Cheap vs. Expensive Paint: The TRUTH Behind Home Depot, Sherwin-Williams, and Benjamin Moore

Written By Danny Olivo

Let’s cut to the chase: 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 $25 to $90 per gallon, you’ve probably wondered: What’s the difference? Why does one cost 3x 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.

In this breakdown, 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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The Paint Powerhouses

Here are the contenders:

Home Depot: Featuring brands like Behr Premium Plus, Behr Marquee, and Glidden. These are often the first choice for budget-conscious DIYers.

Sherwin-Williams: Offering high-quality lines like Emerald, Duration, and SuperPaint. This is the choice for homeowners who want a balance of quality and price.

Benjamin Moore: Premium paints like Aura, Regal Select, and Ben. This is the high-end, luxury brand of the paint world.

Now let’s dig into the nitty-gritty details.

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1. Coverage: How Many Coats Are You Willing to Roll?

Home Depot (Behr & Glidden)

Coverage Rating: 4/10

  • Budget-friendly? Yes. Efficient? Not so much. With these paints, expect to apply 3 to 4 coats to achieve an even, consistent finish, especially if you’re covering a dark color or painting over a textured wall.

  • The paint is thinner, and the pigments aren’t as concentrated, meaning more work and more product to get the job done.

Why It Matters: More coats = more time, more labor, and more gallons of paint.

Sherwin-Williams (Duration, 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.

Benjamin Moore (Aura & Regal Select)

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 tightly, creating rich, even color with minimal effort.

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2. Durability: How Long Will It Last?

Home Depot (Behr & Glidden)

Durability Rating: 3/10

  • If you’re painting a rental property or a space you don’t care too much about, fine. But don’t expect it to last long. Within 2-3 years, you’ll likely see chipping, peeling, and fading—especially in high-traffic areas or exterior surfaces exposed to the elements.

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 indoors and solid protection against the elements outdoors.

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.

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3. Finish: Smooth vs. Patchy

Home Depot (Behr & Glidden)

Finish Rating: 4/10

  • 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.

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.

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.

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4. Washability: Can It Survive the Scrub Test?

Home Depot (Behr & Glidden)

Washability Rating: 3/10

  • Scrub too hard, and you’ll scrub the color right off the wall. Cheap paint often leaves shiny or thin patches after cleaning.

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.

Benjamin Moore (Aura & Regal Select)

Washability Rating: 10/10

  • These paints are built for scrubbing. Stains? No problem. The color and finish remain intact even after years of cleaning.

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5. Environmental Impact: VOC Levels Matter

Home Depot (Behr & Glidden)

Environmental Rating: 5/10

  • Many budget paints still contain high levels of VOCs (volatile organic compounds), which can be harmful to your health and the environment.

Sherwin-Williams (SuperPaint & Emerald)

Environmental Rating: 8/10

  • Most Sherwin-Williams paints are low-VOC, making them safer for indoor air quality.

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.

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What’s the Real Cost?

Here’s the truth: 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.

If you find this, tell us about promo code: HIDDENTEXT for 10% off your next project!

Final Thoughts

When it comes to paint, 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 only the best because your home deserves it. Don’t settle for “good enough”—choose a paint that delivers excellence.

Danny Olivo
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Why is Interior and Exterior House Painting so Expensive?