The paint brands we use, and where each one goes
These are the paint brands we use on homes in Southwest Florida and Tampa Bay — six of them, each with lines that suit some surfaces and budgets more than others. Here is how we choose, and how you can see the choice in writing.
Why we work with several paint brands
We do not paint every house out of the same bucket. We work with Sherwin-Williams, Benjamin Moore, Behr, PPG, Valspar and Florida Paints, because no single product is right for a sun-baked stucco wall, a kitchen cabinet door and a rental ceiling at the same time.
The right line depends on four things: the surface and its condition, how much sun and rain each wall takes, the budget for the job, and — in many communities here — what the HOA has specified. Within one house it is normal to use two or three different products: one on the stucco body, another on the trim and doors, and a third on the interior walls.
- 01Named in writingThe written estimate lists the brand, product line and sheen for every surface, so nothing cheaper can be swapped in later.
- 02Your preference countsIf you want a particular brand, ask for it. If the product suits the surface, we price it; if it does not, we explain why and suggest an alternative.
- 03Two options on requestWe can price two lines side by side for the same scope, so you see what the upgrade costs before you choose.
The brands and lines on our estimates
Sherwin-Williams
The brand we specify most often, because its range covers almost every job we see.
- Emerald — the premium line, inside and out. We suggest it for south- and west-facing walls, deep colors, front elevations and busy rooms where fading or scuffing would show first. Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel is the version for cabinets, doors and trim, where a hard, smooth finish matters.
- Duration — a thick, flexible exterior film for stucco with filled hairline cracks and older siding that moves in the heat.
- Duration Home — the interior counterpart, a washable line for kitchens, hallways and family rooms.
- ProMar 400 — a contractor line. It makes sense on ceilings, closets, new-construction walls and rental units between tenants, where an even color matters more than a premium film.
Benjamin Moore
- Regal Select — interior and exterior walls and siding, with a smooth, even sheen that touches up well. A common choice on fiber-cement and wood siding and on living areas.
- Advance — a waterborne enamel that levels out smoothly, which is why we use it on kitchen and bath cabinets, interior doors and trim.
Behr
- Ultra — a lower-cost option for stucco, trim and interior walls that are still in sound condition and simply need fresh color.
- Premium Plus — a budget-friendly interior line for bedrooms, guest rooms and rentals where the walls are in good shape.
Behr is the honest answer when the surface is sound and the budget is tight. It is not the answer on a chalky, cracked or sun-blasted wall — there the prep and a tougher line do the work.
PPG
PPG comes into a job when a customer, a property manager or an HOA asks for it, or when a color has to match an existing PPG specification. We prep and apply it the same way as everything else.
Valspar
We use Valspar on request, often when a homeowner has already picked a Valspar color or wants to continue with the product already on the walls.
Florida Paints
Florida Paints is made here in Florida, with the heat, humidity and sun of this climate in mind. Some homeowners and communities prefer a local manufacturer, and we are glad to use it on exterior and interior work.
Matching the paint to the surface
The surface decides more than the brand does. This is how the choice usually plays out; the details of each job are on the service pages.
| Surface | What it needs | Lines we often suggest |
|---|---|---|
| Stucco and block walls | A flexible, mildew-resistant film over filled hairline cracks | Sherwin-Williams Duration or Emerald, Behr Ultra on sound walls |
| Siding, fascia and soffits | Even sheen and color hold on bright elevations | Benjamin Moore Regal Select, Sherwin-Williams Emerald |
| Trim, front doors and millwork | A hard, smooth enamel that can be wiped down | Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel, Benjamin Moore Advance |
| Kitchen and bath cabinets | Adhesion primer plus an enamel that levels out | Benjamin Moore Advance, Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel |
| Ceilings | Flat, uniform and easy to touch up | Sherwin-Williams ProMar 400 |
| Kitchens, baths and hallways | A scrubbable, mildew-resistant film | Sherwin-Williams Emerald or Duration Home |
| Lanai walls and pool cages | Sun, water and chlorine exposure; product chosen per surface | Picked at the estimate after we see the existing coating |
| Rental turnovers | Fast, consistent color that is easy to repeat next time | ProMar 400, Behr Premium Plus |
On any of these, two finish coats over a washed and repaired surface are standard. A more expensive line does not make up for skipped prep.
When the HOA specifies the product
Many deed-restricted communities on this coast do not just approve colors — they name the manufacturer, the color number and sometimes the product line for body, trim and doors. When that is the case, we use what the HOA specifies, and the written estimate shows it so you can attach it to your application.
Getting architectural approval is the homeowner's job, but we can paint sample boards with the specified product and wait for the committee before starting. If an HOA-listed product is not a good fit for a particular surface — a peeling fascia, for example — we tell you and suggest how to raise it with the board. More in our guide to HOA paint color approval in Florida.
Sheen is part of the product choice
The same line comes in several sheens, and the sheen changes how the wall looks and how it cleans. Ceilings almost always get flat. Living areas and bedrooms usually get eggshell. Baths, laundry rooms and kitchens do well in satin, and trim, doors and cabinets get satin or semi-gloss. On stucco exteriors a flat or low-sheen finish hides the texture.
We pick the sheen first and then the line that offers it at the right quality, and both go into the estimate. Our paint sheen guide for Florida homes explains each one in detail.
About paint brands and products
Do you have a favorite paint brand?
Not one for everything. Sherwin-Williams shows up on our estimates most often because its range is wide, but the right choice depends on the surface, the sun and the budget. We would rather name the line that fits than push one brand.
Is premium paint worth it in Florida?
On sun-facing walls, deep colors and busy rooms, usually yes — premium lines hold color longer and touch up more evenly. On ceilings, closets or a rental between tenants, a contractor line is often the sensible spend. Our pricing page explains how the line moves the total.
Can you use the paint my HOA specifies?
Yes. Give us the HOA's specification sheet and we write the named product and color numbers into the estimate. We can also paint sample boards for the architectural review.
Can I supply my own paint?
You can, as long as it suits the surface and there is enough of it for two coats. Tell us at the estimate so the quote reflects it. If we have concerns about the product for that surface, we say so before work starts.
Do you keep leftover paint for touch-ups?
Leftover paint stays with you. At the end of the job we label each can with the room or surface, the brand, line, color and sheen, so you or anyone else can touch up later with the exact product.
Want a quote with the paint named?
The estimate is free and in writing, with the brand, line and sheen listed for every surface.