Why is Paint so Expensive?
Not all paint is created equal. If you’ve ever wandered into Home Depot, Sherwin-Williams, or Benjamin Moore and found yourself staring at a wall of paint cans with prices ranging from $35 up to $140 per gallon, you’ve probably wondered: What’s the difference? Why does one cost 4x as much?
Spoiler alert: The difference isn’t just in the price tag. It’s in how many coats you’ll need, how long it’ll last, how good it’ll look, and ultimately, how much it’ll cost you in the long run.
We’ll compare the big players—Home Depot’s Behr and Glidden, Sherwin-Williams, and Benjamin Moore—and see who stands tall when it comes to coverage, durability, finish, and more. Let’s go!
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1. Coverage: How Many Coats Are You Willing to Roll?
Home Depot (Behr & Glidden)
Coverage Rating: 5/10
Budget-friendly? Yes. Efficient? Not so much. With these paints, expect to apply 2 or 3 coats to achieve an even, consistent finish, if you’re covering a dark color or painting over a textured wall you may need 4 or 5 coats.
Why It’s Cheap: These paints have a low volume of solids. Solids are pigments and binders which give the paint its’ opacity. Pigments provide color, but budget paints typically use lower-quality pigments or less of them, leading to thinner coverage.
Why It Matters: More coats = more time, more labor, and more gallons of paint.
Sherwin-Williams (SuperPaint & Emerald)
Coverage Rating: 8/10
These mid-range paints offer significantly better coverage. You can typically get away with 2 coats, and in some cases, one coat if you’re working with a similar base color.
The pigments are more refined, and the paint adheres well to a variety of surfaces.
Why It’s Better: They have a higher concentration of solids and premium pigments like titanium dioxide (TiO₂), which provides superior hiding power and brightness.
Benjamin Moore (Aura)
Coverage Rating: 10/10
This is where you really see the value of premium paint. One-coat coverage is the standard, not the exception, even when covering dark or vibrant colors.
Aura’s proprietary Color Lock technology means the pigments bond on a molecular level, creating rich, pigment-dense, even color.
2. Durability: How Long Will It Last?
Home Depot (Behr & Glidden)
Durability Rating: 6/10
For a rental property or a space you don’t care too much about, they’re fine. But, within 2-3 years, you’ll likely see chipping, peeling, and fading—especially in high-traffic areas or exterior surfaces exposed to the elements.
Why It’s Cheap: Budget paints rely on low-cost binders like vinyl acetate, which are responsible for adhesion and flexibility. These binders are prone to cracking and peeling over time, and UV exposure causes faster color fading due to lower-quality pigments.
Translation: You’ll be repainting sooner than you think.
Sherwin-Williams (Duration & Emerald)
Durability Rating: 8/10
These paints are formulated to withstand wear and tear. You’re looking at 5-8 years of vibrant, intact color and solid protection against the elements.
Why It’s Better: These paints use high-grade acrylic binders, which are more flexible and durable. Acrylic polymers provide a tighter UV-resistant film formation, making the paint more resistant to cracking, peeling, and chipping.
Bonus: Some Sherwin-Williams lines are mildew-resistant, making them ideal for bathrooms and kitchens.
Benjamin Moore (Aura & Regal Select)
Durability Rating: 10/10
10+ years of beauty. These paints are designed to resist cracking, peeling, and fading—even in extreme conditions.
Their enhanced resin technology creates a flexible, durable surface that can withstand the test of time.
Why It’s Superior: The resins form a cross-linked polymer network, making the paint resistant to wear, moisture, and extreme temperature changes.
3. Finish: Smooth vs. Patchy
Home Depot (Behr & Glidden)
Finish Rating: 3/10
The finish from budget paints tends to be uneven, with visible roller marks and brush strokes.
The sheen often looks dull or flat, lacking the depth and richness you’d get from a higher-end product.
Why It’s Cheap: Budget paints have a lower-quality formulation. This lower quality leads to uneven film formation. This causes an inconsistent sheen due to weaker flow and leveling characteristics.
Sherwin-Williams (SuperPaint & Emerald)
Finish Rating: 8/10
You’ll notice a significant improvement here. The finish is smooth, consistent, and professional-looking.
It reflects light evenly, enhancing the room’s aesthetic.
Why It’s Better: Mid-range paints have improved flow and leveling, thanks to high-performance acrylic polymers. These polymers create a smoother film, preventing drips, roller marks, and brush strokes.
Benjamin Moore (Aura & Regal Select)
Finish Rating: 10/10
Flawless. The finish is deep, rich, and smooth, with a luxurious look that elevates any space.
Aura in particular offers a silky, high-end finish that you can feel—and it stays that way over time.
Why It’s Superior: Premium paints have superior leveling, high viscosity, and flow properties to ensure a silky-smooth, even finish with no visible roller marks or brush stroke.
4. Washability: Can It Survive the Scrub Test?
Home Depot (Behr & Glidden)
Washability Rating: 5/10
Scrub too hard, and you’ll scrub the color off the wall. Cheap paint often leaves shiny or thin patches after cleaning.
Why It’s Cheap: They have weaker film strength and lower scrub resistance.
Sherwin-Williams (SuperPaint & Duration)
Washability Rating: 8/10
You can wash these walls without worrying about damage. They hold up well to regular cleaning, making them great for homes with kids and pets.
Why It’s Better: These paints are designed with enhanced film strength. The use of high-performance acrylic binders allows the paint to withstand frequent cleaning without damaging the finish or color. Yes, the same acrylic in women's fake nails!
Benjamin Moore (Aura & Regal Select)
Washability Rating: 10/10
These paints are built for scrubbing. The color and finish remain intact even after years of cleaning.
Why It’s Superior: Aura’s cross-linked polymer structure ensures the paint resists staining and can be scrubbed clean without losing color or sheen, making it ideal for high-traffic areas and families with kids.
5. Environmental Impact: VOC Levels Matter
Home Depot (Behr & Glidden)
Environmental Rating: 6/10
Budget paints contain high levels of VOCs (volatile organic compounds), which are harmful to your health and the environment.
Why It’s Cheap: These VOCs are are released into the air as the paint dries. This contributes to indoor air pollution.
Sherwin-Williams (SuperPaint & Emerald)
Environmental Rating: 8/10
Most Sherwin-Williams paints are low-VOC, making them safer for indoor air quality.
Why It’s Better: The acrylic binders improve indoor air quality and make them safer for use in homes with children or pets.
Benjamin Moore (Aura & Regal Select)
Environmental Rating: 10/10
These are often zero-VOC, making them one of the safest options for your family and the planet.
Why It’s Superior: Aura uses waterborne alkyd technology to deliver a durable. This makes it an eco-friendly choice for homeowners who prioritize sustainability without sacrificing quality.
What’s the Real Cost?
Cheap paint might cost less per gallon, but it costs you more in the long run.
More coats = More paint = More labor.
Poor durability = Frequent repaints.
Inferior finish = Your home doesn’t look as good as it could.
Premium paints from Sherwin-Williams and Benjamin Moore may cost more upfront, but they save you time, money, and headaches in the long run.
Final Thoughts
You get what you pay for. If you want a home that looks stunning, lasts for years, and holds its value, skip the bargain bin and invest in quality.
At Beams and Dreams, we use the best because your home deserves it. Don’t settle for “good enough”—choose excellence.