BEHR PRO Vs. Premium Plus: Which Behr Paint Is Right For You?

So you’re looking to paint a room or two in your home. You head to Home Depot and see they offer several options for Behr paint—but which one should you choose?

Their two most popular interior paint lines are BEHR PRO and Premium Plus. At first glance they may seem similar, but there are some key differences between these two Behr paints.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll compare BEHR PRO and Premium Plus paint so you can determine which is the best Behr paint for your next interior painting project. We’ll break down the pros and cons of each, look at prices, sheen options, coverage, application, and more.

Let’s dive in!

A Brief Comparison Table

Feature	BEHR PRO	Premium Plus
Price	Higher price point	Mid-range price
Hide and Coverage	Excellent hide in 1-2 coats	Good coverage in 2-3 coats
Durability	Extremely durable and scratch resistant	Decent durability for walls
Stain Resistance	Maximum stain blocking	Moderate stain resistance
Sheens Available	Flat, eggshell, satin, semi-gloss, high-gloss	Flat, eggshell, satin, semi-gloss
Application	Smooth, even application and flow	Good application properties
DIY Use	Can be used by novices	Suitable for DIYers

Overview of BEHR PRO Paint

BEHR PRO paint is marketed as Behr’s most advanced interior paint line. It was reformulated in 2019 with enhanced stain-blocking technology and improved hide and coverage. Key features of BEHR PRO paint include:

• Premium pigments – Provides rich, vivid color and excellent hide
• Stain-blocking technology – Seals stains from grease, ink, pencil, wine, and more
• Scuff resistance – Formulated to stand up to common scuffs and scratches
• Mildew resistant – Helps protect exterior surfaces from mildew growth
• 100% acrylic – Durable binder allows flexibility and fade resistance
• Low VOC – Low odor and VOC compliant for any interior space

BEHR PRO is designed to provide professional-grade results, even for novice DIYers. It can be used on almost any properly prepared interior surface, including drywall, masonry, plaster, wood, metal, and more.

Overview of Behr Premium Plus Paint

Premium Plus is Behr’s mid-level interior paint line. It’s designed to provide good hide and durability at an affordable price point. Key features of Premium Plus paint include:

• Decent hide and coverage – Hides imperfections in just two coats in most cases
• Scrubbable – Stands up to scrubbing to clean walls
• Good durability – Provides lasting results indoors
• Stain resistant – Resists stains better than basic paints
• 100% acrylic – Acrylic latex polymer provides flexibility
• Low VOC – Low odor and VOC compliant

Premium Plus paint works well for most simple interior painting jobs. It goes on smoothly and offers good value and performance.

Behr Paint Sheens Available

Both BEHR PRO and Premium Plus come in several popular sheens:

• Flat – Provides a non-reflective, matte look
• Eggshell – Offers subtle shine, ideal for walls
• Satin – Gives walls a soft glow with medium shine
• Semi-gloss – Provides heightened shine and durability
• High-gloss – Imparts a bright, glossy sheen and stain resistance

The sheen you choose depends on the room and your preferences. Flat or eggshell works well for most walls and ceilings. Satin is popular for bathrooms, kids’ rooms, and accent walls. Semi-gloss and high-gloss offer shine and durability for trim, cabinets, and high-traffic areas.

Key Differences Between BEHR PRO And Premium Plus Paints

• Paint Coverage

One of the biggest differences between BEHR PRO and Premium Plus is in their coverage ability.

BEHR PRO provides exceptional coverage that hides existing colors and minor imperfections in just one or two coats. Its premium pigments provide rich, consistent color.

Premium Plus paint also offers good coverage, but it may take an additional coat of paint to achieve full hide compared to BEHR PRO. It sometimes requires a primer coat first when going over darker colors.

So with BEHR PRO, you’ll likely get away with fewer coats, saving you time and money on your paint job.

• Application and Ease of Use

Both BEHR PRO and Premium Plus paint have great application and spreadability.

BEHR PRO offers excellent flow and leveling.

It applies smoothly and evenly with minimal brush and roller marks.

The creamy formula makes it easy to control on the wall or trim surface.

Premium Plus also provides good flow and application properties. It’s easy to apply with a brush, roller, or paint sprayer.

The satin and semi-gloss sheens in particular offer great leveling to minimize lap marks and give walls a smooth, professional-looking finish.

Overall, BEHR PRO may have a slight edge in application and final wall appearance, but both paints are relatively easy to work with.

• Durability Comparison

When it comes to durability, BEHR PRO comes out ahead.

Its advanced 100% acrylic formula creates a flexible, protective paint film that will resist chipping, cracking, and peeling.

The stain-blocking properties also allow it to stand up well to potential stains and mold over time.

Premium Plus still offers decent durability thanks to its acrylic latex polymer.

However, it may be more prone to chipping or peeling in high-traffic areas over time. Its abrasion-resistant formula stands up to some scrubbing on walls, but BEHR PRO will likely hold up better.

So for painting surfaces like trim, cabinets, doors, and walls in a kids’ room, BEHR PRO is the more durable and stain-resistant choice.

• Cost Differences

There’s no getting around it—BEHR PRO paint comes at a higher price point than Premium Plus.

On average, you can expect to pay $10-$15 more per gallon for BEHR PRO.

However, BEHR PRO’s greater coverage may allow you to get away with fewer coats.

This could lead to cost savings in labor or paint quantity needed to complete the job. It also saves you time and effort with potentially fewer coats to apply.

If you have a large interior painting project or need a paint that will hold up to serious wear and tear, the extra cost of BEHR PRO may be justified by its performance and longevity.

For smaller projects or budgets, Premium Plus will still get the job done. While not top-of-the-line, it offers good quality and hide at a more affordable price point.

Here is a pricing comparison:

• BEHR PRO: $40-$60 per gallon
• Premium Plus: $25-$45 per gallon

Always check for any sales or promotions too, which can bring down the prices.

Bathroom and Kitchen Recommendations

Two rooms that really put paint to the test are kitchens and bathrooms. Which Behr line would we pick for these busy, moisture-prone areas?

For kitchens, BEHR PRO is the clear choice. The added durability, stain resistance, and scrubbable finish will perform better in a cooking environment. Popular sheen options are satin or semi-gloss.

For bathrooms, it’s wise to invest in BEHR PRO paint too. The moisture- and mildew-resistant formulation will hold up better in humid bathroom conditions. Satin or semi-gloss sheens are also easiest to keep clean.

Some additional tips for painting kitchens and bathrooms:

• Properly prep surfaces – Remove existing grease, soap scum, and mildew
• Consider priming first if painting over a darker color
• Apply two coats for full coverage and protection
• Use satin or semi-gloss finishes for wipeable, scrubbable walls
• Allow proper dry times between coats

Kids’ Room Recommendations

Painting a child’s bedroom or playroom? You’ll want a durable, scrubbable paint that can stand up to messy handprints, crayons, and more.

Again, BEHR PRO is the best bet for a kid’s space. The stain-blocking technology will make it easier to clean up dirt, food stains, and more. And the improved resistance to chipping, peeling, and abrasion means the walls will stay looking better for longer.

Use wipeable sheens like satin or semi-gloss. And don’t forget to use painter’s tape for those crisp lines and edges!

DIY vs. Professional Use Recommendations

Can regular DIYers get professional-looking results from BEHR PRO and Premium Plus paint? Or are these products better left to the pros?

The good news is both BEHR PRO and Premium Plus can be used successfully by novice painters. Here are some tips:

• Use quality brushes, rollers, trays, and painter’s tape
• Prepare surfaces properly – clean, repair, sand, and prime as needed
• Follow recommended spread rates and drying times
• Apply two coats for full coverage
• Work in manageable sections to avoid lap marks
• Maintain wet edge and overlap strokes as you paint

BEHR PRO may have a slight learning curve due to its faster dry time.

But take your time and follow good paint application practices, and either BEHR line can give DIYers a pro-looking finish.

Professionals may appreciate BEHR PRO’s enhanced hide and one-coat coverage. But Premium Plus also offers reliable performance for routine painting jobs.

Interior Surfaces Recommendations

BEHR PRO and Premium Plus can both be used on most common interior painting surfaces. This includes:

• Drywall – Ensure mudding/taping is complete prior to painting
• Plaster – Allow new plaster to fully cure before painting
• Wood – Sand smooth and wipe away dust/debris
• Brick – Clean and remove any loose debris or dust
• Concrete – Allow new concrete to cure fully before painting
• Metal – Sand/degloss to rough up slick metal areas first

For specialty surfaces like tiles, laminate, vinyl, or glass, consult the manufacturer’s recommendations. Some additional prep may be required.

BEHR PRO offers maximum stain-blocking abilities for heavily stained or porous surfaces. But Premium Plus also works well for most general interior paint jobs.

Exterior Recommendations

While this article is focused on interior painting, a quick word on using these Behr paints outside:

For exterior house paint, Behr offers specialized exterior paints like BEHR Premium Plus Ultra and Premium Plus Ultra. Do not use interior BEHR PRO or Premium Plus outside.

The exterior paints are formulated to withstand outdoor elements like sun, rain, snow, and temperature swings. Using interior paint outside will lead to premature fading, blistering, and peeling.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

The Bottom Line

While both offer quality results, BEHR PRO comes out as the winner when compared to Premium Plus paint. You can expect better hide, coverage, durability, and longevity from BEHR PRO paint.

For high-traffic areas and surfaces that demand resilience against stains, scuffs, and moisture, BEHR PRO is worth the extra investment.

However, Premium Plus remains a solid midrange option. It will suit most routine interior paint jobs in bedrooms, hallways, offices, and living spaces. Just don’t expect the same level of stain resistance and long-term performance as with BEHR PRO.

Assess the needs of your painting project and budget to decide if premium BEHR PRO or more affordable Premium Plus makes sense. And be sure to follow the prep work, priming, and application tips provided above to get the best results possible.

With some prudent planning, you can achieve wall colors you’ll love for years to come.