Ask the Expert Question-and-Answer Archive

by Ron Joseph

September, 2003

Comparison of House Paints

Q. What is your opinion of Ace Hardware paint? Specifically, how does it compare to Sherwin Williams or MAB.

A. I have no idea at all how various paints compare with each other. In general, when a large hardware chain sells a paint with their own brand label, they are actually purchasing the paint from a large national supplier, such as Sherwin-Williams, PPG, etc., but they have their own label applied to the cans. I don't know from whom Ace Hardware purchases its paint, but I have never heard of an Ace Hardware Paint Company; hence I assume that the paint is private labeled for them. For instance, there was a time when Sears purchased its pant from a large paint company, DeSoto, but the label on the can said "Sears". That's the way it generally works.

As to how Ace Hardware paint compares with other brands, you can refer to the annual Consumer Reports issues that compare various brand names, but I have no idea if Consumer Reports has included Ace Hardware in its comparison.

Generally you get what you pay for. The less expensive the paint, the less quality you can expect. Paint companies make a very small margin on their paints, and you can therefore assume that if you are paying top dollar, you are getting quality paint.