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Benjamin Moore vs Sherwin Williams Ceiling Paint

December 18th, 2024

4 min read

By Kaylea Kuhlman

Sunroom painted a dark color with warm wooden floors and a large couch.

Have you ever stared up at your ceiling, noticing discoloration, peeling, or uneven texture? It’s easy to overlook ceilings when planning a paint job, but a dull or damaged ceiling can drag down the look of your entire home. Choosing the right paint for your ceiling is critical, and with so many options on the market, it can feel overwhelming to decide which brand is best.

At Brush & Roll Painting, we’ve worked with thousands of homeowners in Omaha since 1996. We know all paint products on the market are the same. So, we've used and tested products from leading brands like Benjamin Moore and Sherwin-Williams and have found differences between the brands.

In this article, we’ll break down the key differences between Benjamin Moore and Sherwin-Williams ceiling paints. You’ll learn about their unique features, pros, and cons to help you decide which is best for your home. By the end, you’ll feel confident choosing the right ceiling paint for your next project, whether you plan to DIY or hire a professional painter in Omaha.

Benjamin Moore Ceiling Paints

Benjamin Moore white ceiling paint waterborne.

1. Benjamin Moore Waterborne Ceiling Paint 

This ceiling paint is a fan favorite among professionals and homeowners. It’s specifically designed for ceilings, offering exceptional performance.

 

  • Ultra-flat finish: Reduces light reflection and hides imperfections better than most paints.
  • Spatter-resistant formula: Makes application cleaner and easier, especially for DIYers.
  • Self-priming: Cuts down on prep time in most cases.
  • Price: Around $56.99 per gallon and $279.95 for a 5-gallon pail, depending on the retailer​.
  • Colors: Available in white and can be tinted to most Benjamin Moore colors. It's also Zero-VOC, making it environmentally friendly

Pros:

  • Excellent at hiding blemishes and minor flaws.
  • Easy to apply with minimal dripping or spatter.
  • Delivers even, streak-free coverage.
  • Can choose any color.

Cons:

  • Slightly higher price point compared to other ceiling paints.

Muresco ceiling white paint can by Benjamin Moore.

2. Benjamin Moore Muresco Ceiling Paint

This is a more budget-friendly option while still maintaining quality.

 

  • Flat finish: Great for hiding imperfections.
  • Quick-drying formula: Speeds up the painting process.
  • Price: Muresco ceiling paint is slightly higher-priced than ProMar but is still considered budget-friendly for homeowners. Pricing varies but is often found in the range of $30-$40 per gallon, depending on the retailer.
  • Colors: Muresco is typically available in a standard white for ceilings and can be tinted lightly if desired. It’s especially valued for its even coverage on textured or smooth ceilings.
  • Application: Known for its ease of use, Muresco applies smoothly and evenly with minimal splatters.
  • Eco-friendliness: Benjamin Moore places a high emphasis on low-VOC and eco-friendly products, which likely applies to Muresco as well.

Pros:

  • Affordable yet reliable.
  • Works well for areas with less wear and tear.

Cons:

  • Not as durable as Waterborne Ceiling Paint.
  • May require a primer for optimal results.

Sherwin-Williams Ceiling Paints

Premium ceiling paint by Sherwin Williams paint can1. Sherwin-Williams Premium Ceiling Paint:

Sherwin-Williams Premium Ceiling Paint stands out for its professional-grade performance, particularly in coverage and finish quality. 

 

 

  • Coverage: One-coat coverage on most surfaces, with a recommended second coat for heavily textured ceilings​
  • Sheen: Ultra-flat for minimal glare and enhanced hiding of surface flaws​
  • Durability: Resistant to mildew and offers long-lasting performance, especially in challenging environments​
  • Ease of Application: Splatter-resistant formula designed for use with various tools, including airless sprayers​
  • Performance: This paint offers excellent self-priming and one-coat coverage, making it a time-saver. It is designed with an ultra-flat finish that minimizes surface imperfections and prevents lap marks for a seamless appearance. The paint is also resistant to mildew, which is particularly useful in areas like bathrooms and kitchens​
  • Composition: Premium Ceiling Paint is an acrylic latex formula, making it durable and easy to clean while adhering well to surfaces like drywall, plaster, and even bare wood. It can also be applied over previous coatings​
  • Color and Sheen: The paint comes in a bright white base, ideal for maximizing light reflection and creating a clean, fresh look in any room. It only comes in a flat sheen, which is standard for ceiling paints to reduce glare​

Pros

  • Excellent Coverage: Offers one-coat coverage on most surfaces, saving time and effort during application.
  • Ultra-Flat Finish: The super-flat sheen helps hide imperfections like small cracks or uneven textures, resulting in a smooth, uniform look
  • Mildew-Resistant: Formulated to prevent mildew growth, making it perfect for high-humidity areas such as kitchens and bathrooms​
  • Bright White Base: Enhances light reflectivity, brightening up rooms for an airy and clean aesthetic​

Cons

  • Limited Color Options: The paint is primarily available in white with minimal tinting options, which may not suit all design preferences​
  • Only One Finish: Available exclusively in a flat sheen, which, while ideal for ceilings, may not appeal to those wanting a slightly more washable or durable surface​

Promar by sherwin williams paint canSherwin-Williams ProMar® Ceiling Paint

ProMar Ceiling Paint is a cost-effective option that provides reliable performance. It's a solid choice for homeowners seeking quality without breaking the bank.

 

 

  • Flat Finish: Helps conceal minor ceiling imperfections.
  • Spatter Resistance: Formulated to minimize drips and splatters, making it user-friendly.
  • Price: ProMar ceiling paint is an affordable option, typically priced around $25 per gallon. It provides good value for projects on a budget​.
  • Colors: The paint comes in a standard ceiling white, which enhances light reflectivity and creates a bright, airy feel. It is also tintable, making it versatile for those who prefer custom colors​
  • Application: It's self-priming, adheres well to various surfaces, and dries quickly. It can be applied with brushes, rollers, or spray guns, making it labor-efficient for hard-to-reach ceilings​
  • Eco-friendliness: ProMar is GREENGUARD certified, ensuring low chemical emissions, which makes it safer for indoor environments​

Pros:

  • Budget-friendly while maintaining decent quality.
  • Easy application, even for less experienced painters.
  • Works well for large spaces where cost is a concern.

Cons:

  • May require more than one coat for full coverage, especially on textured ceilings.
  • Lacks the advanced stain-blocking properties of premium options like Sherwin Williams’ Premium Ceiling Paint.

Ceiling with white paint being rolled on with a paint extender.

Choosing the Right Paint for Your Ceiling

Both Benjamin Moore and Sherwin-Williams ceiling paints have their strengths. To decide which one is best for you, consider the following:

  • Ceiling Condition: If your ceiling has noticeable imperfections, Benjamin Moore’s ultra-flat finish might be the better choice.
  • Room Lighting: For rooms that need a brighter, airier feel, Sherwin-Williams premium Ceiling Paint can amplify natural light.
  • Budget and Timeline: If cost or drying time is a concern, Sherwin-Williams may be best.

Ultimately, the best paint depends on your priorities and the specific needs of your project. 

Best Paint for Your Ceiling

Ceilings may not always be the centerpiece of a room, but their impact on the overall aesthetic can’t be ignored. Choosing the right paint—whether it’s Benjamin Moore’s ultra-flat Waterborne Ceiling Paint or Sherwin-Williams’ Premium Paint—can elevate the look and feel of your home while ensuring long-lasting durability.

If you’re in Omaha and need expert advice or help with your painting project, Brush & Roll Painting is here to help you. We know just how important the right paint is for a lasting finish, which is why we use high-quality products.

Click the button below to get a quote and take the first step toward a flawless finish for your home.

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If you have yet to hire a professional painter for your project, take this time to get ready to hire the best one for you. Click the button below to download this guide to hiring a painter to learn about what questions to ask, how to compare quotes, and how to choose the right one.

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Kaylea Kuhlman

Kaylea is the Brush & Roll Painting Content Manager. Kaylea is a Journalism and Media Communications summa cum laude graduate with a minor in Marketing from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Kaylea manages the marketing for Brush & Roll Painting.