one-coat coverage over deep or vivid colors.

Washability and Durability

Emerald’s cross-linking technology gives it outstanding scrubbability — Sherwin-Williams markets it as their most washable interior paint, and it holds up in real-world testing against repeated cleaning. Regal Select is also highly scrubbable and resists burnishing (shiny spots from rubbing) better than most paints, which matters in matte and eggshell finishes.

Application Feel

Regal Select is famously easy to work with: it flows smoothly, levels well, and is forgiving for DIY brush and roller work. Emerald is slightly thicker and can drag if overworked, but experienced painters love its build and finish quality. For a first-time DIYer, Regal Select is the friendlier paint.

Price Reality

Regal Select typically retails around $70/gallon while Emerald lists near $90/gallon. However, Sherwin-Williams runs 30-40% off sales several times a year, which can bring Emerald below Regal’s everyday price. If you are not in a hurry, waiting for a SW sale is the best value in premium paint.

Cabinet and Trim Enamel Showdown: Advance vs Emerald Urethane

For cabinets, doors, and trim, the contest is Benjamin Moore Advance versus Sherwin-Williams Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel — and here Sherwin-Williams takes the crown.

Hardness and Durability

Emerald Urethane cures to a harder, more chemical-resistant film than Advance. In kitchen cabinet applications — the harshest test for any enamel, with grease, moisture, and daily handling — Emerald Urethane consistently shows less chipping and wear over time. Most professional cabinet refinishers now specify it as their default.

Finish Quality

Advance levels beautifully and was the product that proved waterborne alkyds could rival oil-based enamels. It sprays and brushes to a gorgeous smooth finish. Emerald Urethane matches it on leveling and adds superior hardness. Both need their full cure time (up to 30 days) before heavy use — the most common DIY cabinet mistake is rushing this.

Working Time

Advance’s longer open time makes it more forgiving for brush application, which DIYers appreciate. Emerald Urethane sets faster, which is efficient for pros but less forgiving for beginners. If you are brushing (not spraying) cabinets yourself, Advance is the easier product to get right.

Price Comparison: What You’ll Actually Pay

List prices tell only half the story. Benjamin Moore sells exclusively through independent dealers, so prices are relatively stable — Regal Select around $70, Aura around $85, Ben around $52 per gallon. Discounts are modest and dealer-dependent.

Sherwin-Williams owns its stores and runs aggressive promotions. Emerald lists near $90 but routinely sells for $55-65 during 30-40% off events. Duration (~$80 list) and SuperPaint (~$65 list) drop proportionally. Contractors with pro accounts pay 30-40% below list year-round, which is why pros overwhelmingly buy SW.

Bottom line on price: at list price, BM is cheaper at the premium tier. At sale price, SW usually wins. Patient shoppers should watch for SW sales; BM buyers should find a dealer they like and stick with them.

Color Systems: Where Benjamin Moore Pulls Ahead

Benjamin Moore’s color library (~3,500 colors) is roughly double Sherwin-Williams’ (~1,700), and — more importantly — BM’s colors are widely regarded as richer and more nuanced. Iconic colors like Hale Navy (HC-154), White Dove (OC-17), Revere Pewter (HC-172), and Kendall Charcoal (HC-166) have no exact equivalents elsewhere, which is why designers often spec BM colors even when the painter buys SW paint (both brands can color-match each other’s formulas, with slight variation).

Sherwin-Williams counters with excellent curated collections and arguably better-organized fan decks. Their most popular colors — Agreeable Gray (SW 7029), Alabaster (SW 7008), Urbane Bronze (SW 7048) — are staples for good reason. But for sheer color depth and designer cachet, BM wins.

Availability: Sherwin-Williams’ Decisive Advantage

There are over 4,000 Sherwin-Williams stores in the US plus availability at Lowe’s. You can walk into a store in nearly any metro area, get expert advice, and leave with paint the same day. Weekend warriors love this.

Benjamin Moore is sold only through independent retailers. In major cities you will find several; in smaller markets you may drive 30+ minutes. Dealer quality varies — great dealers offer superb advice, mediocre ones just sell cans. Check dealer reviews before committing to BM in an unfamiliar area.

Verdict by Project Type

• DIY interior walls (first-timer): Benjamin Moore Regal Select — most forgiving application, excellent touch-up, fair everyday price.
• DIY interior walls (deal hunter): Sherwin-Williams Emerald on 30-40% sale — unbeatable premium paint value.
• Kitchen cabinets (DIY brushing): Benjamin Moore Advance — longer open time, beautiful leveling, easier for beginners.
• Kitchen cabinets (pro or sprayer): Sherwin-Williams Emerald Urethane — hardest cure, best long-term durability.
• Whole-house repaint by a contractor: Sherwin-Williams — pro pricing makes premium paint affordable at scale.
• Color-critical designer project: Benjamin Moore — unmatched color depth; have your painter use the actual BM product, not a match.
• Budget repaint: Sherwin-Williams SuperPaint on sale, or Behr Marquee from Home Depot — both punch above their price.

Exterior Paint: Aura vs Duration Exterior

The interior verdict doesn’t automatically carry outside. Benjamin Moore Aura Exterior and Sherwin-Williams Duration Exterior are both premium exterior paints, and the comparison is tighter here than indoors.

Weather and Fade Resistance

Both use advanced resin technology to resist fading, cracking, and peeling. Aura Exterior is known for exceptional color retention on deep and vivid colors — its Color Lock technology pays off in harsh sun. Duration Exterior counters with thicker film build and excellent mildew resistance, which matters in humid climates where algae and mildew are the real enemies.

Application and Dry Time

Duration Exterior’s self-priming formula covers well in fewer coats on previously painted surfaces, a real labor saver on a whole house. Aura Exterior applies smoothly and touches up well, which matters for multi-day exterior projects where you stop and restart across changing weather.

Price and Availability

Pricing mirrors the interior story: Aura Exterior runs around $85–$95 per gallon at independent dealers, while Duration Exterior lists near $80–$90 but drops 30–40% during Sherwin-Williams sales. Availability strongly favors Sherwin-Williams — exterior projects need large quantities fast, and a SW store nearby is a genuine advantage when you run short on a Saturday.

Dry Times, VOCs, and Odor: The Livability Factors

Beyond performance claims, consider what it’s like to live with the painting process. Both brands’ premium lines are low- or zero-VOC, so odor is minimal compared to older paints — with ventilation, you can sleep in a room painted that morning.

Benjamin Moore Natura is the only paint certified asthma- and allergy-friendly, which matters for sensitive households and nurseries. Sherwin-Williams Harmony also offers zero-VOC with odor-eliminating technology. For dry times, SW Emerald and BM Regal Select both recoat in about 4 hours; BM Advance (the cabinet enamel) is the outlier at 16 hours. If you’re painting while living in the house, faster recoat times mean less disruption — another point for Emerald on whole-house jobs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Sherwin-Williams match Benjamin Moore colors?

Yes, and vice versa. Both brands’ computerized matching is very good, but matches are typically 95-98% accurate — not identical. For critical colors (especially deep or complex ones), buy the actual brand’s paint rather than a match.

Is Aura worth the extra cost over Regal Select?

For deep, vivid colors or challenging coverage situations, yes — Aura’s hiding is measurably better. For standard off-whites and neutrals over primed or previously painted walls, Regal Select performs nearly identically for less money.

Which brand do professional painters prefer?

Most residential pros use Sherwin-Williams, driven by pro pricing, store availability, and the strength of Emerald Urethane for trim and cabinets. High-end designer-project painters often prefer Benjamin Moore for color and wall-paint performance.

How long do these paints last on interior walls?

Premium interior paints from either brand last 7-10 years on walls in normal conditions before needing refresh for appearance. Bathrooms and kitchens may need attention sooner due to moisture.

By Ella Knight

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