High-End Paints Demystified: Brand and Feature Comparison

Introduction

When it comes to transforming your living space, the quality of the paint you choose can make all the difference. High-end paints not only offer superior coverage and durability but also come in a range of finishes and eco-friendly options that can enhance the beauty and health of your home. In this article, we’ll explore five premium paint brands and delve into five categories of higher-end paints, helping you make an informed decision for your next painting project

Firefly Paint Can full of green paint on white table; gray blurred background; product design photog (1)

Premium Paint Brands: Company Comparisons

Sherwin Williams

View Sherwin Williams Website

Founded in 1866, Sherwin Williams has over 150 years of experience in the paint industry. The brand is renowned for its innovation, quality, and extensive color palette. With a strong commitment to sustainability, Sherwin Williams offers paints that not only beautify spaces but also contribute to environmental conservation.

Strengths and Specialties

Wide range of colors and finishes
Innovative technologies like Paint Shield®, which kills bacteria
Excellent customer service and support
Strong focus on sustainability and eco-friendly products

Unique Offerings

Paint Shield® Microbicidal Paint: This innovative product kills 99.9% of bacteria on painted surfaces, making it ideal for hospitals, schools, and homes.
ColorSnap® Visualizer: An advanced tool that allows users to digitally visualize how colors will look in their space, ensuring perfect color selection.

Benjamin Moore

View Benjamin Moore Website

Since its founding in 1883, Benjamin Moore has been a staple in the paint industry, known for its premium quality and exquisite color selection. The brand’s dedication to innovation and quality control ensures that each product meets the highest standards.

Strengths and Specialties

Exceptional coverage and durability
Extensive color options with proprietary colorants
Environmentally responsible products like Natura and Eco Spec
Strong support for professional painters and contractors

Unique Offerings

Aura® Bath & Spa: A specially formulated paint for high-humidity environments like bathrooms and spas, offering superior mildew resistance.
Gennex® Color Technology: A proprietary colorant system that enhances the performance of their paints, providing richer, truer colors.

Farrow & Ball

View Farrow & Ball Website

Established in 1946 in Dorset, England, Farrow & Ball has earned a reputation for producing richly pigmented paints and handcrafted wallpapers. The brand is known for its meticulous attention to detail and use of traditional methods and ingredients.

Strengths and Specialties

Rich, deep colors with a distinctive aesthetic
Eco-friendly formulations with low VOCs
Handcrafted quality and unique finishes
Strong heritage and timeless appeal

Unique Offerings

Curated Color Collections: Collaborations with designers to create exclusive color palettes that reflect modern trends and timeless classics.
Handcrafted Wallpapers: Unique wallpapers made with Farrow & Ball’s paints, adding depth and texture to any space.

Behr

View Behr Website

Behr, founded in 1947, has become a household name in the United States, known for its accessible yet high-quality paints. The Marquee line represents Behr’s top-tier products, offering superior coverage and durability.

Strengths and Specialties

One-coat coverage guaranteed
Excellent stain resistance and easy cleanup
Broad availability through Home Depot
Competitive pricing for premium quality

Unique Offerings

Marquee One-Coat Guarantee: A promise that most colors will cover in one coat, saving time and effort during application.
Behr ColorSmart®: A digital tool for color selection that provides a virtual way to see how colors will look in different rooms and lighting.

Valspar

View Valspar Website

With roots dating back to 1806, Valspar has a long-standing history in the paint industry. The Reserve line is Valspar’s premium offering, known for its outstanding durability and vibrant color retention.

Strengths and Specialties

Superior stain and fade resistance
Wide range of vibrant, long-lasting colors
Advanced technology for easy application and maintenance
Strong reputation and global presence

Unique Offerings

Reserve Stain-Blocking Technology: Advanced stain-blocking formula that ensures colors remain vibrant and true over time.
Love Your Color Guarantee: Valspar offers a replacement color if you’re not completely satisfied with the first one, ensuring customer satisfaction.

Comparing Brands

Firefly A variety of dried paint colors; swatch pallette dried paint squares; 17430

When selecting paint, prioritize quality and durability for long-lasting finishes. Consider eco-friendliness to improve indoor air quality, especially if you have children, pets, or sensitive individuals. High-end brands offer a wide range of vibrant colors and luxurious finishes. Additionally, look for strong customer support and specialty products like antimicrobial or high-humidity formulations. Balancing these factors will help you choose paint that enhances your space and supports a healthy environment.

Metric	Sherwin Williams	Benjamin Moore	Farrow & Ball	Behr Marquee	Valspar Reserve
Year Founded	1866	1883	1946	1947	1806
Reputation	Innovation and sustainability	Premium quality and selection	Rich, deep colors and eco-friendly	High-quality, accessible	Long-standing history
Strengths	Wide range of colors, innovative technologies, excellent customer service	Exceptional coverage, durability, extensive color options	Rich pigments, eco-friendly, handcrafted quality	One-coat coverage, stain resistance	Superior stain and fade resistance
Unique Offerings	Paint Shield® Microbicidal Paint, ColorSnap® Visualizer	Aura® Bath & Spa, Gennex® Color Technology	Curated Color Collections, Handcrafted Wallpapers	Marquee One-Coat Guarantee, Behr ColorSmart®	Reserve Stain-Blocking Technology, Love Your Color Guarantee
Eco-Friendliness	Strong focus on sustainability	Environmentally responsible products	Eco-friendly formulations	Broad selection of eco-friendly options	Advanced technology for easy maintenance
Availability	Widely available in stores and online	Widely available in stores and online	Select retailers and online	Widely available through Home Depot	Widely available in stores and online
Durability	High	High	High	High	High
Color Selection	Extensive	Extensive	Rich, curated	Extensive	Extensive
Customer Support	Excellent	Strong support for professionals	Personalized service	Available through Home Depot	Excellent
Specialty Products	Paint Shield®, Duration Home	Aura®, Eco Spec, Natura	Estate Emulsion, Modern Emulsion	Marquee, Ultra	Reserve, Signature Colors

Categories of Higher-End Paints

Low-VOC Paints

Low-VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) paints are designed to be environmentally friendly and safe for indoor use. They release fewer harmful chemicals into the air, making them ideal for homes with children, pets, or individuals with sensitivities.

Pros and Benefits

Reduced environmental impact
Improved indoor air quality
Less odor during application
Safe for sensitive individuals

Best For
Low-VOC paints are perfect for families, especially those with young children, pets, or members with allergies or respiratory issues. They are also ideal for environmentally conscious homeowners.

Best Uses

Bedrooms and nurseries
Living rooms and dining areas
Offices and home gyms
Any indoor space requiring minimal odor and healthy air quality

Top Products

Sherwin Williams Harmony: Sherwin Williams Harmony
Benjamin Moore Natura: Benjamin Moore Natura
Farrow & Ball Modern Emulsion: Farrow & Ball Modern Emulsion
Behr Premium Plus: Behr Premium Plus

Zero-VOC Paints

Zero-VOC paints go a step further than low-VOC paints by containing no volatile organic compounds. These paints are the epitome of eco-friendliness, ensuring that your indoor environment remains completely free from harmful emissions.

Pros and Benefits

Absolutely no harmful emissions
Ideal for all sensitive environments
Virtually odorless
Enhanced air quality

Best For
Zero-VOC paints are ideal for health-conscious homeowners, eco-friendly households, and those looking to create a safe environment for individuals with severe allergies or asthma.

Best Uses

Kitchens and bathrooms
Bedrooms and nurseries
Living spaces and home offices
Any area where health and air quality are top priorities

Top Products

Benjamin Moore Eco Spec: Benjamin Moore Eco Spec
Sherwin Williams ProMar 200 Zero VOC: Sherwin Williams ProMar 200 Zero VOC
Farrow & Ball Estate Emulsion: Farrow & Ball Estate Emulsion
Behr Eco Paint: Behr Eco Paint

Luxury Matte Finishes

Luxury matte finishes offer a sophisticated, non-reflective look that is perfect for creating an elegant and modern ambiance in any room. These paints are known for their smooth texture and ability to hide surface imperfections.

Pros and Benefits

Soft, elegant finish
Hides imperfections
Rich, deep colors
Non-reflective surface

Best For
Luxury matte finishes are best suited for living rooms, dining rooms, and master bedrooms where an elegant, sophisticated look is desired. They are also ideal for creating feature walls.

Best Uses

Living rooms and lounges
Dining rooms
Bedrooms
Feature walls and accent areas

Top Products

Farrow & Ball Estate Emulsion: Farrow & Ball Estate Emulsion
Benjamin Moore Aura Matte: Benjamin Moore Aura Matte
Sherwin Williams Cashmere: Sherwin Williams Cashmere
Behr Marquee Matte: Behr Marquee Matte

High-Durability Paints

High-durability paints are designed to withstand the rigors of everyday life, making them perfect for high-traffic areas and spaces prone to wear and tear. These paints offer superior resistance to stains, scratches, and fading.

Pros and Benefits

Exceptional durability
Easy to clean
Resistant to stains and scratches
Long-lasting color retention

Best For
High-durability paints are ideal for families with children and pets, as well as homeowners looking to maintain pristine walls in high-traffic areas. They are also great for commercial spaces.

Best Uses

Hallways and entryways
Kitchens and bathrooms
Kids’ rooms and playrooms
High-traffic areas and commercial spaces

Top Products

Sherwin Williams Duration Home: Sherwin Williams Duration Home
Benjamin Moore Scuff-X: Benjamin Moore Scuff-X
Behr Ultra: Behr Ultra
Valspar Reserve: Valspar Reserve

Designer Paints

Designer paints are created in collaboration with top interior designers and color experts to offer exclusive color palettes and finishes. These paints are perfect for those looking to make a bold, stylish statement in their home decor.

Pros and Benefits

Exclusive, curated color palettes
High-end finishes
Unique and stylish look
Often eco-friendly formulations

Best For
Designer paints are ideal for homeowners seeking a unique, high-end aesthetic. They are perfect for creating standout rooms and feature walls that reflect personal style and sophistication.

Best Uses

Living rooms and lounges
Bedrooms and study areas
Feature walls and accent spaces
Any room where a designer touch is desired

Top Products

Benjamin Moore Century: Benjamin Moore Century
Farrow & Ball Curated Collection: Farrow & Ball Curated Collection
Sherwin Williams Emerald Designer Edition: Sherwin Williams Emerald Designer Edition
Valspar Signature Colors: Valspar Signature Colors

Best Showrooms for Paint in Connecticut

Ring's End Paint Center, Darien

Ring’s End is a premier destination for high-end paints in Connecticut. The Darien location offers an extensive range of Benjamin Moore products, among other premium brands. The knowledgeable staff provides expert advice on color selection and application techniques, ensuring you find the perfect paint for your project. Their state-of-the-art color matching technology guarantees you get the exact shade you desire.

Little Greene Paint, Greenwich

Little Greene’s showroom in Greenwich offers a curated experience with a complete palette of their premium paints and current wallpaper collections. Known for their eco-friendly products and rich, historical colors, Little Greene provides in-store and in-home color consultancy services, helping customers find the perfect combination of paint and wallpaper to suit their style.

AKDO, Bridgeport

AKDO’s showroom in Bridgeport is a part of their headquarters, showcasing a stunning selection of stone and tile products alongside their premium paints. This location features a state-of-the-art design studio where customers can explore a variety of finishes and colors in a modern, inspiring setting. AKDO’s team offers professional consultations to help you achieve your design goals.

Conclusion

Investing in high-end paints can significantly enhance the beauty and longevity of your home’s interior and exterior. Whether you prioritize eco-friendliness, durability, or luxury finishes, there are premium options to meet your needs. Brands like Sherwin Williams, Benjamin Moore, Farrow & Ball, Behr, and Valspar offer a wide range of high-quality paints that can transform your space into a stylish and inviting haven.

By understanding the strengths and best uses of different paint categories, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your aesthetic preferences and lifestyle needs. High-end paints not only provide superior performance but also contribute to a healthier and more beautiful living environment.

FAQs

What are VOCs in paint?liam_c_wp2024-07-15T18:07:25+00:00

What are VOCs in paint?

VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) in paint are chemicals that evaporate into the air during and after painting, potentially causing indoor air pollution and health issues such as headaches, dizziness, and respiratory problems. Low-VOC and zero-VOC paints minimize these harmful emissions, making them safer for indoor environments and better for overall air quality.

Are there any paints that can help improve indoor air quality?liam_c_wp2024-07-15T18:05:50+00:00

Are there any paints that can help improve indoor air quality?

Yes, paints like Sherwin Williams Harmony and Benjamin Moore Eco Spec are designed to improve indoor air quality by minimizing VOC emissions and odors.

What are some of the best high-durability paints for high-traffic areas?liam_c_wp2024-07-15T18:05:35+00:00

What are some of the best high-durability paints for high-traffic areas?

Some of the best high-durability paints include Sherwin Williams Duration Home, Benjamin Moore Scuff-X, Behr Ultra, and Valspar Reserve. These paints offer superior resistance to stains, scratches, and fading.

What is the difference between low-VOC and zero-VOC paints?liam_c_wp2024-07-15T18:05:19+00:00

What is the difference between low-VOC and zero-VOC paints?

Low-VOC paints contain a reduced amount of volatile organic compounds, while zero-VOC paints contain none. Both options are eco-friendly, but zero-VOC paints are the safest choice for indoor air quality.

What are the benefits of using high-end paint for a home remodel?liam_c_wp2024-07-15T18:03:10+00:00

What are the benefits of using high-end paint for a home remodel?

High-end paints offer superior coverage, durability, and a range of finishes. They often contain higher-quality ingredients and advanced formulations, resulting in better performance and longer-lasting results.

About the Author: David Perrotti

Dave has over 20 years of experience in the construction industry, is a Bestselling Home Improvement Author on Amazon, and constantly seeks to reinvent the remodeling industry. As a veteran of the Army and Air Force, Dave operates his business, Fine Home Contracting, on the core army values of loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity, and personal courage.

By David PerrottiPublished On: July 15th, 2024Categories: Home Improvement Contractor, Home Remodeling, Interior Design0 Comments

High-End Paints Demystified: Brand and Feature Comparison

Table of Contents:

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About the Author: David Perrotti

Introduction

Premium Paint Brands: Company Comparisons

Sherwin Williams

Strengths and Specialties

Unique Offerings

Benjamin Moore

Strengths and Specialties

Unique Offerings

Farrow & Ball

Strengths and Specialties

Unique Offerings

Behr

Strengths and Specialties

Unique Offerings

Valspar

Strengths and Specialties

Unique Offerings

Comparing Brands

Categories of Higher-End Paints

Low-VOC Paints

Zero-VOC Paints

Luxury Matte Finishes

High-Durability Paints

Designer Paints

Best Showrooms for Paint in Connecticut

Ring's End Paint Center, Darien

Little Greene Paint, Greenwich

AKDO, Bridgeport

Conclusion

FAQs

Further Reading

About the Author: David Perrotti

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