American Tradition (Valspar) or Behr to paint Home exterior?

[Microcell]

We gotta buy paint to paint our exterior and there are labor day sales now! Both have rebates offered! $5.00 off per gallon. I like Behr for inside, but I have never bought paint for outside. We want good quality, so name a brand if you are not impressed with Behr or American Tradition! Thanks!

 

[sharbear]

Benjamin Moore. It's expensive but I wouldn't use anything else.

 

[FroggyinArk]

valspar if i have to use one of those 2

 

[mtblujeans]

Originally posted by sharbear
Benjamin Moore. It's expensive but I wouldn't use anything else.

We once had a painter refuse to do the job unless he could use Ben. Moore. Our DD worked at a hardware store and could get Behr for us at a discount. The painter refused to use it and told us no painter that was concerned about his reputation would use it. He got us the Benjamin Moore and charged us no more than his discounted price per gallon (it was a BIG paint job). None of the professional painters in our area we have talked to will use Behr. I have not heard of the other brand you mention.

 

[lulugirl]

I also like Benjamin Moore. I wouldn't use Behr.
Consumer Reports gave Valspar a good review.

 

[MikeB63]

I know this may be a little late, but I have to add my two cents. As for the pros who won't use anything but Benjamin Moore, they can use whatever they want, it doesn't make it the best although it seems to have that reputation. It's good paint, but I know people who have used it and not had good results. If you look in Consumers, you'll find that Behr actually gets high ratings, probably higher than BM (no pun intended). All I can say is that I live in New England with fairly cold winters and hot and humid summers. I painted my house about 10 years ago with Behr paint and it's just now needing a new paint job. The color is a deep, dark red. I don't think your going to get better results than that. The biggest issue is how you prepare your house for the paint. Make sure you wash the house and get the surface clean.

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

I am the painter around here and I have used Valspar paint and under difficult circumstances it is holding up very well.

Behr has a wonderful websie and will allow you to 'try' out different paint combinations in real living situations.

I know that several years ago Wal Mart paint was the top rated one in Consumer Reports. More expensive is not always better IMHO.

Slightly Goofy/Linda (who would rather paint than clean)

 

[Cindy B]

I have used both, (but both for inside jobs). Personally I like American Tradition a little bit better.

Valspar is big at Lowe's. In fact, most of their higher end designer paints at Lowe's have to do with Valspar. The brand names such as Laura Ashley, Julian Moore, Nickelodean, etc.. are all tied in with American Tradition Valspar.

 

[Mishetta]

Funny this thread just came up, since we're currently redecorating a guest room & our painter said for us to buy either of those two paints mentioned! We bought the American Tradition just yesterday for next week's paint job! We've used Behr also in most of our rooms & they have come out great.

 

[lucky_bunni]

I used Valspar American Tradition in all the rooms in the interior of my house and it's held up very well.

 

[RNMOM]

We also use Ben Moore paint only. I have used a variety in the past but for the past 15 or so years only BM.

My reason, besides being darn good paint, is the odor. I have asthma that gets triggered by chemicals and I can use BM only. Honestly, it has so much less ammonia smell to it. It was recommended by the doctor who treated my asthma attack all those years ago. Ventillation doesn't seem to matter, it is the fumes for me.

My neighbor works for Sherwin Williams and they make a number of other brands also. I know so many products are very similar but for the label and price.