Sherwin-Williams vs Benjamin Moore: Best Paint for Montana

The Verdict for Montana

For most Montana homeowners, Sherwin-Williams Duration offers the best value. It's 10-15% less expensive than Benjamin Moore Aura while providing comparable UV resistance and durability in Montana's extreme climate. However, if you're using dark exterior colors or want one-coat coverage, Benjamin Moore Aura is worth the premium.

🏆 Choose Sherwin-Williams If:

Value is important
You need easy touch-up paint access
Using lighter colors
Large project (cost savings add up)

🏆 Choose Benjamin Moore If:

Using dark/bold colors
Want one-coat coverage
Maximum color retention priority
Budget allows for premium

Head-to-Head Comparison

Feature

Winner

Premium Exterior Line

Duration Exterior

Aura Exterior

🤝 Tie

Price (per gallon)

$65-85

$75-95

✓ Sherwin-Williams

UV Resistance

Excellent

🤝 Tie

Color Retention

7-10 years

8-10 years

✓ Benjamin Moore

One-Coat Coverage

Good

Excellent

✓ Benjamin Moore

Low-VOC Options

Harmony line

Natura line

🤝 Tie

Warranty

Lifetime limited

🤝 Tie

Availability in Bozeman

2 locations

1 location

✓ Sherwin-Williams

Best Products for Montana

Exterior Paint Recommendations

Best Overall

Sherwin-Williams

Duration Exterior

$75/gallon

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 9.5/10

Benjamin Moore

Aura Exterior

$85/gallon

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 9.7/10

Our Pick: Aura for color retention, Duration for value

Best Budget

Sherwin-Williams

SuperPaint

$55/gallon

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 8.5/10

Benjamin Moore

Regal Select

$65/gallon

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 8.7/10

Our Pick: SuperPaint offers best value for Montana

Best for Dark Colors

Sherwin-Williams

Emerald Exterior

$95/gallon

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 9.2/10

Benjamin Moore

Aura Exterior

$85/gallon

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 9.8/10

Our Pick: Aura resists fading better on dark colors

Interior Paint Recommendations

Best Overall

Sherwin-Williams

Emerald Interior

$75/gallon

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 9.6/10

Benjamin Moore

Aura Interior

$80/gallon

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 9.8/10

Our Pick: Aura for one-coat coverage, Emerald for washability

Best Zero-VOC

Sherwin-Williams

Harmony

$65/gallon

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 9/10

Benjamin Moore

Natura

$70/gallon

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 9.2/10

Our Pick: Both excellent; Natura edges ahead on coverage

Best for Bathrooms

Sherwin-Williams

Duration Home

$70/gallon

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 9.3/10

Benjamin Moore

Aura Bath & Spa

$78/gallon

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 9.5/10

Our Pick: Aura Bath & Spa for superior moisture resistance

Montana-Specific Considerations

UV Exposure at 7,500ft

Sherwin-Williams: Duration rated for extreme UV

Benjamin Moore: Aura with Color Lock technology

Winner: It's a tie

Both brands offer UV-resistant lines suitable for Montana's intense high-altitude sun

Temperature Extremes (-30°F to 95°F)

Sherwin-Williams: Flexible acrylic latex resins

Benjamin Moore: Advanced polymer technology

Winner: It's a tie

Both formulated for extreme temperature swings common in Montana

Moisture & Snow

Sherwin-Williams: Mildew-resistant coatings

Benjamin Moore: Water-resistant films

Winner: It's a tie

Premium lines from both brands handle Montana moisture well

Professional Preference in Bozeman

Sherwin-Williams: Used by 60% of local pros

Benjamin Moore: Used by 35% of local pros

Winner: Sherwin-Williams

Sherwin-Williams more popular with Montana contractors due to availability and support

Cost Analysis for Montana Homes

Project

Sherwin-Williams

Benjamin Moore

Difference

Average 2,000 sq ft home exterior

$1,200-1,600

$1,400-1,900

Benjamin Moore 15-20% more expensive

Whole house interior

$800-1,200

$1,000-1,400

Benjamin Moore 20-25% more expensive

5-year touch-up costs

$200-300

$150-250

Benjamin Moore slightly lower (better color retention)

Bottom Line: For a typical whole-home project, choosing Sherwin-Williams over Benjamin Moore saves $300-600 on materials. Over 10 years, this difference decreases due to Benjamin Moore's slightly better color retention requiring fewer touch-ups.

Need Help Choosing?

We use both Sherwin-Williams and Benjamin Moore paints depending on your specific project needs. Get a free consultation to determine which paint is best for your Montana home.

Call (406) 508-5903