Discover the Best Paints and Stains for Your Home in 2026 – Expert Guide to Choosing Premium Products

Are you searching for the best exterior paints or top wood stains to transform your Fort Worth home? In 2026, selecting the right paint and stain isn’t just about color – it’s about durability, protection, and achieving a professional finish that lasts. Whether you’re refreshing your home’s exterior, staining a deck, or updating interior wood, our premium selection of high-quality paints and stains makes it easy to pick the perfect product.

Why Choosing the Best Paint and Stain Matters in 2026

Homeowners are increasingly prioritizing long-lasting, weather-resistant products. Top-rated paints from brands like Benjamin Moore, Sherwin-Williams, and Behr resist cracking, fading, mildew, and dirt for 9+ years, according to lab tests. Premium stains enhance wood grain while providing UV protection and moisture resistance.

Poor choices lead to peeling, frequent repaints, and wasted money. Our curated products help you avoid common mistakes and achieve stunning results.

How to Choose the Best Exterior Paint for Your Home

Consider these key factors:

• Durability and Weather Resistance: Look for 100% acrylic formulas that withstand harsh elements.
• Coverage and Hide: Premium paints offer one-coat coverage and self-priming.
• Finish (Sheen): Flat/matte for hiding imperfections; satin/semi-gloss for easy cleaning.
• Low VOC: Eco-friendly options for healthier homes.
• Top Brands in 2026:
  • Sherwin-Williams SuperPaint – Excellent all-around performance.
  • Benjamin Moore Aura Exterior – Superior fade resistance and color lock.
  • Behr Premium – Great value with strong mildew resistance.

Trending colors: Warm neutrals like Universal Khaki, sage greens, and earthy taupes.

How to Pick the Best Wood Stain – Deck, Fence, or Siding

Stains protect and beautify wood differently than paint:

• Semi-Transparent: Shows grain, ideal for new wood (lasts 2-3 years on decks).
• Solid: More like paint, hides grain but lasts longer.
• Oil vs. Water-Based: Oil penetrates deeper; water-based is easier cleanup and low VOC.

Top recommendations for 2026:

• Minwax Special Walnut – Color of the Year, warm and timeless.
• Olympic Elite – Great for cedar and exterior wood.
• Behr Water-Based Stains – Quick-drying and rich tones.

Popular trends: Rich, warm tones like Special Walnut, Jacobean, and Mahogany for a natural, grounded look.

Our Top-Rated Paint and Stain Collections

Shop our handpicked selection of the best paints and stains trusted by professionals:

• Exterior Paints: Premium lines from Sherwin-Williams, Benjamin Moore, and Behr for ultimate protection.
• Wood Stains: Minwax, Olympic, and ZAR in trending shades like Special Walnut and golden oaks.
• Interior Options: Low-VOC formulas for walls, trim, and furniture.
• Accessories: Brushes, rollers, and prep tools for flawless application.

All products are backed by expert reviews and real-user feedback.

Ready to Transform Your Home with the Best Paints and Stains?

Elevate your home with the best paint and stain choices for 2026 – durable, beautiful, and affordable…

Lets Talk Interior Paints for Fort Worth!

Sherwin-Williams vs. Benjamin Moore: Interior Paints Comparison (2026 Update for Fort Worth, TX Homes)

For interior projects in the Fort Worth area—like walls in living rooms, kitchens, bedrooms, or high-traffic hallways—both Sherwin-Williams and Benjamin Moore deliver premium, low-VOC options that resist scuffs, stains, and fading. In Texas heat and occasional humidity, proper prep and good ventilation matter most, but these brands excel indoors.

No single brand wins every category; pros often mix them based on the job. Many describe differences as “splitting hairs” among top-tier paints, but patterns emerge from recent tests, pro reviews, and user feedback.

Key Side-by-Side Comparison

• Price (per gallon, approx. 2025-2026 retail): Sherwin-Williams mid/premium lines often run slightly lower ($50–$80+ for SuperPaint/Emerald). Benjamin Moore starts higher ($55–$90+ for Ben/Regal Select/Aura), but value shines in mid-range like Ultra Spec or Ben.
• Availability in Fort Worth, TX: Sherwin-Williams has more company-owned stores (easy for quick pickups and consistent tinting). Benjamin Moore uses authorized dealers—great for expert advice but potentially fewer spots nearby.
• Color Quality & Selection: Benjamin Moore leads with richer, crisper, more “true-to-sample” pigments (3,500+ shades). Colors feel deeper and less muddy, especially neutrals, sages, taupes, and 2026 trends like shadowy neutrals (e.g., Silhouette influences). Sherwin-Williams excels at custom matching and offers strong trending shades (e.g., Universal Khaki as a versatile warm neutral).
• Coverage & Hide (One-Coat Performance): Close call—Sherwin-Williams SuperPaint or Emerald often edges out slightly for opacity and hiding dark-to-light changes. Benjamin Moore Aura/Regal Select performs excellently (especially on lighter bases) and ties or wins in some independent tests.
• Durability, Washability & Scrubbability: Both premium lines (Aura, Emerald, Regal Select, Duration) offer excellent stain resistance and cleanability. Sherwin-Williams Emerald frequently praised for superior washability and scratch resistance without burnishing. Benjamin Moore Aura/Regal Select wins for long-term color retention, touch-up ease (no flashing), and smooth, professional finishes in living spaces.
• Application & Flow: Sherwin-Williams products (e.g., Emerald, SuperPaint) roll/brush easier with less splatter and better workability. Benjamin Moore can feel smoother overall but sometimes “gloppier” or runnier—great for leveling but requires technique.
• Best Sheens for Interiors:
  • Matte/Flat: Benjamin Moore often preferred for hiding imperfections.
  • Eggshell/Satin: Both strong; Sherwin-Williams for high-traffic durability.
  • Semi-Gloss: Great for trim/kitchens (e.g., Benjamin Moore Advance or Sherwin-Williams ProClassic).

Top Product Lines Head-to-Head

• Premium Tier (Best overall performance):
  • Sherwin-Williams Emerald: Often edges in coverage, washability, and durability tests; excellent for high-traffic areas like hallways or kids’ rooms.
  • Benjamin Moore Aura: Superior touch-ups, rich finish, and moisture resistance (ideal for bathrooms/kitchens); many pros call it the “gold standard” for crisp results.
• Mid-Range/Value Tier:
  • Sherwin-Williams SuperPaint or Duration: Strong all-around performer, great hide, and easier application for whole-house jobs.
  • Benjamin Moore Regal Select or Ben/Ultra Spec: Exceptional coverage, smooth application, and value—Regal Select often wins for tougher scrubbability and coverage area per gallon.
• Consumer & Pro Feedback Trends (2025-2026):
  • Many painters favor Benjamin Moore for interiors (better spreadability, durability, and “premium feel”).
  • Sherwin-Williams wins for reliability in big projects and slight edges in practical tests (e.g., washability).
  • In independent ratings (e.g., Consumer Reports-style hiding/staining), top performers from both brands score highly, with some mid-tier options surprisingly competitive.

Recommendations for Your Fort Worth Home

• Prioritize rich, accurate colors and flawless touch-ups (common for detailed interiors or designer looks) → Go Benjamin Moore (Aura for premium, Regal Select for versatile value).
• Want easier rolling, strong stain resistance, and wide availability (great for family homes with kids/pets) → Choose Sherwin-Williams (Emerald for top performance, SuperPaint for solid everyday use).
• High-traffic or humid spots (kitchens, baths): Both Aura Bath & Spa or Emerald in satin sheen handle moisture well.
• Budget premium: Benjamin Moore mid-lines sometimes offer better long-term value.

Both resist Texas indoor challenges like dust and occasional AC humidity when applied right. Many locals mix: BM for main walls/colors, SW for trim or exteriors.

Lets Compare Benjamin Moore To Sherwin Williams……….Our Thoughts

Sherwin-Williams vs. Benjamin Moore: Head-to-Head Comparison (2026 Update)

Both Sherwin-Williams and Benjamin Moore rank among the top premium paint brands in 2026, trusted by homeowners and pros for high-quality, durable finishes. Neither is universally “better”—it depends on your project (interior vs. exterior), priorities (color accuracy, coverage, durability, price, or availability), and personal preference. Many painters use both brands selectively.

Here’s a balanced breakdown based on recent expert tests, pro feedback, and real-world performance.

Quick Side-by-Side Overview

• Price: Sherwin-Williams often edges out slightly lower on mid-to-premium lines (e.g., $50–$65/gallon vs. Benjamin Moore’s $55–$70+ for comparable products). Premium lines like Emerald (SW) and Aura (BM) are similarly priced, often $80–$110+ depending on retailer and promotions.
• Availability: Sherwin-Williams wins with 4,500+ company-owned stores for easy access and consistent service. Benjamin Moore relies on ~6,600 authorized dealers and independent stores—great for personalized advice but sometimes less convenient.
• Color Selection & Accuracy: Benjamin Moore excels with richer, more “crisp” and true-to-sample colors (over 3,500 options), especially in designer palettes. Many note BM colors appear clearer and less “muddy” or gray-toned compared to SW. Sherwin-Williams offers strong custom matching and trending shades like Universal Khaki (2026 Color of the Year).
• Coverage & Hide: Very close—often a tie or slight edge to one in specific tests. Sherwin-Williams SuperPaint frequently ties or slightly outperforms in one-coat coverage and hiding power. Benjamin Moore Aura or Regal Select shines in touch-up ease and smooth application.
• Durability & Washability: Both premium lines (Aura, Emerald, Duration, Regal Select) deliver excellent long-term performance with lifetime warranties on many products. Interior: Benjamin Moore often praised for better color retention and smooth finish. Exterior: Sherwin-Williams Duration excels in high-sun/UV areas; Benjamin Moore Aura performs strongly in coastal/moisture-heavy conditions (like parts of Texas).
• Application & Flow: Sherwin-Williams products (e.g., SuperPaint, Emerald) are frequently described as easier to roll/brush with less splatter. Benjamin Moore can feel looser/runny but offers superior touch-ups.
• Value: Benjamin Moore sometimes provides better bang-for-buck in mid-range lines (e.g., Ultra Spec or Ben). Sherwin-Williams wins for pros needing reliable, widely available performance.

Best Paints For…

• Interior Walls & Trim — Benjamin Moore often gets the nod from pros for richer colors, easier touch-ups, and a premium feel (Aura or Regal Select). Many describe BM interiors as the “gold standard” for crisp, designer results.
• Exterior Siding & Harsh Weather — Sherwin-Williams Duration stands out for sun-exposed areas and overall toughness. Benjamin Moore Aura Exterior is excellent for fade resistance and coastal/humid climates.
• Cabinets/Doors — Benjamin Moore Advance for ultra-durability; Sherwin-Williams ProClassic for easier application.
• Budget-Conscious Premium — Sherwin-Williams often slightly cheaper with strong performance.
• Color-Focused Projects — Benjamin Moore for vibrant, accurate, timeless hues.

2026 Trends & Notes

• Colors lean toward warm neutrals, earthy taupes, sage greens, and grounded tones.
• Sherwin-Williams: Universal Khaki (bold yet versatile).
• Benjamin Moore: Emphasis on layered, sophisticated palettes (e.g., Silhouette influences lingering from recent years).
• In independent tests (e.g., coverage battles), results are razor-close—differences are often splitting hairs between top-tier options.
• Both brands score highly in customer satisfaction and resist mildew, cracking, and fading when properly applied.

Bottom Line for Fort Worth, TX Homeowners

In Texas heat and occasional humidity, both brands perform well with proper prep. If you’re prioritizing crisp colors and touch-up ease (common for interiors or detailed work), lean Benjamin Moore. For easier application, wider availability, and strong exterior UV resistance, go Sherwin-Williams. Many pros mix them—e.g., SW for exteriors, BM for interiors.

Our final thoughts………as you can see you really can’t go wrong with choosing either one of these manufacturers for interior or exterior paints. Hopefully you found our information both instructive and informational. We want all of our prospective clients to be as informed as possible when choosing products for their homes or businesses. As always, if we can be of assistance please feel free to contact us.

Landmark Property Services

682.308.2155

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