Sherwin Williams vs Benjamin Moore: 8 Paints Tested for Coverage & Performance in 2025

When it comes to choosing the best paint for your home or project, the debate between Sherwin Williams vs Benjamin Moore is one of the most heated in the industry. Both brands offer a wide range of products, but which one truly delivers the best coverage, performance, and value? To answer this question, we conducted a blind test comparing eight mid-to-lower-end paints from both brands. Here’s what we found.

The Paint Showdown: Sherwin Williams vs Benjamin Moore

In this Sherwin Williams vs Benjamin Moore comparison, we tested eight products for coverage, durability, and overall performance. The goal was to determine which brand offers the best value for homeowners and contractors alike. Here’s a breakdown of the paints we tested:

Sherwin Williams Paints:

 

  1. ProMar 200 – $72.99/gallon

  2. SuperPaint – $64.49/gallon

  3. Cashmere – $59.99/gallon

  4. ProMar 400 – $25.95/gallon

Benjamin Moore Paints:

  1. Coronado – $25.99/gallon

  2. Super Hide – $24.95/gallon

  3. Ben – $44.50/gallon

  4. Ultra Spec 500 – $37.99/gallon

All paints were applied using the same primer (a PBA drywall primer) and a half-inch nap roller to ensure consistency.

The Test: Coverage, Performance, and Value

Methodology

 

We applied one coat of each paint to drywall sheets primed with a single coat of primer. The paints were applied blindly, meaning the tester didn’t know which product was being used until the end. After the first coat dried, we evaluated coverage and applied additional coats as needed to achieve full coverage.

Findings

  1. Best Coverage:

    • Sherwin Williams SuperPaint ($64.49/gallon) and Benjamin Moore Ben ($44.50/gallon) tied for the best coverage after one coat.

    • Both paints required a second coat for full coverage, but SuperPaint edged out slightly in overall performance.

  2. Worst Coverage:

    • Sherwin Williams ProMar 400 ($25.95/gallon) had the poorest coverage, requiring multiple coats to hide the black test lines.

    • Benjamin Moore Coronado ($25.99/gallon) also struggled with coverage but performed better than ProMar 400.

  3. Value for Money:

    • Benjamin Moore Ultra Spec 500 ($37.99/gallon) stood out as the best value, offering excellent coverage at a mid-range price.

    • Sherwin Williams SuperPaint ($64.49/gallon) delivered top-tier performance but at a higher price point.

Sherwin Williams vs Benjamin Moore: Which Brand Wins?

While both brands have their strengths, the winner of this Sherwin Williams vs Benjamin Moore showdown depends on your priorities:

  • For Coverage: Sherwin Williams SuperPaint takes the lead.

  • For Value: Benjamin Moore Ultra Spec 500 is the clear winner.

  • For Budget Projects: Benjamin Moore Super Hide offers solid performance at a low price.

Tips for Choosing the Right Paint

  1. Know Your Budget: Higher-priced paints like Sherwin Williams SuperPaint offer better coverage but may not be necessary for all projects.

  2. Consider the Finish: Most paints in this test were eggshell, but Benjamin Moore Ultra Spec 500’s low-sheen finish is a great alternative.

  3. Test Before You Buy: Always test a small area to ensure the paint meets your coverage and durability needs.

Final Thoughts

The Sherwin Williams vs Benjamin Moore debate ultimately comes down to your specific needs and budget. While Sherwin Williams excels in coverage, Benjamin Moore offers better value for money. Whichever brand you choose, make sure to analyze your project requirements and test the products before committing.

For more paint comparisons and tips, check out our website’s interior painting page & youtube video [The Secret to Painting Kitchen Cabinets Like a Pro]

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