TL;DR
Benjamin Moore Regal Select and Sherwin-Williams Emerald are the top-tier walls. Benjamin Moore Advance is the best trim/cabinet paint. Behr Marquee is the best big-box option.
Top-tier walls
- →Benjamin Moore Regal Select — the GTA standard. Self-priming on most colors, washes well, holds up to scrubbing. ~$85–$95/gallon.
- →Sherwin-Williams Emerald — excellent coverage and stain resistance. Slightly thicker than Regal Select; can show roller marks if applied too thin. ~$90/gallon.
- →Benjamin Moore Aura — premium of the premium. Required for dramatic color shifts in fewer coats. ~$110/gallon.
Mid-tier walls
- →Benjamin Moore Ben — solid one-step-down option. ~$60/gallon.
- →Sherwin-Williams ProMar 200 — common contractor-grade choice. Fine for rentals, low-use rooms. ~$55/gallon.
Big-box options
- →Behr Marquee (Home Depot) — best big-box paint available in Canada. Comparable to mid-tier Benjamin Moore at lower cost. ~$60/gallon.
- →CIL Smart3 (Home Depot) — fine for closets and low-traffic rooms. Not recommended for kitchens or bathrooms.
Trim and cabinet paint
- →Benjamin Moore Advance — water-based alkyd. The trim paint to beat. Self-levels, hardens to enamel-like finish, low odor.
- →Sherwin-Williams Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel — direct competitor. Slightly harder finish.
- →Avoid: standard latex paint on trim. It scuffs and never cures fully hard.
Common questions.
For high-traffic and high-visibility rooms, yes. Coverage means fewer coats, and durability means fewer touch-ups.
Last updated 2026-01-08← All guides