Sherwin-Williams vs Benjamin Moore (2026) — Premium Paint Comparison
Both excellent. Benjamin Moore: better color depth, better trim/cabinet paint (Advance), pricier. Sherwin-Williams: easier availability, broader contractor support, similar quality at slightly lower price.
Sherwin-Williams and Benjamin Moore are the two premium paint brands every California pro uses. Both are excellent. The differences come down to specific products, color matching, and where you can buy locally.
Quick Comparison
| Pick | Best For | Approx Price |
|---|---|---|
| Best Premium Wall (Either) | Benjamin Moore Aura Interior Paint (Eggshell) | $80-$110/gal |
| Best Cabinet (BM Wins) | Benjamin Moore Advance Waterborne Alkyd (Satin) | $70-$90/gal |
| Best SW Premium | Sherwin-Williams Emerald Interior Acrylic Latex (Eggshell) | $75-$95/gal |
Our Picks
Quick Comparison
| Criterion | Sherwin-Williams | Benjamin Moore |
|---|---|---|
| Premium interior | Emerald | Aura |
| Premium exterior | Emerald Exterior | Aura Exterior |
| Trim/cabinet | Emerald Urethane | Advance Waterborne Alkyd |
| Color depth | Excellent | Industry-best |
| Color matching | Excellent | Excellent |
| Availability | Stores everywhere | Independent dealers only |
| Contractor pricing | 20-40% off retail | 15-30% off retail |
| Price (premium gal) | $75-95 | $80-110 |
Where Benjamin Moore Wins
Color depth — BM colors look richer in mid-tones, especially on south-facing walls in California sun. The Aura line specifically has the deepest blacks and most saturated mid-tones.
Advance Waterborne Alkyd for trim and cabinets is the gold standard. Self-leveling, brushstroke-free, cures hard. We use it on every premium cabinet job.
Where Sherwin-Williams Wins
Availability — SW stores are everywhere in California. BM is limited to independent dealers, which means less convenience but tighter inventory.
Contractor pricing — SW gives bigger discounts on volume. For pros painting full houses, this matters.
Which Should You Buy?
For walls: either. Pick by color match — bring a swatch to both stores and choose the one with the better match.
For cabinets/trim: Benjamin Moore Advance. There's no SW equivalent that self-levels as cleanly.
For exterior: either. SW Emerald Exterior is slightly more durable in California sun than BM Aura.
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Get a Painting Quote →Frequently Asked Questions
Are they really better than Behr Marquee?
Marginally. BM Aura and SW Emerald hide better in tricky colors. Behr Marquee is excellent for the price.
Can I get color matched between the two?
Yes — both can match the other's colors using their tint systems. Match isn't always 100% perfect but close.
Is Aura worth $30 more than Regal Select?
For dramatic colors and deep tones: yes. For light/neutral colors: no, Regal Select is plenty.
Which is more eco-friendly?
Both have zero-VOC lines (Natura from BM, Harmony from SW). Equal on environmental specs.
Pro painters: does brand affect quote?
Slightly. SW contractor pricing is better, so SW jobs sometimes cost less. Bring your color preference; we accommodate either.
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