When it comes to painting your home, durability is one of the most important factors. Whether you’re refreshing a high-traffic hallway, repainting your kitchen cabinets, or giving your exterior a new look, you want a paint that lasts. Three of the most popular paint brands—Behr, Benjamin Moore, and Sherwin-Williams—are often compared for their quality. But which one is more durable?
In this guide, we’ll dive deep into the durability of these three giants, comparing them side by side and explaining which one might be best for your next project.
Key Facts: Durability at a Glance
| Brand | Best Line for Durability | Interior or Exterior? | Durability Rating (1–10) | Washability | Touch-up Quality |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Behr | Marquee | Interior/Exterior | 8 | High | Moderate |
| Benjamin Moore | Aura | Interior/Exterior | 9.5 | Very High | Excellent |
| Sherwin-Williams | Emerald | Interior/Exterior | 9 | Very High | Good |
1. Behr Paint Durability
Behr, available at Home Depot, is known for being budget-friendly and beginner-friendly. One of its top-of-the-line options is Behr Marquee, which is touted as a one-coat coverage solution.
✅ Durability Features:
- Stain resistance: Performs well in resisting common household stains.
- Fade resistance: Marquee has built-in UV protection, which helps in sunny areas.
- Mildew resistance: Especially important for kitchens and bathrooms.
- Scratch resistance: Good for most indoor surfaces but not as strong as Benjamin Moore.
❌ Limitations:
- Needs proper priming in some cases despite one-coat marketing.
- Can show roller or brush marks on walls if not applied carefully.
🏡 Best for: Homeowners on a budget looking for decent durability in moderate-use areas like living rooms, bedrooms, and exterior siding.
2. Benjamin Moore Paint Durability
Benjamin Moore is often considered a premium choice for professional painters and homeowners who want long-term value. Their Aura line is specifically designed for ultimate durability.
✅ Durability Features:
- Extreme scrub resistance: Can handle repeated cleaning without degrading.
- Color lock technology: Prevents fading and ensures consistent appearance.
- Self-priming: Reduces prep time.
- Resistant to mildew, stains, and moisture.
❌ Limitations:
- Higher price point compared to Behr.
- Available only at authorized retailers or Benjamin Moore stores—not big box chains.
🏡 Best for: High-traffic areas like hallways, kids’ rooms, and kitchens. Also ideal for homeowners looking for professional-grade, long-lasting results.
3. Sherwin-Williams Paint Durability
Sherwin-Williams is a trusted name among contractors and designers, offering a wide range of paints. Their Emerald line is their most durable premium option.
✅ Durability Features:
- Exceptional coverage: One-coat hide in many cases.
- Mildew-resistant coating: Excellent for bathrooms and exteriors.
- Washable and scuff-resistant: Great for homes with kids or pets.
- Greenguard Gold Certified: Low VOC, safer for indoor air.
❌ Limitations:
- Slightly less touch-up friendly than Benjamin Moore.
- Pricier than Behr, slightly below or on par with Benjamin Moore in cost.
🏡 Best for: Both residential and commercial use, especially in high-demand zones like hallways, kitchens, or exterior facades.
Side-by-Side Durability Comparison
| Criteria | Behr Marquee | Benjamin Moore Aura | Sherwin-Williams Emerald |
|---|---|---|---|
| Durability | Good | Excellent | Excellent |
| Stain Resistance | High | Very High | Very High |
| Scrubability | Moderate | Very High | Very High |
| Fade Resistance | Good | Excellent | Excellent |
| Ease of Touch-up | Moderate | Excellent | Good |
| Price | $ | $$$ | $$-$$$ |
Conclusion: Which One Is More Durable?
So, which one is more durable—Behr, Benjamin Moore, or Sherwin-Williams?
- If ultimate durability and professional finish are your top priorities, Benjamin Moore Aura is the clear winner.
- Sherwin-Williams Emerald follows closely behind, offering superb washability and fade resistance with slightly better price options.
- Behr Marquee is a solid contender for those on a budget who still want good durability and one-coat convenience.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your needs. For occasional repainting and low-traffic areas, Behr does the job. For long-lasting, high-traffic durability, choose Benjamin Moore or Sherwin-Williams.
FAQs: Behr vs Benjamin Moore vs Sherwin-Williams Durability
Q: Which paint brand lasts the longest on exterior walls?
Benjamin Moore Aura Exterior and Sherwin-Williams Emerald Exterior are both rated for 10+ years, depending on climate and prep. Behr Marquee Exterior is rated closer to 8–10 years.
Q: Which brand is more washable?
Benjamin Moore Aura is considered the most washable, followed closely by Sherwin-Williams Emerald.
Q: Is Behr paint good quality for its price?
Yes, Behr offers excellent value, especially the Marquee line. It’s great for homeowners wanting solid performance at a lower cost.
Q: Can you use Behr, Benjamin Moore, or Sherwin-Williams paint without primer?
Yes, most premium lines (Marquee, Aura, Emerald) are self-priming, but a separate primer may still be required for new or heavily stained surfaces.
Q: Which paint handles humid environments better?
Sherwin-Williams Emerald and Benjamin Moore Aura both excel in moisture-prone areas like bathrooms due to their mildew resistance and moisture-blocking properties.
