Behr vs Dunn-Edwards: Which Paint Is Best for Your Home?

Dunn-Edwards edges out Behr with superior durability, better coverage, and stronger climate resistance. Especially in the Southwest. While Behr wins on price and dry time, it struggles in high-wear or humid areas. For lasting results, Dunn-Edwards is the smarter, long-term choice.

Choosing Between Behr and Dunn-Edwards? Here's What You Need to Know:

If you’re stuck between Behr and Dunn-Edwards, here’s the no-fluff answer:

• Dunn-Edwards lasts longer, covers better, and handles heat, sun, and humidity like a pro.

• Behr is budget-friendly, dries quickly, and is ideal for simple indoor DIY projects.

• Both offer zero-VOC options and solid warranties, but their performance diverges sharply depending on where and how you’re painting.

Quick Comparison Points:

• Durability: Dunn-Edwards

• Coverage Efficiency: Dunn-Edwards

• Climate Toughness: Dunn-Edwards

• Dry Time & Price: Behr

• Color Selection: Tie

• Mold/Moisture Resistance: Dunn-Edwards

• Accessibility: Behr

If you want something that can take a beating from sun, steam, or kids, go with Dunn-Edwards. If you're refreshing a spare room or prepping a rental, Behr will get the job done.

Keep reading to find more about real-world performance, user frustrations, and long-term value of the brands. 

We’ve broken everything down in plain, practical language below.

The Paint Showdown Begins: Which Brand Excels Where It Counts?

Choosing between Dunn-Edwards and Behr isn’t about which is better for everyone, it’s about which performs better where it matters most. 

To help you compare quickly, here’s a side-by-side breakdown of how Behr and Dunn-Edwards stack up across 10 key performance categories.

Now that you’ve seen the head-to-head stats, let’s dive deeper into how these brands actually perform once the paint hits the wall, and what real users love (and loathe) about each.

From durability to ease of application, here’s how they stack up in real-world use.

1. Durability Under Pressure – Which Paint Withstands the Test of Time?

Dunn-Edwards: Dunn-Edwards paints are built for longevity, with Spartashield and Spartawall designed to resist fading, peeling, and chalking, even under intense UV and heat. Ideal for both exteriors and high-traffic interiors, especially in the Southwest.

Behr: Behr works well in low-traffic areas but tends to scuff or chip on trim, doors, and cabinets, making it less ideal for high-wear spaces.

Winner: Dunn-Edwards

If you want paint that holds strong under sun, heat, and repeated cleaning, Dunn-Edwards is the clear leader. Behr gets the job done indoors, but may require touch-ups sooner than you’d like.

2. Coverage and Application – Who Delivers a Smoother Finish Faster?

Dunn-Edwards: Dunn-Edwards' thick consistency and rich pigmentation mean fewer coats and better coverage, especially with dark-to-light transitions, making it a pro favorite for speed and efficiency.

Behr: Despite its “paint and primer in one” claim, Behr often requires multiple coats for full coverage, especially over existing colors, adding time and effort for DIYers.

Winner: Dunn-Edwards 

Dunn-Edwards wins with consistent one- to two-coat performance, saving time and labor. Behr may cost less upfront, but its weaker coverage can lead to more work in the long run.

3. VOC Levels and Indoor Air Safety – Which Brand is Healthier for Families?

Dunn-Edwards: Spartawall and other Dunn-Edwards lines are ultra-low VOC and nearly odor-free, making them a safe, family-friendly choice that supports healthy indoor air quality.

Behr: Behr’s Premium Plus Ultra is zero-VOC, low-odor, and allergy-friendly, ideal for quick projects where fast drying and clean indoor air matter.

Winner: Tie

Both brands deliver excellent low-VOC solutions that keep your indoor air clean. No matter which you choose here, your family’s health is in good hands.

4. Resistance to Moisture and Mold – Can Either Handle Bathrooms and Kitchens?

Dunn-Edwards: Dunn-Edwards’ Spartawall has proven itself in damp environments. It’s stain-resistant, low-odor, and resists mildew formation even in rooms that see daily condensation. Professionals often recommend Spartawall specifically for bathroom and kitchen repaints where long-term performance is non-negotiable.

Behr: Behr has made strides with its Premium Plus Ultra and Dynasty lines, but reports still emerge of surfactant leaching, those streaky, oily marks caused by moisture seeping through the paint, especially in bathrooms. It’s a decent option for half-baths or powder rooms, but less so for steamy master suites.

Winner: Dunn-Edwards

Spartawall outperforms in high-humidity spaces, maintaining a clean look where others might fail. Behr works for lighter-use areas, but falls short in preventing moisture-related blemishes over time.

5. Color Matching and Consistency – Whose Colors Stay True?

Dunn-Edwards: Dunn-Edwards is known for subtle, HOA-approved tones and reliable color accuracy, with pros noting minimal variation between swatches and finished results.

Behr: Behr’s 1,400+ color options offer variety and convenience, but users sometimes report mismatches between swatches and finished walls, especially with designer color matches.

Winner: Tie

Both brands bring something valuable to the table, DE with precision, Behr with variety. Dunn-Edwards is more predictable for critical matching, while Behr gives budget-conscious homeowners more palette freedom.

6. Dry Time and Ease of Use – Who Saves You More Time?

Dunn-Edwards: Dunn-Edwards takes a bit longer to dry, but that slower cure time contributes to superior adhesion and fewer issues with touch-ups or surface prep. It’s a more forgiving paint for professionals prioritizing quality over speed.

Behr: Behr shines in this category. Its water-based lines, like Premium Plus Ultra, dry fast and let you recoat within an hour. Great for weekend projects and last-minute updates when time is tight.

Winner: Behr

Behr is the go-to if you’re looking for quick results with minimal wait between coats. Dunn-Edwards is a better choice when long-term performance matters more than speed.

7. Climate Compatibility – Which Paint is Built for the Southwest?

Dunn-Edwards: Dunn-Edwards is trusted for its climate-specific durability, with products like Spartashield excelling in the Southwest’s intense sun and dry conditions, proven to resist cracking, fading, and chalking on stucco and masonry.

Behr: Behr holds up in mild climates, but its performance in high-heat areas is less reliable. While some question Dunn-Edwards’ climate-focused claims, our real-world experience confirms their validity.

Winner: Dunn-Edwards

Dunn-Edwards clearly outperforms in hot, dry, sun-blasted regions. Behr may suffice elsewhere, but it’s not the best bet for desert durability.

8. Cost and Value – Who Offers More Bang for the Buck?

Dunn-Edwards: DE sits in the premium pricing tier, and for good reason: fewer coats, longer life, and better resistance to elements. While the upfront cost is higher, long-term savings emerge when you skip the mid-decade repaint.

Behr: Behr is a champion of budget-conscious DIYers. Widely available at Home Depot and priced to move, it makes paint projects more accessible. It’s a solid option for rental properties, quick updates, or homes not exposed to extreme conditions.

Winner: Behr

Behr wins for affordability and nationwide access, making it the practical choice for tight budgets. Dunn-Edwards delivers superior long-term value, especially for homes you plan to keep.

9. Warranty and Customer Support – Who Stands Behind Their Product?

Dunn-Edwards: Dunn-Edwards offers comprehensive warranties, but what really sets them apart is their satisfaction-first policy. With contractors like ProSmart Painting, clients don’t pay until the job is complete and approved, no deposit required. That peace of mind speaks volumes.

Behr: Behr provides limited lifetime warranties across several product lines and has solid customer service via Home Depot channels. While less personalized than Dunn-Edwards, it’s still reliable and responsive.

Winner: Tie

Both brands offer real support behind their products. Dunn-Edwards earns extra points for its contractor-focused satisfaction guarantee, but Behr holds its ground for DIYers.

10. Store Access and Availability – Where Can You Actually Buy It?

Dunn-Edwards: Primarily found in the Southwest, DE stores are well-staffed with knowledgeable reps and stocked with pro-grade options. But availability is limited outside that region, which can be a drawback for national projects.

Behr: Behr is stocked coast-to-coast at Home Depot, making it the more accessible option for most homeowners. Whether you’re in Phoenix or Pittsburgh, it’s probably on a shelf near you.

Winner: TieBehr takes the crown for national availability. Dunn-Edwards wins regionally, especially where quality and expert guidance are valued.

With the side-by-side breakdown complete, it’s clear that both brands bring strengths to the table, whether it’s Dunn-Edwards’ pro-level durability or Behr’s accessibility and budget appeal. 

But numbers only tell part of the story. To truly understand the difference, you have to consider what people experience after the paint dries. 

Let’s zoom in on the everyday wins and frustrations homeowners and pros actually deal with.

Helpful Resource → Desert Dust vs Paint: 10 Tips For A Year-Long Fresh Look

Beyond the Metrics: What People Love (and Loathe) About Each Brand

Paint isn’t just about specs, it’s about real-life use, durability, and the experience from store to final coat. 

Here’s how each brand performs beyond the label.

Dunn-Edwards: Contractor Favorite or Just Local Hype?

In the world of professional painting, Dunn-Edwards is a trusted name, especially in the Southwest. 

It’s favored by pros for its reliability, but its premium price and regional focus can be sticking points for some homeowners.

What People Love:

• Trusted by professionals for high durability and rich coverage

• Spartashield and Spartawall lines excel in extreme climates

• Excellent resistance to fading, peeling, and cracking

• Expert in-store support and color consultants available

• No-payment-until-satisfaction model boosts client confidence

• More compatible with HOA-approved color schemes

Where It Faces Pushback:

• Higher upfront cost compared to other brands

• Limited store availability outside the Southwest

• Perceived as “contractor only” or intimidating for DIYers

• Some question whether its “Southwest-specific” branding is justified without seeing real data

Still, for homeowners who prioritize lasting quality over convenience, Dunn-Edwards often proves well worth the investment.

Behr: The DIY Hero or the Overhyped Underdog?

Behr has become a household name, especially for DIYers who want fast access to affordable, user-friendly paint. 

Its popularity is built on convenience, but it’s not without its compromises.

What People Love:

• Widely available at Home Depot nationwide

• Budget-friendly pricing ideal for DIY projects

• Behr Dynasty praised for low odor and quick drying

• No need for specialty stores or contractor accounts

• Easy to use for homeowners without pro tools or techniques

Where It Faces Pushback:

• Inconsistent color matching, especially for touch-ups

• Often requires multiple coats despite “paint and primer in one” claims

• Struggles in high-humidity areas like bathrooms (e.g., surfactant leaching)

• Not ideal for high-touch surfaces like doors or trim

• Perceived as less durable in long-term or high-traffic use

For quick, budget-friendly projects, Behr delivers, but it may fall short in demanding or long-term applications.

Which Paint Should You Choose for Your Home?

When it comes to real-world performance, Dunn-Edwards takes the lead, excelling in durability, coverage, climate resistance, and moisture protection. It’s the go-to for homeowners who want long-lasting results and professional-grade finishes, especially in the Southwest. 

While Behr offers strong value for the price, especially for quick projects or moderate climates, it doesn’t hold up as well under tougher conditions or over time.

If you're repainting a forever home and want peace of mind, Dunn-Edwards is the smarter long-term investment. 

Choosing the right paint is half the battle, how it’s applied is the other half.

At ProSmart Painting, we focus on what matters most, flawless prep, clean lines, and finishes that truly last. From start to final coat, our craftsmanship ensures your home looks incredible for years to come.