Finding the right paint can be a lot tougher than it sounds. There are so many manufacturers out there to choose from and you need to ensure that you have quality paint that will get the job done. So, where to start?
There are two names that stand out: Kelly Moore and Sherwin Williams.
Both Kelly Moore and Sherwin Williams have similar qualities when it comes to quality and selection. The major difference between the two brands is their availability. Kelly Moore is only available in 9 states. Sherwin Williams, however, is sold in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. But if you can find Kelly Moore, you can’t go wrong with either.
Kelly Moore vs Sherwin Williams: Head to Head
This is your guide to how Sherwin Williams and Kelly Moore, two of the most popular and well-rated brands out there, stack up against one another. There are a few factors we will look into: quality, their line of paints, their cost, availability, and reputation.
Reputation
This is a tough one for a certain reason. Kelly Moore has a good reputation for putting out quality paints, but the general public may not be as aware of the brand as they would be with Sherwin Williams.
The simple fact of the matter is that Sherwin Williams is far more well-known than their counterparts. Because of that, their reputation is one of the best in the paint industry. Those who have used Kelly Moore know that it is quality paint, but total novices may not be aware of what kind of paint they have to offer.
Quality
The good news is that no matter which brand you choose, you are getting quality paint. For beginners looking to achieve the best results, using quality paint brushes and rollers is ideal as well.
There are some instances in which both paint brands have trouble sticking to non-porous surfaces, resulting in a little bit of streaking. Generally speaking, however, you can expect nothing but quality all throughout both lines of paint.
Line of Paints
Both Sherwin Williams and Kelly Moore have a wide array of paints. Not only that but both brands are considered to be in the top five in terms of overall paints. There are a few primary offerings from each brand:
Sherwin Williams

Sherwin Williams has a wider presence of in-store options compared to Kelly Moore, Sherwin Williams is tough to overtake in the paint market. As far as their retail offerings, which are in stores across North America, they have a few notable options.
Captivate
This is considered to be the most affordable of Sherwin Williams paint options. Even better, Captivate comes with both the paint and primer mix. Even better, it is cheaper than some of the more cost-affordable brands out there like Pittsburgh paint.
What makes Captivate so ideal is that it can be used on wood, masonry, and sheetrock without the need to prime it first. That can be huge, especially if you aren’t looking for the utmost professional quality in your paint.
Cashmere
Without a doubt, Cashmere is at the top of the list as far as acrylic latex formula paints that have a smooth, almost buttery coverage. Even better, Cashmere comes in a medium luster, eggshell finish, pearl finish, or a low sheen, all of which come with a lifetime warranty from the company. Cashmere is one of the most popular paint options not just from Sherwin Williams, but in general.
The reason that it is so widely enjoyed is that it is more forgiving for non-professional painters. It covers well without leaving streaks and has a nice finish that just about anyone can appreciate.
Resilience
What makes Resilience stand out is that it has great moisture resistance for exterior paint. If that weren’t enough, it is also one of the best low-temperature application paints on the market as well. Still not convinced? It is barely more expensive than the Captivate line.
Kelly Moore

Kelly Moore, though similar in quality, doesn’t have quite as comprehensive a line as Sherwin Williams. There isn’t enough of a difference in terms of quantity that Sherwin Williams gains any real advantage. Here are a few of the top offerings from Kelly Moore.
Premium Professional
If you are looking for something to paint interior walls, then the eggshell enamel Premium Professional offering from Kelly Moore is the way to go. The eggshell surface is beautiful and you can wipe it clean whenever necessary without having to worry about any fading issues.
It is the more affordable of the two, though it is ideal for trim and ceiling applications as well as walls. It can be used on any type of material while delivering the highest quality.
DuraPoxy
Without a doubt, one of the most versatile, superior quality paints on the market today. It can be used on doors, floors, metal, and furniture without issue. It might not be the most unique offering out there, but it’s better than a lot of alternative paint options out there.
This is Kelly Moore’s super-premium interior enamel paint and can be had through the manufacturer for $75 per gallon. Having said that, the paint is 100% acrylic and can hold up to consistent washing while being used on plaster, masonry, hardboard, and wood as well. There is nothing that DuraPoxy can’t be used for.
Availability
This is where Sherwin Williams really sets itself apart from Kelly Moore. Kelly Moore can be found in the brand’s stores in 9 different states. There is also the chance that you will find Kelly Moore in select Ace Hardware retail stores as well.
On the other hand, Sherwin Williams is available across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Their retail stores are in just about every major city in North America. When looking for quality paint, you don’t have to go very far to find a Sherwin Williams location.
If you are looking for a paint same-day, then Sherwin Williams may potentially be the only option available to you at that moment in time.
Cost
Like it or not, the most commonly considered aspect of paint is the cost. Most DIYers are not of professional quality; they are looking for a certain color that will last for a while. They don’t notice the small things.
So, the first thing that they consider is cost. Because both brands offer quality paints, they are both a little more expensive than some of the other brands on the market. Both offer more affordable paint lines, but with better options available from each brand, it makes more sense to go with them.
Just keep in mind that you get what you pay for with paint. If you choose a cheap quality paint, it will bubble, streak, and chip. Picking a paint from Sherwin Williams or Kelly Moore can be of the utmost quality so long as you don’t opt for the cheapest available option.
For most Sherwin Williams and Kelly Moore offerings, you can expect to pay in the $40-$45 per gallon range for their lower-end offerings. The higher the quality, the more expensive they get, so keep that in mind before you make your purchase.
Which One is the Best?
The biggest difference between the two brands is their availability. Depending on where you live, it may be more difficult to find Kelly Moore, which would make Sherwin Williams the winner by default.
When the two are stacked up side by side, there is very little overall difference between them. They are both of great quality, something that can go in any room of your home at any time and in any color. It is worth trying both of them to see which one stands out to you, but both are quality paints.