When it comes to choosing paint for your home, quality matters. The right paint can transform a space, while the wrong one can lead to endless touch-ups and frustration. If you‘re considering a premium paint brand like Benjamin Moore, you may be wondering where you can purchase it. Specifically, does Lowe‘s, one of the largest home improvement retailers in the United States, sell Benjamin Moore paints?
In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll answer that question and take a detailed look at the world of paint retailers and brands. As an expert in the retail industry with over 20 years of experience analyzing consumer goods, I‘ll provide insights and data to help you make an informed decision about where to buy your paint and which brands offer the best value and performance.
Overview of Benjamin Moore and Lowe‘s
Before we dive into the specifics of paint shopping, let‘s start with some background on the two companies in question.
Benjamin Moore is a premium paint manufacturer that has been in business since 1883. Headquartered in Montvale, New Jersey, the company is known for its high-quality, durable paints in a wide range of colors. Benjamin Moore has a network of around 7,500 independently owned paint and hardware stores that sell its products.
Lowe‘s, founded in 1921, is a Fortune 500 home improvement company with over 2,200 stores across the United States and Canada. In 2021, the company reported sales of over $96 billion. While Lowe‘s sells a wide range of products for home construction and renovation, paint is one of its core categories.
Does Lowe‘s Sell Benjamin Moore Paint?
Now to answer the burning question – no, Lowe‘s does not sell Benjamin Moore paint. In fact, you won‘t find Benjamin Moore paint in any major retailer or big box store. The company has a long-standing policy of only selling through independent retailers.
According to Benjamin Moore‘s FAQ page, the decision to not sell in larger chain stores is in order to "support our network of independent retailers and provide our customers with a more personalized experience." The company believes that independent paint stores are better equipped to provide expert advice and color consultations to customers.
This distribution strategy has been successful for Benjamin Moore. In a 2018 article in Coatings World, the company reported annual revenue of $1.5 billion. CEO Dan Calkins said, "Our growth is accelerating in the professional painter market, and that‘s a direct result of our independent retailer strategy."
Paint Brands Available at Lowe‘s
While Lowe‘s doesn‘t carry Benjamin Moore, the retailer does sell several other leading paint brands. Here‘s an overview of the brands you can find at Lowe‘s:
| Brand | Type | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| Valspar | Interior/exterior | $27.98 – $44.98 per gallon |
| HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams | Interior/exterior | $38.98 – $50.98 per gallon |
| KILZ | Interior/exterior, primers | $24.98 – $39.98 per gallon |
| Rust-Oleum | Specialty paints | $28.98 – $30.98 per quart |
| Cabot | Exterior stains | $29.98 – $47.98 per gallon |
| Purdy | Paint tools/accessories | $8.98 – $18.98 |
Valspar is Lowe‘s flagship paint brand, with a wide assortment of interior and exterior paints as well as primers and specialty finishes. Lowe‘s also carries an exclusive line of Sherwin-Williams paints under the HGTV Home brand.
In addition to these options, Lowe‘s has several value-oriented paint brands like Olympic ONE for budget-conscious shoppers. It also offers a selection of paint tools and accessories from brands like Purdy and Shur-Line.
How Do Benjamin Moore Paints Compare?
If you‘re considering alternatives to Benjamin Moore paints at Lowe‘s, it‘s helpful to understand how they stack up in terms of quality and performance. Consumer testing organizations routinely put interior and exterior paints through rigorous evaluations, assessing them on factors like coverage, durability, cleanability, and more.
In Consumer Reports‘ latest interior paint rankings, Benjamin Moore‘s Aura line tied for first place with Behr Marquee, a Home Depot exclusive. It received "excellent" ratings for hiding imperfections and resisting stains, mildew, and scrubbing. Another Benjamin Moore line, Regal Select, ranked fifth overall.
However, Lowe‘s exclusive Valspar Signature also made the top ten list, as did Sherwin-Williams Cashmere. Both received "very good" ratings across most categories.
Good Housekeeping also put 28 interior paints to the test and named Valspar Signature their "best value" pick, noting that it "easily covered both white and dark surfaces" and held up to stains and scrubbing. Benjamin Moore Aura was named an "easy to use" runner up.
These ratings illustrate that while Benjamin Moore is a top performer, it‘s not the only high-quality option out there. Many of the brands available at Lowe‘s offer similar coverage, durability, and finish quality.
Color Matching Benjamin Moore at Lowe‘s
If you have your heart set on a specific Benjamin Moore color, you can bring a swatch to Lowe‘s and have it color matched in another brand‘s paint. Lowe‘s offers free color matching for all the brands it carries using a spectrophotometer for accuracy.
Here‘s how to get your Benjamin Moore color matched at Lowe‘s:
- Search Benjamin Moore‘s online color gallery and order or print a color swatch of your desired shade.
- Take the swatch to the paint desk at your local Lowe‘s store.
- Tell the associate what sheen and paint line you would like to use (e.g. Valspar Signature Semi-Gloss).
- The associate will scan the color swatch with the spectrophotometer and create a custom color formula.
- Lowe‘s will mix the color in your chosen paint and provide a small drawdown card to confirm it matches.
Keep in mind that color matching is more of an art than a science, and the final result may vary slightly based on your chosen paint base and sheen. For the best results, ask the associate to tweak the formula if needed and test the paint in your space before purchasing a full gallon.
Choosing Between Big Box Stores and Paint Retailers
As a consumer, you have a choice in where you purchase your paint – from big box home improvement stores like Lowe‘s to smaller, specialized paint retailers. Here‘s a breakdown of the pros and cons of each option:
Big Box Stores (Lowe‘s, Home Depot)
- Pros:
- Convenient one-stop-shop for home projects
- Wide selection of paint brands and products
- Competitive prices and frequent sales
- In-store color matching and mixing
- Extended store hours
- Cons:
- Fewer premium brand options
- Less specialized/knowledgeable staff
- May have limited color selection in-store
- Longer lines and wait times
Paint Specialty Stores (Benjamin Moore, Sherwin-Williams)
- Pros:
- Expert staff with paint-specific knowledge
- Access to premium and professional-grade products
- Large selection of fan decks and color tools
- Additional services like color consultations and how-to classes
- Cons:
- Typically higher prices than big boxes
- Fewer discounts and sales
- Limited hours and locations
- May not carry painting supplies beyond brushes/rollers
Where you choose to shop for paint will come down to your specific needs and preferences. If you‘re tackling a big renovation and need paint alongside other supplies, a store like Lowe‘s may be your best bet. If you want high-end options and expert guidance, a paint store may be worth the higher price tag.
Frequently Asked Questions
To wrap up this guide, here are answers to some common questions about purchasing paint:
Q: How much does a gallon of Benjamin Moore paint cost?
A: It varies by retailer and product line, but in general, Benjamin Moore paints range from $40-$80 per gallon. The most premium Aura line is around $80 per gallon, while the more affordable Ben line is closer to $40 per gallon.
Q: What is the best paint brand for interior walls?
A: It depends on your needs, but some top performing interior paint brands include Benjamin Moore Aura and Regal Select, Behr Marquee, Valspar Signature, and Sherwin-Williams Duration. When in doubt, consult consumer testing rankings for your specific project type.
Q: Do I need to use a primer before painting?
A: In most cases, yes. Primer helps ensure even coverage and adhesion, especially if you‘re painting a dark color, covering stains, or painting a porous surface. Many paints today have a built-in primer, but a separate primer coat is still recommended for some applications.
Q: How do I choose the right paint finish?
A: The right finish depends on the room and surface you‘re painting. Generally, high-traffic areas like kitchens and bathrooms benefit from a semi-gloss finish for durability and easy cleaning. Living rooms, bedrooms, and ceilings are better suited to a flat, eggshell, or satin finish.
Final Thoughts
While Lowe‘s doesn‘t sell Benjamin Moore paints, the retailer carries several high-quality paint brands that perform similarly in independent testing. If you‘re a fan of a specific Benjamin Moore color, you can have Lowe‘s color match it in your preferred brand and finish.
When it comes to choosing a paint brand and retailer, consider your budget, your project needs, and your desire for expert guidance. Both big box home improvement stores and specialty paint retailers have their advantages.
No matter where you end up purchasing your paint, rest assured that you have plenty of excellent options. With the right tools, preparation, and a quality paint, you can achieve professional-looking results in any space.
