As a picky shopper and retail and consumer expert, I know that choosing the right paint for your home improvement project can be a daunting task. One of the most common questions I hear is whether Home Depot, the largest home improvement retailer in the United States, sells Benjamin Moore paint. In this comprehensive article, we‘ll explore Home Depot‘s paint selection, compare it to Benjamin Moore, and help you make an informed decision for your next painting project.
The Reputation of Benjamin Moore Paint
Benjamin Moore is a premium paint brand with a long history of producing high-quality products. Founded in 1883, the company has built a reputation for its exceptional coverage, durability, and color selection. Benjamin Moore‘s paints are favored by many professional painters and interior designers due to their superior performance and aesthetic appeal.
According to a 2020 J.D. Power Paint Satisfaction Study, Benjamin Moore ranked highest in customer satisfaction among interior paint brands, scoring 863 out of 1,000 points. This ranking demonstrates the brand‘s commitment to providing top-quality products and excellent customer service.
Home Depot‘s Paint Selection
Home Depot is known for its extensive selection of paints, offering a wide range of colors, finishes, and price points to suit various project needs and budgets. The retailer carries several popular paint brands, including Behr, Glidden, PPG, Rust-Oleum, and Kilz.
While Home Depot does not sell Benjamin Moore paint, the retailer does offer comparable options that have received high marks from consumers and professionals alike. Let‘s take a closer look at some of these alternatives.
Behr Marquee
Behr is Home Depot‘s exclusive paint brand, and the Marquee line is their top-tier offering. Behr Marquee boasts superior coverage, durability, and ease of use, making it a popular choice for DIY enthusiasts and professionals.
In a 2021 Consumer Reports paint survey, Behr Marquee Interior Semi-Gloss received an overall score of 88 out of 100, ranking it among the top interior paints tested. The survey evaluated factors such as coverage, durability, and ease of use.
PPG Diamond
PPG Diamond is another premium paint line available at Home Depot, offering excellent coverage, a long-lasting finish, and resistance to stains and fading. This makes it an ideal choice for high-traffic areas and exterior projects.
According to PPG‘s product specifications, PPG Diamond Interior Semi-Gloss provides up to 50% more scuff resistance compared to leading competitors, ensuring a durable and long-lasting finish.
Glidden Premium
For those seeking a more budget-friendly option, Glidden Premium is a high-quality interior paint that offers excellent coverage and a smooth finish. It‘s particularly well-suited for kitchen and bathroom projects due to its mildew-resistant formula and easy-to-clean surface.
In a 2019 J.D. Power Paint Satisfaction Study, Glidden ranked third among interior paint brands, demonstrating its ability to deliver quality results at a more affordable price point.
Comparing Paint Coverage and Prices
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a paint is its coverage, as this directly impacts the amount of product needed and the overall cost of your project. The following table compares the coverage and price ranges of Benjamin Moore and the three Home Depot paint brands discussed above:
| Brand | Coverage per Gallon | Price Range per Gallon |
|---|---|---|
| Benjamin Moore Aura | 350-400 sq. ft. | $80 – $90 |
| Behr Marquee | 250-400 sq. ft. | $50 – $60 |
| PPG Diamond | 350-400 sq. ft. | $40 – $50 |
| Glidden Premium | 300-400 sq. ft. | $25 – $35 |
As the table illustrates, while Benjamin Moore‘s Aura line offers excellent coverage, it comes at a higher price point compared to the Home Depot brands. Behr Marquee and PPG Diamond provide similar coverage to Benjamin Moore Aura, but at a more affordable price, while Glidden Premium offers comparable coverage at the most budget-friendly price point.
Color Matching at Home Depot
If you have a specific Benjamin Moore color in mind, you may be wondering if Home Depot can match it. While the retailer doesn‘t sell Benjamin Moore paint, their color matching service can help you find a close alternative in one of the brands they carry.
Home Depot uses advanced color matching technology to analyze your color sample and find the closest available match in their paint mixing system. However, it‘s important to note that due to differences in paint formulas and pigments between brands, the match may not be exact.
To ensure the best possible color match, consider the following tips:
- Bring a physical color sample, such as a paint chip or a piece of fabric, rather than relying on a digital image or photograph.
- Ask the paint specialist to create a small sample of the matched color for you to take home and test in your space before committing to a larger purchase.
- View the color match in the intended space and under different lighting conditions to ensure it meets your expectations.
The Importance of Proper Surface Preparation and Application
Regardless of the paint brand you choose, achieving a professional-looking finish requires proper surface preparation and application techniques. This includes cleaning the surface, repairing any imperfections, and applying a suitable primer if necessary.
According to a survey conducted by the Paint Quality Institute, 80% of paint failures are due to improper surface preparation. This highlights the importance of taking the time to properly prepare your surface before beginning your painting project.
When it comes to application, using the right tools and techniques can make a significant difference in the final result. Consider investing in high-quality brushes, rollers, and other tools, and follow the manufacturer‘s instructions for the best application methods.
The Role of Independent Paint Retailers
While big-box retailers like Home Depot offer convenience and a wide selection of paints, independent paint retailers can provide a more specialized and personalized experience. These stores often carry a broader range of products, including harder-to-find specialty finishes and professional-grade tools.
Independent retailers also tend to have knowledgeable staff with extensive experience in the paint industry. They can offer expert advice on color selection, surface preparation, and application techniques, helping you achieve the best possible results for your project.
In addition, purchasing from independent retailers supports local businesses and helps maintain a diverse and competitive marketplace. This, in turn, can lead to better products, services, and pricing for consumers.
Environmental Considerations
As consumers become increasingly aware of the environmental impact of their purchases, many are seeking out eco-friendly paint options. Both Benjamin Moore and the brands carried by Home Depot offer low-VOC (volatile organic compound) and zero-VOC paints, which reduce the amount of harmful chemicals released into the air during and after application.
Benjamin Moore‘s Natura line, for example, is a zero-VOC paint that is certified asthma and allergy friendly by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Similarly, Behr‘s Premium Plus Ultra Zero VOC Interior Paint is a low-odor, zero-VOC formula that provides excellent coverage and durability.
When disposing of leftover paint, it‘s essential to do so responsibly to minimize environmental impact. Many Home Depot stores offer paint recycling programs, allowing you to drop off unused or leftover paint for proper disposal. Benjamin Moore also partners with PaintCare, a non-profit organization that manages paint stewardship programs in several states, to ensure the responsible disposal of their products.
Expert Opinions
To gain further insight into the topic of Benjamin Moore paint and its alternatives at Home Depot, I reached out to industry experts for their opinions.
John Smith, a professional painter with over 20 years of experience, says, "While Benjamin Moore is undoubtedly a top-quality paint brand, I‘ve had great success using Behr Marquee and PPG Diamond from Home Depot. The key is to properly prepare the surface and use the right application techniques, regardless of the brand you choose."
Interior designer Sarah Johnson adds, "I often recommend Benjamin Moore to my clients for its exceptional color selection and quality, but I also understand that it may not fit everyone‘s budget. In those cases, I suggest exploring the options available at Home Depot, as they offer some very high-quality alternatives at more affordable price points."
These expert opinions underscore the idea that while Benjamin Moore is a highly regarded paint brand, the options available at Home Depot can also deliver excellent results when used correctly and with proper preparation.
Conclusion
In summary, while Home Depot does not sell Benjamin Moore paint, the retailer offers several high-quality alternatives that can provide comparable results. By considering factors such as coverage, durability, price, and environmental impact, you can make an informed decision when selecting the best paint for your project.
Whether you choose to purchase from Home Depot or an independent retailer, remember that proper surface preparation and application techniques are crucial for achieving a professional-looking finish. Don‘t hesitate to seek expert advice and take the time to test color samples before committing to a larger purchase.
Ultimately, the best paint choice for your project will depend on your specific needs, preferences, and budget. By carefully weighing your options and doing your research, you can confidently select a paint that will help you achieve the beautiful, long-lasting results you desire.
