As a self-proclaimed paint perfectionist and veteran DIY-er, I‘ve spent countless hours scrutinizing paint chips, comparing swatches, and testing samples in pursuit of the perfect hues for my home. Over the years, I‘ve rolled up my sleeves and tackled paint projects in nearly every room, from quick accent walls to full-scale exterior refreshes. And through it all, two brands have consistently battle for my business: Lowe‘s and Home Depot.
These home improvement heavyweights are the go-to spots for many paint shoppers, offering extensive color selections and exclusive formulas you can‘t find anywhere else. But with both boasting premium brands, frequent sales, and a slew of paint-related services, choosing between the two can be a head-scratching proposition.
Fear not, my fellow paint enthusiasts. I‘ve put in the brush strokes to bring you this ultimate guide to Lowe‘s vs Home Depot paint. We‘ll dive deep into the nuances of interior and exterior offerings, compare prices and performance, and even weigh factors like sustainability and store experience. By the time we‘re finished, you‘ll have all the information you need to confidently select your paint soul mate. Let‘s get started!
Tale of the Tape: Lowe‘s vs Home Depot Paint Brands
First, let‘s meet the contenders. Here‘s a quick overview of the major paint brands and lines you‘ll find in each store:
Lowe‘s Heavy Hitters:
- Sherwin-Williams (Infinity, Showcase, Ovation Plus)
- Valspar (Reserve, Signature, Ultra)
- HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams (Showcase, Ovation Plus)
Home Depot‘s Paint Powerhouses:
- Behr (Marquee, Ultra, Premium Plus)
- Glidden (Premium, Essentials)
- PPG (Timeless)
Off the bat, you‘ll notice some clear distinctions. Lowe‘s leans heavily into the Sherwin-Williams family of paints, which includes the retailer-exclusive HGTV Home line. Valspar is Lowe‘s other major brand, with both budget and premium options.
Home Depot, on the other hand, has a more diversified paint portfolio. Behr is the headlining brand, with Marquee positioned as the cream of the crop. Glidden offers some wallet-friendly alternatives, while PPG‘s Timeless line is a strong mid-range contender.
One important note: while you‘ll spot some overlapping brands like Rust-Oleum, each store‘s selection is largely exclusive. That means you can‘t pop into Home Depot for a gallon of Valspar or swing by Lowe‘s for some Behr (much to this indecisive shopper‘s chagrin).
Pitting Paint Against Paint: Interior Offerings
With the introductions out of the way, let‘s jump into the nitty gritty of interior paint. Here‘s a side-by-side comparison of some of the most popular lines:
| Lowe‘s Paint | Price per Gallon | Features | Home Depot Paint | Price per Gallon | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sherwin-Williams Infinity | $50.98 | Paint & primer in one, one-coat coverage, washable, durable | Behr Marquee | $45.98 | Paint & primer in one, one-coat coverage, antimicrobial, stain-blocking |
| Valspar Reserve | $39.98 | Paint & primer in one, washable, fade resistant | Behr Ultra | $36.98 | Paint & primer in one, stain-blocking, scuff resistant |
| HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams Ovation Plus | $29.98 | Paint & primer in one, stain resistant | Glidden Premium | $25.98 | Paint & primer in one, washable, low odor |
Sussing out the specifics on these paint lines can be tricky, as each manufacturer uses slightly different language to describe their top features. However, a few key themes emerge:
Coverage: Most premium interior paints now offer paint and primer in one, with the promise of "one-coat coverage." In my experience, that claim holds up best with lighter colors. Darker, more saturated hues often require a second coat for a truly perfect finish.
Durability: High-end paints prioritize durability with descriptors like "scuff-resistant," "stain-blocking," and "washable." That‘s good news for high-traffic areas like hallways, kids‘ rooms, and kitchens.
Dry Time: Recoat times can vary from 1-4 hours, so be sure to check the label if you‘re on a tight timeline. Sherwin-Williams INFINITY, for example, promises quick recoats in just an hour.
VOCs: The majority of premium paints are now Low VOC or Zero VOC, which refers to Volatile Organic Compounds that can negatively impact air quality. However, some "regular" VOC paints may still sneak into the mix, particularly among budget options. If you‘re sensitive to paint fumes, double check the label.
So how do the brands actually perform? I put Sherwin-Williams Infinity and Behr Marquee to the test in a couple of high-stakes spaces: a dining room and a nursery. Both delivered impressive rich, even coverage that has resisted chips and scuffs. The Infinity paint had a leg up in washability, wiping clean after some vigorous crayon removal. But Marquee took the lead in color accuracy, perfectly matching a challenging navy blue swatch.
In a 2019 head-to-head interior paint test from Consumer Reports evaluating things like coverage, dry time, stain removal, and fading, Behr topped Lowe‘s contenders across nearly every measure. Behr and Behr Ultra earned the highest marks, with Sherwin-Williams Infinity also scoring "very good" across the board [1].
Based on these findings and my own experience, I‘d give the overall edge to Behr Marquee for interior applications. But if you‘re firmly Team Sherwin, you‘re still in very capable hands with INFINITY.
Outdoor Overhaul: Exterior Paint Face-Off
Choosing an exterior paint is arguably an even higher-stakes decision. The right paint needs to stand up to the elements for years on end, while still looking fresh and vibrant. No pressure, right?
Thankfully, both Lowe‘s and Home Depot offer formulas specifically engineered for the great outdoors. Here‘s a snapshot of the major exterior players:
Lowe‘s Exterior Delights:
- Sherwin-Williams Duration
- Valspar Duramax
- HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams Weathershield
Home Depot‘s Outdoor Champs:
- Behr Marquee Exterior
- Behr Premium Plus Ultra Exterior
- Glidden Premium Exterior
When it comes to exterior paint, the proof is in the longevity. Consumer Reports once again put the brands to the test, evaluating performance after the equivalent of nine years of exposure. Behr came out on top, earning "excellent" marks for dirt pickup resistance (a necessity for this tree-lined yard). Glidden Premium also performed respectably [2].
That echoes the feedback I‘ve heard from professional painters in my area, who swear by Behr for its superior moisture resistance and color retention. As tempting as the HGTV Home line is for this renovation fanatic, I have to hand the outdoor crown to Behr.
Price Check: Comparing the Bottom Line
Of course, all the durability and coverage claims in the world don‘t mean much if the price tag triggers shock sweats. I know I‘ve abandoned many a paint chip after a swift reality check on the price per gallon.
To help inform your budget, here‘s a price comparison of both stores‘ major paint lines, ranked from most to least expensive:
| Lowe‘s Paint | Price per Gallon | Home Depot Paint | Price per Gallon |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sherwin-Williams Infinity | $50.98 | Behr Marquee | $45.98 |
| Valspar Reserve | $39.98 | Behr Ultra | $36.98 |
| HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams Ovation Plus | $29.98 | PPG Timeless | $38.98 |
| Valspar Ultra | $32.98 | Behr Premium Plus | $33.98 |
| Valspar Signature | $39.98 | Glidden Premium | $25.98 |
| Sherwin-Williams Showcase | $36.98 | Glidden Essentials | $19.98 |
At the very top end, Sherwin-Williams INFINITY will run you about $5 more per gallon than Behr Marquee. But that gap quickly closes as you move into the mid-tier options. Valspar Reserve and Behr Ultra, for example, are within a few dollars of each other.
What‘s more, both Lowe‘s and Home Depot regularly run promotions on their paints. Recent Lowe‘s deals have included $20 off a 5-gallon bucket and "buy one get one free" offers on sample sizes. Over at Home Depot, I‘ve seen $10 off 1-gallon cans and even BOGO gallons around big DIY holidays like Memorial Day and Fourth of July.
The takeaway? While Lowe‘s paints may have a slightly higher starting price point, the playing field levels out considerably when you factor in frequent sales. Your best bet is to keep an eye out for promotions and stock up when prices dip.
Colorful Considerations: Picking the Perfect Palette
Price and performance aside, let‘s address the real reason we agonize over paint: finding that elusive, just-right color.
Both Lowe‘s and Home Depot offer extensive color collections, with thousands of shades to choose from. Lowe‘s edge lies in its super-sized swatches, which make it incredibly easy to compare hues side-by-side. The store also offers a nifty "Color Visualizer" kiosk where you can digitally paint sample rooms or even upload your own photos.
Home Depot, however, takes the personalization a step further. The ProjectColor app allows you to snap a pic of any color that catches your eye – whether it‘s a flower petal or your favorite shirt – and instantly find the closest paint match. You can also use augmented reality to test out colors in real time as you move around your space.
Of course, nothing beats seeing the real deal on your wall. Both stores offer small sample sizes so you can verify that dreamy "Whispering Pine" doesn‘t veer "Screaming Neon" when the light hits it. You can typically snag samples of higher-end paints for around $5.
My Color Tip: Paint large swatches on a piece of butcher paper and move it around the room over a few days. Notice how the hue morphs in different corners and at different times of day. Live with it, let it marinate. And if you waffle between two close colors – just go a shade lighter. Bold paint is like a strong cocktail; you can always add more, but it‘s tough to walk it back.
The Finishing Touches: A Rainbow of Services
Beyond the paint cans themselves, both retailers offer an array of services and resources to help you tackle any project like a pro. These include:
Color Consultations: Feeling overwhelmed by swatches? Both Lowe‘s and Home Depot offer free one-on-one color consultations with paint experts. They‘ll help you navigate the color wheel, compare options, and even suggest coordinating accents.
Paint Matching: Spot the perfect shade out in the wild? Both stores can custom match any color you bring in – whether it‘s from a competitor or a cherished memento. Just snip a small sample (at least 1 square inch) and they‘ll work their magic.
Painting Classes: If you‘re starting from square one, both retailers host free workshops to help you master DIY basics. The classes cover everything from proper roller technique to choosing finishes. Lowe‘s even offers online video tutorials through its "DIY-U" platform.
Rental Equipment: Taking on a major overhaul? Both Lowe‘s and Home Depot rent out specialty tools like paint sprayers, scaffolding, and ladders. Rates are typically reasonable (a paint sprayer runs about $60 per day), and you can often score discounts for longer projects.
Recycling Programs: Stuck with extra paint? Both stores partner with PaintCare, a national non-profit, to responsibly recycle and dispose of leftover cans. Just look for the PaintCare logo in the paint section or check out their online locator to find a participating spot near you.
So where do the two stores differ? It really comes down to the details. I‘ve found that Home Depot‘s color matching technology is a bit more advanced, able to scan and replicate hues right from your smartphone. Lowe‘s, however, offers a wider selection of paint samples, including peel-and-stick swatches you can easily move around your space.
At the end of the day, both retailers offer a robust menu of paint services that cater to both newbies and seasoned painters alike. It‘s just a matter of finding the right fit for your experience level and project needs.
The Final Brush Stroke
After exhaustive research (and maybe a few paint-splattered T-shirts), I can confidently say that Lowe‘s and Home Depot are both paint powerhouses in their own right. With exclusive formulas, generous samples, and a wealth of educational resources, you really can‘t go wrong with either retailer.
However, if I had to name an overall winner, I‘d give the slight edge to Home Depot. Behr‘s impressive performance across multiple Consumer Reports rankings, coupled with the brand‘s reputation among professional painters, is simply too strong to ignore. The ProjectColor app is also a game-changer for visualizing real-world hues.
That being said, Lowe‘s array of Sherwin-Williams paints is nothing to sneeze at. If you prioritize selection and want to stick with a tried-and-true brand, Lowe‘s is still an excellent choice.
My parting advice? Spend some time in both stores. Chat with the paint desk associates, attend a workshop, take home a few samples. At the end of the day, the "best" paint brand is the one that checks all of your boxes – whether that‘s price, durability, ease of use, or that absolutely perfect shade of greige.
So go forth and paint with confidence, my fellow color enthusiasts. And don‘t worry – that first roller stroke is always the hardest.
