The 30-Second Verdict
Both are premium paint brands that outperform big-box alternatives in Florida's demanding climate. Sherwin-Williams has more Florida locations and frequent sales; Benjamin Moore is preferred by many high-end painters for its color depth and quality.
Head-to-Head Breakdown
Sherwin-Williams
Pros
- More retail locations throughout Florida—convenient access
- Frequent sales (40% off is common)
- Emerald is among the highest-performing interior paints available
- ProMar 200 is the most popular professional paint in Florida
- Good color matching from competitors' colors
Cons
- Full retail price is higher than competitors—wait for sales
- Some find their color selection slightly less distinctive than Benjamin Moore
- Customer service quality varies by store
Benjamin Moore
Pros
- Color accuracy and depth is considered industry-leading by many painters
- Aura series is among the most durable interior paints available
- Richer pigmentation—many colors achieve true one-coat coverage
- Preferred by many high-end Florida interior designers
- Natura zero-VOC line is excellent for Florida's closed-window environment
Cons
- Fewer retail locations in Florida than Sherwin-Williams
- Full retail price is very high ($80-$95/gallon for Aura)—less discounting than SW
- Colors can be harder to match for touchups over time (rich pigments shift slightly)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Sherwin-Williams | Benjamin Moore | |
|---|---|---|
| Top Residential Line | Sherwin-Williams Emerald ($80-$90/gal) | Benjamin Moore Aura ($85-$95/gal) |
| Professional/Contractor Line | ProMar 200 ($50-$65/gal) | Ben ($55-$65/gal) |
| Florida Store Locations | Extensive—found in virtually every FL city | Available but fewer locations than SW |
| Sale Frequency | Frequent 30-40% off sales | Less discounting; dealer pricing for contractors |
| Color Selection | Excellent—1,700+ colors | Exceptional—3,500+ colors with renowned color system |
| Zero-VOC Option | Harmony, Emerald (low-VOC) | Natura (true zero-VOC, no odor) |
| Preferred By | Most Florida painting contractors (volume users) | High-end painters and interior designers |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which paint is better for Florida's humidity—Sherwin-Williams or Benjamin Moore?
Both SW Emerald and BM Aura perform excellently in Florida's humid conditions. For bathrooms specifically, both brands offer mildewcide-formulated versions. The paint quality difference between these two brands is smaller than the difference between these brands and budget paints. If your painter is skilled with one brand, that familiarity often produces better results than switching brands.
What is the best paint sheen for Florida walls?
Satin (sometimes called eggshell) is the most versatile choice for Florida living areas—it's washable and holds up to Florida's humidity better than flat while looking good on typical wall textures. Semi-gloss is recommended for Florida bathrooms, kitchens, and trim. Flat/matte is best for ceilings only.
How do Sherwin-Williams and Benjamin Moore compare to Behr at Home Depot?
Sherwin-Williams and Benjamin Moore both consistently outperform Behr in professional painter surveys measuring durability, coverage, and washability. Behr Marquee is Behr's premium line and performs reasonably well, but most Florida painting contractors prefer SW or BM for client projects. Behr is a reasonable choice for budget-conscious DIY projects.