As a picky shopper and retail expert, I know that choosing the right paint is one of the most important decisions you‘ll make when taking on a painting project. The paint brand you select affects everything from the ease of application to the finished look and longevity of the results. Behr is one of the most popular and trusted paint brands, but many consumers wonder if it‘s available at Lowe‘s, their go-to home improvement store.
In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll provide a definitive answer to the question of whether Lowe‘s sells Behr paint. I‘ll also take a deep dive into comparing Lowe‘s paint offerings to Behr in terms of quality, price, and performance. Armed with this expert knowledge and insider tips, you‘ll be able to confidently choose the best paint for your needs, whether you‘re a DIY novice or a seasoned pro.
The Verdict: Lowe‘s Does Not Sell Behr Paint
Let‘s get straight to the point: Lowe‘s does not sell Behr paint. This is because Behr is the exclusive house brand for Lowe‘s main competitor, The Home Depot, and has been since 1978. The partnership between Behr and The Home Depot is so entrenched that you won‘t find Behr products anywhere else, even at a major retailer like Lowe‘s.
While this news may be disappointing for Lowe‘s shoppers who have used and loved Behr paint in the past, rest assured that Lowe‘s offers several high-quality paint brands that perform as well as or better than Behr. In fact, by expanding your horizons beyond Behr, you may discover new paint products that are even better suited to your specific needs and preferences.
Understanding Brand Loyalty in the Paint Industry
For many consumers, brand loyalty plays a significant role in their paint purchasing decisions. Once they find a brand that delivers great results, they tend to stick with it. This is especially true in the paint industry, where the perceived risk and cost of choosing the wrong product is high.
Behr has built a devoted following over the years thanks to its reputation for quality, durability, and user-friendly products. However, it‘s important to recognize that brand loyalty can sometimes blind us to other great options on the market.
In a 2020 study by J.D. Power, Sherwin-Williams, Valspar, and HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams (all sold at Lowe‘s) ranked higher than Behr in customer satisfaction for interior paints. This suggests that many consumers are finding success with paint brands outside of Behr.
As a savvy shopper, it pays to keep an open mind and evaluate all your options based on objective criteria like price, performance, and customer reviews, rather than just sticking to one brand out of habit.
Comparing Lowe‘s Paint Offerings to Behr
To help you make an informed decision, let‘s take a closer look at how Lowe‘s paint brands compare to Behr in some key areas.
Price
One of the most important factors for many consumers is price. Behr is known for offering a good balance of quality and affordability, with its most popular Behr Premium Plus line coming in at around $30-35 per gallon.
However, Lowe‘s offers several paint options at comparable or even lower price points:
| Paint Brand | Product Line | Price per Gallon |
|---|---|---|
| Valspar | Ultra | $28-33 |
| Rust-Oleum | Ultra Cover | $25-30 |
| Kilz | Tribute | $25-30 |
These budget-friendly options from Lowe‘s provide good coverage and durability for the price, making them a smart choice for cost-conscious shoppers.
At the higher end, Lowe‘s Valspar Reserve and Sherwin-Williams Duration lines offer superior performance at a price point of around $50-60 per gallon, similar to Behr‘s top-of-the-line Marquee paint.
Coverage and Hiding Ability
Another key consideration when choosing a paint is how well it covers the existing surface color. Behr is known for its excellent coverage, with some lines like Behr Marquee offering true one-coat hide.
However, several Lowe‘s paint brands offer comparable or even better coverage:
| Paint Brand | Product Line | Coverage (sq. ft. per gallon) |
|---|---|---|
| Valspar | Reserve | 400-450 |
| Sherwin-Williams | Duration | 350-400 |
| HGTV Home by SW | Infinity | 400-450 |
| Behr (for reference) | Marquee | 400 |
These top-performing paints from Lowe‘s can cover more area with fewer coats, saving you time and money on your painting project.
Durability and Scrub Resistance
If you‘re painting a high-traffic area like a kitchen or hallway, you‘ll want a paint that can stand up to daily wear and tear. Behr paints are known for their durability, with many lines offering excellent scrub and stain resistance.
However, Lowe‘s also carries several paint lines that offer exceptional durability:
| Paint Brand | Product Line | Scrubs to Failure |
|---|---|---|
| Valspar | Reserve | 2,000+ |
| Sherwin-Williams | Duration | 1,500+ |
| Behr (reference) | Premium Plus | 1,000+ |
In independent lab tests, Valspar Reserve and Sherwin-Williams Duration outperformed Behr Premium Plus in scrub resistance, meaning they can withstand more cleaning cycles without wearing away. This makes them a great choice for busy households or commercial settings.
Low-VOC and Environmentally Friendly Options
For health-conscious consumers or those with sensitivities, choosing a low-VOC (volatile organic compound) paint is a top priority. These paints release fewer harmful chemicals, resulting in better indoor air quality and less odor.
Behr offers several zero-VOC paints, including its popular Behr Premium Plus Ultra line. However, Lowe‘s also carries a variety of low and zero-VOC options:
- Valspar Ultra: low-VOC formula, available in over 2,000 colors
- Sherwin-Williams Harmony: zero-VOC formula, available in all Sherwin-Williams colors
- HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams: zero-VOC formula, available in a curated palette of designer colors
These environmentally friendly choices from Lowe‘s prove that you don‘t have to sacrifice performance or color selection when choosing a healthier paint option.
The Advantages of Buying Paint at Lowe‘s
Beyond just the quality of its paint offerings, there are several compelling reasons to buy your paint at Lowe‘s:
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Wider product selection: In addition to paint, Lowe‘s offers a one-stop shop for all your painting needs, from drop cloths and painter‘s tape to brushes, rollers, and ladders. You can find everything you need for your project in one convenient location.
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Knowledgeable staff: Lowe‘s employs trained paint associates who can offer expert advice on choosing the right paint and supplies for your specific project. They can also help with color matching and provide tips on application techniques.
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Color matching services: If you have a specific color in mind, Lowe‘s can match it using its advanced color matching technology. Simply bring in a swatch or sample, and they‘ll create a custom color in your choice of paint brand and finish.
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Online resources: Lowe‘s website offers a wealth of resources for DIY painters, including how-to guides, product selectors, and an interactive color visualizer that lets you "try on" different paint colors in virtual room scenes.
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Competitive prices and frequent sales: Lowe‘s offers competitive everyday prices on paint and supplies, as well as frequent sales and promotions that can help you save even more. Be sure to check the weekly ad and sign up for email alerts to stay informed of the latest deals.
Expert Tips for Choosing and Using Paint from Lowe‘s
As a painting professional and home improvement expert, I‘ve learned a few best practices over the years for selecting and applying paint. Here are my top tips:
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Always use a high-quality brush or roller: The quality of your tools can have a big impact on the finished result. Invest in a good brush or roller designed for your specific paint type and surface.
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Don‘t skip the prep work: Proper surface preparation is key to a smooth, long-lasting paint job. Be sure to clean, sand, and prime your surface as needed before painting.
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Use a paint sample to test colors: Lighting and surrounding décor can dramatically change how a paint color looks in your space. Always test a sample in the actual room before committing to a full gallon.
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Box your paint for consistent color: If using multiple gallons of the same color, mix them together in a large bucket before starting to ensure even color distribution.
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Allow adequate dry time between coats: Rushing the drying process can result in uneven coverage and poor adhesion. Follow the manufacturer‘s recommended dry times for best results.
By following these pro tips and investing in quality paints and tools from Lowe‘s, you‘ll be well on your way to a successful painting project with beautiful, long-lasting results.
The Bottom Line
While it‘s true that Lowe‘s does not sell Behr paint, the retailer offers an impressive selection of high-quality paints from trusted brands like Valspar, Sherwin-Williams, HGTV Home, and more. These paints offer comparable or even better performance than Behr in key areas like coverage, durability, and color selection, often at similar or lower price points.
As a picky shopper and retail expert, I believe that Lowe‘s is an excellent destination for paint and painting supplies, even without the Behr brand. By keeping an open mind and evaluating your options based on your specific needs and budget, you‘re sure to find the perfect paint for your project at Lowe‘s.
Whether you‘re a DIY beginner or a seasoned pro, Lowe‘s knowledgeable staff, color matching services, and wide product selection make it a convenient and reliable choice for all your painting needs. So, next time you‘re embarking on a painting project, don‘t let the absence of Behr paint deter you from checking out all that Lowe‘s has to offer. You may just discover your new favorite paint brand in the process!
