Choosing a paint brand is one of the most important decisions in any painting project, but it’s also one of the most misunderstood. At Excel Painting, we often see homeowners assume that if two paints look similar when applied, they will perform the same over time. However, that’s rarely the case. The differences between paint brands can significantly affect:
- How long the paint lasts
- How well it resists wear and damage
- How easy it is to clean
- How consistent the finish looks
This guide compares four of the most commonly used paint brands for both residential painting services and professional painting projects:
- Sherwin-Williams
- Dunn-Edwards
- Behr
- Glidden
Understanding the Difference Between Professional and Retail Paint
Before comparing these brands, it’s important to distinguish between two main categories of paint:
Professional-Grade Paint
- Sherwin-Williams
- Dunn-Edwards
Professional-grade paints are designed for contractors and are built for long-term durability, with consistent results across large surfaces. These paints are typically used for high-end residential projects, ensuring a durable finish that stands the test of time.
Retail / Big Box Paint
- Behr
- Glidden
Retail paints are aimed at DIY homeowners, offering convenience and accessibility with lower upfront costs. While these paints are suitable for smaller, less demanding projects, they don’t perform as well over time compared to professional-grade options.
The difference between these categories becomes more noticeable over time, especially when considering durability and maintenance.
Sherwin-Williams: Consistency and Performance
Sherwin-Williams is widely regarded as one of the most reliable paint brands in the industry. Its strengths include:
- Consistent finish across surfaces
- Strong durability
- Excellent touch-up performance
- A wide range of product options for different applications
This makes it especially effective for projects like interior walls, trim, doors, and cabinet refinishing. For most of our home painting services, Sherwin-Williams is our go-to choice, thanks to its consistency and proven performance.
Dunn-Edwards: A Solid Alternative in the Southwest
Dunn-Edwards is also a professional-grade paint brand that performs well, particularly in the Southwest. It excels on:
- Exterior surfaces
- Stucco homes
- Desert climates
However, compared to Sherwin-Williams, Dunn-Edwards can sometimes be less consistent in finish uniformity and touch-up blending. That said, it remains a quality option depending on the specific requirements of a project.
HOA Paint Requirements: What You Need to Know
In many neighborhoods across Las Vegas, Henderson, and Summerlin, homeowner associations (HOAs) provide approved color schemes that reference:
- Sherwin-Williams colors
- Dunn-Edwards colors
This often causes confusion for homeowners. It’s important to understand that HOA requirements refer to the color itself, not the paint brand you must use. A professional painter can match colors across different brands, allowing homeowners to stay HOA-compliant while still using high-performance products.
Behr: A Common DIY Choice
Behr is widely available at Home Depot and is a popular choice among homeowners doing their own painting. It offers:
- Good initial coverage
- Convenient availability
- Moderate pricing
However, in professional applications, Behr can present challenges such as:
- Inconsistent finish under certain lighting
- Difficulty with touch-ups
- Less durability over time
While Behr can work for smaller DIY projects, it typically doesn’t match the performance of professional-grade paints in larger or higher-exposure areas.
Glidden: Budget-Focused Paint
Glidden is positioned as a budget-friendly option for homeowners looking to save on paint costs. While it may be suitable for:
- Temporary projects
- Low-use areas
It generally falls short in areas like:
- Durability
- Coverage efficiency
- Long-term appearance
This can result in the need for more coats, faster wear, and more frequent repainting.
Why Paint Brand Matters More Than Most People Think
The biggest difference between paint brands is not what you see immediately after the job is done, but how the paint performs over time. Higher-quality paints, like those from Sherwin-Williams, tend to:
- Maintain their finish longer
- Resist damage better
- Allow for easier maintenance
Lower-quality paints may:
- Wear unevenly
- Show marks quickly
- Require more frequent repainting
Final Recommendation
For homeowners looking for long-lasting results, cleaner finishes, and less maintenance, professional-grade paints like Sherwin-Williams provide the most reliable outcome. While other brands, such as Behr and Glidden, may work for certain situations, opting for a higher-quality paint from the start typically leads to better results and fewer issues down the road. Investing in premium paints ensures that your home’s finish will remain vibrant, durable, and easy to maintain for years to come. Contact us today to get a free quote!