Benjamin Moore Vs. Kelly Moore: Which Paint Is Better?

Upgraded Home Team
by Upgraded Home Team

It has been and remains one of the most difficult decisions when it comes to painting. After the room or home is prepped and ready, and even after the massively difficult choice of picking a color has been completed, comes the final question. Which paint to use? For many people it comes down to an issue of Moore, as in choosing between Benjamin Moore and Kelly Moore paints.

Benjamin Moore paints are recognized as having a long history and reliable painting products, on the other hand, Kelly Moore paints are renowned for being customer service oriented in addition to offering professional paint matching services. Additionally, Benjamin Moore is the favored brand among professional painters while Kelly Moore paints are the preferred choice for DIY homeowners.

Like any business, both Benjamin Moore and Kelly Moore paint products have a history, a story, and most importantly for homeowners, they each have specific qualities. Here is the tale of the tape, or perhaps we should say paint, and the Benjamin Moore vs Kelly Moore comparison.

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In This Corner: Benjamin Moore Paints

Determining which paint wins the Benjamin Moore vs Kelly Moore matchup will largely depend on personal preferences. Each product has its strengths, and which of those values carry the most weight for individual homeowners will determine the winner of each bout.

Company History

Longevity is arguably the greatest credit that can be given to Benjamin Moore, and any business for that matter. And as far as longevity goes for Benjamin Moore Paint, they have been doing business since 1883.

That also equates to a considerable amount of experience in the industry. For some people that can be viewed as a huge benefit, while others may consider it a potential drawback fearing big-business business-as-usual operations.

Accessibility of Products

It is almost one of the most inevitable aspects of painting because no sooner than we finish, do we realize that this room needs another coat. And how long does it take before that wall gets scratched, stained, or punctured?

Benjamin Moore paints can be found in many locations around the country. So when you need to go back to get more paint, like the same brand and color, there is a good chance Benjamin Moore has you covered, literally.

Affordability of Paint

There is some conversation about Benjamin Moore paints being the preferred paint of choice for professional painters. The reason for this, however, is a little foggy as some suggest it is pricing while others lean toward other factors. Unless the job is going to require an unusually large amount of paint though, the price differential between either brand will likely be negligible.

Now, across the ring…

And In this Corner: Kelly Moore Paints

While Kelly Moore Paint doesn’t have quite the lengthy history that its counterpart does, every company has a story to tell. This is theirs and the tale of the Kelly Moore Paint tape.

Company History

Although Benjamin Moore is rumored to be the preferred paint for professional painters, curiously it was in 1964 that Kelly Moore Paint was created to service professional painters. Oh yes, and after more than 50 years in business, that also means Kelly Moore isn’t a new kid on the block either.

Another impetus for the starting of Texas-based Kelly Moore Paint was a desire to provide painters with professional and knowledgeable customer services. Those services, for professional painters and homeowners, are still what helps to define and distinguish Kelly Paint today.

Accessibility of Products

It has been a long time since 1964, or 1883 for that matter, and now it is easier to get, order, ship, find, and shop products than ever before. That being said, Kelly Moore can be found in locations throughout the country, although they don’t have quite the coverage that Benjamin Moore products do.

The good news is, not only are Kelly Moore paints easy to get, but they also have simple online ordering options. And that leads us to the final factor in this heavyweight showdown – price.

Affordability of Paint

Although it might be too tough to call a winner in the area of price, both Benjamin Moore and Kelly Moore do offer competitive and fairly priced paints. Many factors, such as paint grade, type, and even regional factors can influence the actual cost of paint products. Fortunately, both of these reputable companies offer affordable options.

And the Winner Is…

If you are looking for a good paint, and you are trying to decide between the Moore’s, both Benjamin Moore and Kelly Moore Paints are good options. Choosing the best paint for your home or next painting job though may simply be a matter of preference between these two.

Benjamin Moore is probably easier to find, carries more name recognition, and may be a better option for bulk paint needs. Kelly Moore offers an equally reliable paint, has a reputation for excellent customer service, and may have an edge for those needing more painting guidance.

And when the final judge’s tallies come in, the bout between Benjamin Moore vs Kelly Moore is scored as a draw.

Does the Brand of Paint Really Make a Difference?

For many products and in many cases the differences between the brand or quality of those products are nearly impossible to distinguish. Paint, however, doesn’t fall into that category and there are some noticeable and very distinguishable differences in paint.

Experience painter will tell you that quality paints spread farther, lasts longer, and is more durable. And there is a reason for that. Paints that are of higher quality will have more solids and pigments. That results in thicker coats, more durable coverage, and better results. This is also why cheaper paints require multiple coats, and that also begs the question, do cheaper paints really cost less?

So the simple answer is yes, there is a difference. And not only is that difference noticeable, but this is paint we are talking about, so it is very noticeable. It doesn’t matter if you are a novice painter, an experienced painter, or a professional painter, using a good paint makes a difference.

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Related Questions

There are many different kinds of paints, and there are also so many objects and things that can be painted. Knowing how to paint an exterior wall or floor and what kind of paint to use, for example, are a couple of the frequently asked questions regarding pains.

What are the Different Kinds of Paint?

What kind of paint should I use is one of the most common questions asked regarding the types of paint. The various types of paint include Flat, Eggshell, Semi-gloss, Satin, and High Gloss.

Flat

Flat paint is recognized most commonly by it no sheen and smooth finish traits. This is a good paint for ceilings and low-traffic areas as it isn’t the easiest paint to clean.

Eggshell

This paint also offers a smooth finish but has a soft finished look, often described as low seen. Eggshell is easier t clean than most Flat paints and is a good paint for main rooms such as bedrooms, dining rooms, and studies.

Semi-gloss

The Semi-gloss paint lines offer a greater sheen that paints like Satin, and works well to reflect light. This paint also washes well and is ideal for bedrooms and kitchens. It is also popular for painting molding and trims.

Satin

Arguably one of the most popular of all paints, that is likely due to the flexibility of Satin paints to be used in virtually any room. Satin also does a great job of reflecting light and can be an easy way to lighten a room. Satin is also one of the easier paints to clean which only adds to its usefulness and popularity.

High-gloss

As its name suggests, High-gloss paints offer the highest level of shine, and they are also surprisingly the most durable of the most common paint types. This paint is also very washable and presents a lacquered finish or appearance.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Painter?

Hiring a professional painter will average about $4 to $5 per square foot, with some charging a little less or a little more. And if you don’t think you have the skills, the knowledge, or simply the time to do the job, then hiring a professional painter can be a great option.

In addition to having a quality job done (that everyone will see), hiring a painter can also eliminate the headache of cleaning up and save hours of labor. When deciding to hire a painter, the question might not be so much as how much does it cost, but how much will it cost to not hire one?

Paints come in many types, from indoor to outdoor, to all the aforementioned types above. Finding the right paint for the job is half of the battle. When it comes to the battle of Benjamin Moore vs Kelly Moore paints, it was a draw. That also means that either way you go, or which paint you choose, that’s a win-win for homeowners and painters.

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Upgraded Home Team
Upgraded Home Team

We are a team of passionate homeowners, home improvement pros, and DIY enthusiasts who enjoy sharing home improvement, housekeeping, decorating, and more with other homeowners! Whether you're looking for a step-by-step guide on fixing an appliance or the cost of installing a fence, we've here to help.

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