Benjamin Moore Ben vs PPG Hi-Hide

Our paint comparison series continues as we look at Benjamin Moore Ben vs. PPG Hi-Hide. Both are their brand’s entry-level premium products, and both have some fantastic benefits for homeowners. However, which one is better? That’s what we aim to discover as we compare the application, hide, coverage, durability, and price of these two paint products. 

Recommended Reading:

BENJAMIN MOORE BEN VS PPG HI-HIDE

APPLICATION

Application refers to how well the product adheres to the surface being painted. In this regard, we found the Ben product to be a lot looser. That means the paint is a bit more watery, and it’s easier to splatter as you paint. Hi-Hide was much smoother coming off the brush and offered more control. In that regard, Hi-Hide is the better product. 

Winner: PPG Hi-Hide

HIDE

Hide refers to the paint’s ability to hide flaws on the surface. This quality can be affected by the sheen. The higher the sheen in a paint, the more difficult it is to hide a surface’s flaws. 

However, even though we tested Hi-Hide in a higher sheen (satin compared to Ben’s eggshell), Hi-Hide still has a better overall hide. 

Ben performs very well, but Hi-Hide shells up to form a very hard and uniform surface. The Benjamin Moore product keeps more of the original surface’s texture, but if you’re looking to mask that, Hi-Hide is the clear winner. 

Winner: PPG Hi-Hide

COVERAGE

Coverage refers to how much the paint covers a surface. Better coverage means you won’t need as much paint to fully cover the area. In terms of sheer coverage, Hi-Hide and Ben are very close, but Ben ultimately squeaks out as the winner. Hi-Hide covers up to 400 square feet, whereas Ben gets between 400-450 square feet. 

That’s a close comparison, and both are significantly higher than the 350 square feet provided by Sherwin Williams’ Superpaint. But, if you’re looking for the best coverage possible in this range, Ben by Benjamin Moore is the clear winner. 

Winner: Benjamin Moore Ben

DURABILITY

Durability refers to the paint’s ability to withstand bumps and scratches. In a side-by-side comparison, both of these performed well, but Ben is noticeably better than Hi-Hide. We tried scuffing the wall with our feet, burnishing with our fingers, and even rubbing the surfaces down with a magic eraser. Pro-tip, don’t ever do that. 

Hi-Hide burnished and scuffed quite a bit more than Ben. With proper care, both of these products will hold up quite well, but Ben obviously withstands more damage. 

Winner: Benjamin Moore Ben

PRICE

If you look at pure retail pricing, Benjamin Moore’s Ben is actually a bit more affordable than Hi-Hide ($47 compared to $52 for Hi-Hide). However, contractors like Heritage Custom Painting can negotiate much lower prices because of how much product we buy. Because of this, Benjamin Moore is significantly more expensive than PPG’s product. Since we are in Indiana, Benjamin Moore’s products are also not as widely available. 

While Ben certainly has some strengths over PPG, it’s hard to say whether the price and difficulty procuring it are worth the benefits. 

However, it’s worth noting that PPG also has a temporary shortage of Hi-Hide product.

PPG HI-HIDE WILL SATISFY JUST ABOUT EVERYONE

At the end of the day, PPG’s Hi-Hide is a durable and affordable product that offers great coverage. Benjamin Moore’s Ben is more durable, sure, but it maybe isn’t worth the added price and hassle to acquire it. Hi-Hide will work just fine for your project. But if you feel like you want better durability, you’re better off just upgrading to a higher-tier product. 

---

You can schedule a free estimate with Heritage Painting by filling out the form below. Whether you need exterior, interior, or kitchen cabinet work done, our professional consultants will be able to identify your needs and provide a detailed quote at no cost to you. Our calendar is filling quickly, though, so secure your spot today. 

Get a Free Quote From Heritage Painting

Fill out the form and experience the difference today.