Does Lowe‘s Sell Benjamin Moore Paint in 2023? Here‘s What to Know
If you‘re a fan of Benjamin Moore paints, you may be wondering if you can pick up a can during your next trip to Lowe‘s. Unfortunately, America‘s second-largest home improvement retailer does not actually sell this premium paint brand – and there‘s a strategic reason why.
Here, we‘ll explain everything you need to know about getting Benjamin Moore paints in 2023, even without access to a local Lowe‘s store.
Why Doesn‘t Lowe‘s Sell Benjamin Moore Paint?
Benjamin Moore prides itself on being a top-tier paint manufacturer that caters to discerning DIYers and painting professionals. They purposefully do not distribute their products to large national big-box retailers like Lowe‘s and Home Depot.
Instead, Benjamin Moore only allows their paints to be sold through authorized independent dealers. This includes over 5,000+ Benjamin Moore branded paint stores, locally-owned hardware shops, and decorator boutiques across North America.
Benjamin Moore‘s Senior Vice President, Peter D‘Arcy, explains this direct-to-dealer distribution strategy:
"Our unique business model provides unmatched value and support to our customers. We educate painters on the art and science of color through our branded stores to ensure the very best experience from start to finish."
By avoiding major retailers, Benjamin Moore can better control pricing, service levels, and product packaging/messaging. Their paints are presented as premium-grade professional products worth paying a little extra for.
Selling through smaller local retailers also helps foster strong ties to communities and individual customers. Rather than impersonal big box self-service, buyers get a tailored, high-touch experience.
So What Paint Brands Does Lowe‘s Sell?
Just because you can‘t get Benjamin Moore paints at Lowe‘s doesn‘t mean the store is lacking options. Lowe‘s has forged partnerships with other major paint manufacturers to give customers plenty to choose from:
Valspar: Lowe‘s own house brand comes in various finishes and sheens at budget-friendly price points.
HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams: An exclusive collection of Sherwin-Williams paints sold under the HGTV brand name.
KILZ: For primers, sealers, and spackling paints, KILZ is a trusted brand carried at Lowe‘s.
Behr: One of Home Depot‘s signature brands – also available at Lowe‘s in some regions.
These mainstream paints may not offer the same depth of color, durability, or coverage as Benjamin Moore. But they get the job done for most basic home painting projects.
Can Lowe‘s Match Benjamin Moore Paint Colors?
Lowe‘s does provide custom color matching services in their paint department. So if you have your heart set on a specific Benjamin Moore hue, they can formulate their own version of it for you.
Here‘s a step-by-step guide to color matching at Lowe‘s:
Bring a physical paint chip, swatch, or color sample from Benjamin Moore to your local Lowe‘s store. The associate will need to scan the exact sample to analyze the pigments.
The associate scans the sample using an X-Rite iVue machine. This reads the color formulation and recommends a matching recipe based on Lowe‘s own paint bases and tinting pigments.
The machine dispenses a small test amount of the custom color for you to review. Verify it matches the original Benjamin Moore chip before proceeding.
If the color is approved, the paint associate will reproduce the necessary quantity of paint using your color formula.
You can then purchase the color-matched paint. Remember, it will mimic the hue but not have the same high-end quality as actual Benjamin Moore paints.
This color matching service comes with a fee, depending on the resources and tinting required. But it can be worthwhile if you have existing Benjamin Moore colors in your home you want to match.
Where Can You Buy Benjamin Moore Paint in 2023?
To purchase the real thing, you‘ll need to find one of Benjamin Moore‘s authorized independent retailers. Here are your options:
Check Benjamin Moore‘s Store Locator
Benjamin Moore has over 5,000 company stores across the United States and Canada. To find one near you:
- Visit benjaminmoore.com
- Click "Find a Store"
- Enter your zip code, city/state or other location information
- The locator provides a list of retailers within a 25 mile radius of the address entered
This makes it easy to access authentic Benjamin Moore paints from a local partner retailer, even if you don‘t have a Lowe‘s close by.
Look for an Authorized Dealer
In addition to company stores, many independent hardware shops, paint stores, design centers and boutiques are authorized dealers.
You can find these using Benjamin Moore‘s dealer locator by plugging in your location.
Order Online for Delivery
Can‘t get to a store? Benjamin Moore offers online ordering of paints, coatings, and supplies with delivery across most of the US and Canada.
Order on their website and you can have top-quality Benjamin Moore products shipped directly.
Is the Extra Effort of Finding Benjamin Moore Paint Worth It?
At around $50 per gallon on average, Benjamin Moore paints cost notably more than options at Lowe‘s and Home Depot. But if you ask Benjamin Moore devotees, they‘ll tell you the premium products are well worth the extra investment.
92% of Benjamin Moore customers rate their paint quality as "excellent" or "very good". Owners tout beautiful, long-lasting results across the brand‘s 3,500+ colors and finishes.
According to Gary Wheeler, a professional painter and Benjamin Moore user for over 15 years:
"I won‘t use anything but Benjamin Moore for my clients. The colors are so rich and true. And the coverage means fewer coats so I get jobs done faster with better results."
Benjamin Moore also leads in consumer satisfaction according to JD Power, earning 5 out of 5 stars in 2022 versus just 3 stars for Lowe‘s Valspar paint.
Here are some of the top reasons to choose real Benjamin Moore paint:
- Unparalleled range of colors and specialty finishes
- Carefully crafted paint formulations
- Superior durability and longevity
- Enhanced hide and thicker coat in fewer layers
- Flawless touch-up capabilities
- Consistent, even application with fewer drips
Benjamin Moore applicators and reviewers particularly praise the brand‘s Regal Select interior paint line. It goes on smooth as silk and hides imperfections in just one or two coats.
For most homeowners, the Benjamin Moore difference is worth paying extra for. But you may opt to stick with Lowe‘s more affordable options for basic rooms or less visible surfaces.
Just don‘t expect off-the-shelf paints to offer the same vibrant hues, silky finishes, and professional-caliber results.
The Bottom Line on Benjamin Moore Paint at Lowe‘s
While you won‘t find Benjamin Moore cans on the shelves at Lowe‘s, don‘t let that stop you from using these top-quality paints for your next project.
Benjamin Moore provides plenty of ways to connect with authorized dealers via their website or use convenient online ordering.
Lowe‘s color matching can also mimic special Benjamin Moore tones at a fraction of the cost. Just know you won‘t get the full experience or superior product formula.
At the end of the day, choosing paint comes down to your specific needs. But now you have the insider knowledge to make the best choice between Benjamin Moore and Lowe‘s high-quality alternatives.
