Your favorite interior paint?

[KevinMalone]

The color of the recently painted SW Duration Home matte was not working out so I repainted again using the same paint. Annoyingly, the retail price of the paint went up, and the sale was only 30% off, so I ended up paying almost 50% more this time around. Anyway, after spending more time than I care for with this paint, I can't really say I find it any better or worst than Behr Premium Plus eggshell, which I have a lot of experience with. Instead of going by feels, I compared the TDS of both products:

Coverage: both are rated for <400 sqft at 4 mils wet, 1.6 mils dry
Dry time: both are 1 hr to touch; SW is 4 hrs to recoat while Behr is 2 hrs. Both at 77F and 50% RH
Solids: SW is 38-42% solids by volume while Behr is 40.5%; SW is 58% by weight while Behr is 54%
VOC: SW is <50g/L while Behr is only <5g/L
Both have anti-microbial agents for the surface of the paint

SW: https://www.sherwin-williams.com/document/PDS/en/035777883068/
Behr: https://www.behr.com/binaries/content/assets/behrdotcom/web/tds/2050-tds_us_10-26-18.pdf

The VOC was something I overlooked as the SW stank for days, while the Behr thankfully had no odors when I painted majority of our house with it. The only advantage of the SW that I can think of is that it has "Moisture Resistant Technology" allowing you to use matte (which really has the same sheen as Behr eggshell) in a bathroom while that is not recommended with the Behr eggshell.

So there are some differences, but probably not enough to justify the premium of the SW paint IMO (other than bathrooms). I think I'd just stick with Behr Premium Plus for most rooms for the low VOC/odor, especially if everything needs two coats anyway. A high quality roller seems to make a bigger difference.

 

[andrew_j]

We use a friend in town who does painting as side gig. She likes using Behr recommends it however does not complain on Benjamin Moore. She is amazingly meticulous and impressed how far she can get a gallon of paint vs me slopping it thick.

 

[walterjay]

I used to use SW and a lot of Emerald. Somewhere along the line they must have changed their formula because I was having coverage problems. Had a contractor say the same thing. Since then I have been using Behr products.
Also I refinished some cabinetry and chairs with Benjamin Moore. I am highly disappointed with it.

 

[97prizm]

I recently just painted a large room using the KILZ Tribute paint + primer line for the 1st time & was very happy with the outcome.

How does that company with layering primer then paint? Makes me kind of surprised that automotive body shop paint hasn't come up with a paint and primer all-in-one.

 

[nthach]

Ben Moore Regal Select or Ben are my favorites. RIP to Kelly-Moore, their Acry-Plex and DuraPoxy lines were also nice to put on and for using UTC tints, lasted a decently long time. For rentals or flips, Behr Premium Plus. I’ll use Behr over Valspar any day of the week.

Keep in mind, Behr was originally a DIY-centric, “value” brand that painters loved(and still do) hate. DIYers and pros have different expectations for paint - DIYers want cheap, thick, easy to get. Pros want something that cuts in nice, flows off the brush/roller, covers well within two coats and stays open longer. Now with Behr’s more expensive paints, Marquee and Dynasty, there just isn’t an argument for using Behr beyond Premium Plus and Ultra. A little Floetrol or XIM Extender makes Behr paints behave for cutting in.

 

[nthach]

We use a friend in town who does painting as side gig. She likes using Behr recommends it however does not complain on Benjamin Moore. She is amazingly meticulous and impressed how far she can get a gallon of paint vs me slopping it thick.

Yep, the pro painter techniques for cutting and rolling will make any paint go on further. Keep that brush or roller loaded!

 

[KevinMalone]

Three weeks in and the SW Duration is still randomly off gassing intermittently. I read comments that it could take up to four weeks to fully cure, but cannot find anything in the PDS. Not really a complaint but definitely took low VOC paint for granted in the past.

This and BM Aura bath are probably the best (only?) choices if you want a matte finish in the bathroom. The paint and finish are beautiful and I'm very happy with it. With that said, I still don't think they're worth the premium for regular rooms. Behr Premium Plus seems like the best bang for the buck for those applications.

I put off this contractor's comparison thinking he was just going to bash Behr (he's quite vocal about his dislike for Behr from past experiences), but turns out the Premium Plus is solid paint. Can't say the same for their more expensive models though.

 

[genynnc]

I have remodeled 3 houses in my short life... did all the painting from ceiling to base boards.

Not one manufacturer of paint stands out to me. So I buy whatever is on sale or a good deal at the time.

My process has always been-

Repair any sheetrock blemishes. Wash walls. 1 coat of actual primer. 2 coats of color. Same for trim that I am installing or re-painting.

Last month, just used 2 gallons of Behr Marquee & 2 gallons of SW Super Paint. Actually liked the Behr better.

Only thing that one should absolutely do... do NOT have a SW color mixed by another paint retailer in their line... color is just never the same. Buy the paint from the manufacturer that has the color you like.

 

[KevinMalone]

I'm not sure if Behr Marquee vs SW Super Paint is a fair comparison. With that said, I don't really see a point in going beyond Behr Premium Plus for general use. SW and BM bathroom paints are worth it for the water resistant matte finish though.