Eggshell Paint Comparison: Sherwin Williams vs. Benjamin Moore vs. Home Depot Brands
This table compares quantifiable metrics for various eggshell finish paints from Sherwin Williams, Benjamin Moore, and Home Depot (Behr and Glidden).
| Paint Name | Dry Film Thickness (DFT) (mils) | Drying Time (Recoat) (hours) | Volume Solids (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sherwin Williams | |||
| Emerald Interior Latex Eggshell | ~1.6-2.1 (est.) | 4 | ~41% (varies) |
| Duration Home Interior Latex Eggshell | 1.6 (@ 4.0 mils WFT) | 4 | 39 ± 2% |
| Cashmere Interior Latex Eggshell | 1.6 (@ 4.0 mils WFT) | 4 | 40 ± 2% |
| SuperPaint Interior Latex Eggshell | 1.6 (@ 4.0 mils WFT) | 4 | 40 ± 2% |
| Benjamin Moore | |||
| Aura Interior Eggshell | 2.1 (@ 4.4 mils WFT) | 1 | 47.80% |
| Regal Select Interior Eggshell | 1.6 (@ 3.8 mils WFT) | 1-2 | 44.80% |
| UltraSpec 500 Interior Eggshell | 1.7-2.0 (@ 4.0-4.6 mils WFT, varies by base) | 2-3 | 43 ± 2% (varies by base) |
| Home Depot - Behr | |||
| Premium Plus Interior Eggshell Enamel | Not explicitly stated; typically 1.5-2.0 mils | 2 | Not readily available in all TDS |
| Ultra Scuff Defense Interior Eggshell Enamel | 1.5 (@ 4.0 mils WFT) / 2.4 (@ 6.4 mils WFT) | 2 | 38 ± 2% |
| Marquee Interior Eggshell Enamel | Not explicitly stated; typically 1.5-2.0 mils | 2 | Not readily available in all TDS |
| Dynasty Interior Eggshell Enamel | Not explicitly stated; typically 1.6-2.2 mils | 2 | Not readily available in all TDS |
| Home Depot - Glidden | |||
| Premium Interior Eggshell | 1.4 (@ 4.0 mils WFT) | 2-4 | 34 ± 2% |
| Diamond Interior Eggshell | Not explicitly stated; typically 1.5-2.0 mils | 2-4 | Not readily available in all TDS |
Choosing Your Champion: Finding the Best Eggshell Paint for Your Home
The eggshell finish – that perfect sweet spot between flat and satin – is a popular choice for a reason. It offers a subtle sheen that brings a touch of elegance, coupled with better durability and washability than a matte finish. But with so many excellent paints on the market, how do you choose the champion for your walls?
At Hoboken Painter Inc., we believe an informed choice leads to a beautiful, lasting finish. While "the best" paint can be subjective and depend heavily on your specific needs, understanding key performance factors can guide you to the right can. In this post, we'll break down what to look for in a top-tier eggshell paint, drawing from our analysis of leading brands like Sherwin Williams, Benjamin Moore, Behr, and Glidden.
What Makes a Great Eggshell Paint? Key Factors to Consider
When we compare paints, we look at more than just the color. Technical specifications play a huge role in application, appearance, and longevity. Here are a few critical factors:
Dry Film Thickness (DFT): This refers to the thickness of the paint layer once it's dry. A thicker, high-quality film generally contributes to better hide, durability, and color retention.
Drying Time (Recoat): How long you need to wait before applying the next coat. Faster recoat times, like those seen in Benjamin Moore Aura (1 hour) or Regal Select (1-2 hours), can significantly speed up your painting project.
Volume Solids (%): This indicates the percentage of solid material (pigment and binders) left after the paint dries. Higher volume solids often mean better coverage, less shrinkage, and a more robust paint film. Benjamin Moore's Aura and Regal Select tend to score well here.
VOC Content: Volatile Organic Compounds are solvents that get released into the air as the paint dries. Thankfully, all the paints we compared, including options from Behr and Sherwin Williams' SuperPaint, offer low or zero VOCs, which is better for your indoor air quality.
For a deeper dive into general paint brand characteristics, you might find our overview of Top US paint brands in 2023 helpful as you weigh your options.
Top Contenders: Eggshell Paints That Shine
Based on our review of key specifications, here’s how some of the leading eggshell paints stack up, depending on your priorities:
For Ultimate Performance & Durability:
Benjamin Moore Aura Interior Eggshell: Often leads the pack with excellent volume solids, a strong dry film thickness, and an incredibly fast 1-hour recoat time. It’s a premium choice for longevity and vibrant color.
Sherwin Williams Emerald Interior Latex Eggshell: A top-tier offering known for its exceptional washability, durability, and coverage. It also boasts low VOCs. When investing in a high-quality finish, considering factors like how often you should paint your interior can help you appreciate the value of such premium lines.
Benjamin Moore Regal Select Interior Eggshell: Another strong performer from Benjamin Moore, offering a great balance of high volume solids, good coverage, and a quick recoat time (1-2 hours). It's a favorite for a reason and is mentioned in our top brands overview.
Behr Dynasty Interior Eggshell Enamel: Home Depot’s top-tier offering, Behr Dynasty, competes closely with its very low VOCs, good coverage, and a focus on scuff and stain resistance, making it a durable choice for busy households.
For an Excellent Balance of Performance & Value:
Sherwin Williams SuperPaint Interior Latex Eggshell: A reliable workhorse, SuperPaint (also featured in our brands article) provides good volume solids, decent dry film thickness, and a durable finish at a more moderate price point.
Benjamin Moore UltraSpec 500 Interior Eggshell: A contractor favorite, UltraSpec 500 stands out with Zero VOC content and good volume solids, offering reliable performance.
Behr Marquee Interior Eggshell Enamel & Behr Ultra Scuff Defense: Both are strong contenders from Home Depot. Marquee is known for its potential one-coat coverage in many colors, while Ultra Scuff Defense offers enhanced durability for high-traffic zones.
For Specific Needs:
Zero VOC Priorities: Benjamin Moore UltraSpec 500 and Glidden Premium Interior Eggshell are excellent choices if minimizing VOCs is your top concern. Many other paints like Behr Premium Plus and Marquee also offer very low VOC levels.
Fastest Project Turnaround: Benjamin Moore Aura (1 hour recoat) and Regal Select (1-2 hours recoat) are hard to beat. Behr lines also generally offer a quick 2-hour recoat time.
Making the Right Choice for Your Home
Ultimately, the "best" eggshell paint is the one that meets your project's specific demands, your budget, and your aesthetic desires. Consider the traffic in the area to be painted, your expectations for washability, and, of course, the color! If you're embarking on a painting project, don't forget the importance of planning; for instance, our guide on How to Select the Perfect Paint Color can help you with that crucial first step.
While a quality paint is a great start, professional application makes a world of difference in achieving that flawless, durable finish. If you're considering an upgrade to your space, exploring professional Interior Painting Services in Hoboken NJ can ensure your chosen paint performs its best. As we’ve noted in discussions like the cost to paint kitchen cabinets, using high-quality materials is key, and the same applies to your walls.
Final Thoughts
Choosing an eggshell paint doesn't have to be overwhelming. By focusing on key performance indicators like dry film thickness, recoat times, and volume solids, and by considering your own priorities, you can confidently select a paint that will bring beauty and durability to your home for years to come.
Still unsure? Remember that hiring professional painters can take the guesswork out of the entire process, from selection to the final brushstroke. Happy painting! Okay, here's a blog post summarizing the findings on the best eggshell paints, designed for the Hoboken Painter Inc. blog, and incorporating links to existing relevant pages from your site.
Choosing the Best Eggshell Paint for Your Hoboken Home: A Painter's Guide
The right paint can transform a room, and the finish you choose is just as important as the color. For many Hoboken and Jersey City homes, an eggshell finish offers that perfect balance: a soft, velvety look with more durability and cleanability than flat or matte finishes, yet without the high shine of semi-gloss. But with so many options on the market, how do you pick the "best" one?
As your local painting experts, we at Hoboken Painter Inc. know that "best" can depend on your specific needs and priorities. Let's break down what makes a quality eggshell paint and highlight some top contenders to help you decide.
What to Look For in a Quality Eggshell Paint
Before diving into brands, it's helpful to understand a few key factors:
Dry Film Thickness (DFT): This refers to the thickness of the paint layer once it's dry. A thicker DFT generally contributes to better coverage, durability, and a richer look.
Drying Time (Recoat): How long you need to wait before applying another coat. Shorter recoat times can speed up your painting project significantly.
Volume Solids (%): This indicates the percentage of the paint that remains on the wall after the liquid components (solvents and water) have evaporated. Higher volume solids often mean better hide, coverage, and a more robust paint film.
VOC Content: Volatile Organic Compounds are chemicals that can be released into the air as paint dries. Choosing low-VOC or zero-VOC paints is a great way to contribute to healthier indoor air quality – a big plus for any home.
For a deeper dive into paint properties and making the right selections, our Paint Selection Tips page offers some great advice.
Top Eggshell Paint Contenders: Performance & Durability
When top-tier performance, exceptional durability, and a luxurious finish are paramount, several brands and lines consistently stand out. These are often the go-to choices for professional painters looking for premium results.
Benjamin Moore Aura Interior Eggshell: Often considered a benchmark, Aura boasts excellent coverage, a high volume solids content, and a remarkably fast 1-hour recoat time. It's a fantastic choice for vibrant, long-lasting color and durability.
Sherwin Williams Emerald Interior Latex Eggshell: This is Sherwin Williams' top-of-the-line interior paint, known for its exceptional washability, stain resistance, and smooth application. It also meets stringent VOC regulations.
Benjamin Moore Regal Select Interior Eggshell: Another strong performer from Benjamin Moore, Regal Select offers excellent durability, good coverage, and quick recoating (1-2 hours). Many of its colors are available in a zero-VOC formula, which we know is important to many of our clients.
Behr Dynasty Interior Eggshell Enamel (Home Depot): Behr's most premium offering, Dynasty, competes well with its claims of one-coat coverage in many colors, excellent scuff and stain resistance, and a fast-drying formula.
As we've discussed in our comparison of top US paint brands, both Benjamin Moore and Sherwin-Williams have a long-standing reputation for quality, though premium lines from other brands are increasingly competitive.
Great Performance & Value: The Sweet Spot
You don't always need the absolute top-tier (and highest price) to get a fantastic, lasting finish. These paints offer a superb balance of quality, durability, and value:
Sherwin Williams SuperPaint Interior Latex Eggshell: A true workhorse, SuperPaint is known for its reliability, good hide, and washability at a more moderate price point.
Benjamin Moore UltraSpec 500 Interior Eggshell: A favorite among many contractors, UltraSpec 500 offers great hide, good touch-up properties, and is a zero-VOC product, making it an excellent choice for projects where air quality is a key concern.
Behr Marquee Interior Eggshell Enamel (Home Depot): Often touted for its one-coat coverage in specific colors, Marquee offers good durability and stain resistance, making it a popular choice for DIYers and professionals alike.
Sherwin Williams Duration Home Interior Latex Eggshell: Known for its resilience and washability, Duration Home is a step up in performance and ideal for high-traffic areas.
Making the Right Choice for Your Project
Ultimately, the "best" eggshell paint for your home depends on:
The specific room and its use: High-traffic areas like hallways or kids' rooms may benefit from maximum durability and scuff resistance.
Your budget: Prices can vary significantly between value lines and premium offerings.
Color choice: Some paints are known for their exceptional color rendering and one-coat coverage in specific palettes. Our team can even help with color consultations if you're unsure where to start.
Environmental and health concerns: Opting for zero-VOC or low-VOC paints is always a good consideration.
Whether you're refreshing your walls and ceilings or undertaking a larger interior painting project, selecting the right eggshell paint is key to a beautiful, lasting finish.
Ready to Paint?
Choosing the perfect paint can feel overwhelming, but understanding these key factors and top contenders should help narrow down your options. If you're planning an interior painting project in the Hoboken or Jersey City area and want expert advice and a flawless finish, the team at Hoboken Painter Inc. is here to help. We have experience with all these top brands and can guide you to the perfect choice for your home and budget.