Jonathan, It doesn't really matter what brand you use as long as the
painter knows what they are doing, and the substrate is prepared
properly. As for paint, you get what you pay for. All reputable brands
have a decent line, generally their top of the line paint will give you
top of the line results as long as prep is done properly. If you're
going to stay in the home you're painting, pay the premium for the top
line paint and you won't regret it. It won't be that much because to a
painting contractor, material costs are a small part of operating
expenses, labour probably being the highest, so the difference between a
job lasting 5 years and 15 years could be $500. Just do the math.
As for paint brands, don't buy paint from big box stores, they generally
carry "consumer" grade paints that are 80% marketing and 20% paint.
I don't personally use Benny Moore due to their treatment of pro
painters (neglegible product discount) but their MooreGlo and MooreGuard
line I've used in the past are of excellent quality. Again, you get what
you pay for, don't expect a $20/gal paint to last more than a couple of
seasons.

My 2cents

Jonathan wrote:
I've had several bids from reputable painting firms to paint my house
exterior. Each provides the choice of either Sherwin-Williams or
Benjamin Moore paint. My house has wood shingles and the existing paint
is in fair to good condition, except for the color! The type of paint
will be flat Latex, with satin being used for wood trim and window
frames. A prime coat will also be used.

I haven't seen a comparison recently between these two paint companies.
Which would be better for my house? I notice that there are several
lines of paint for each company, for example Sherwin has Duration,
SuperPaint, A-100, WeatherPerfect, etc. How do these compare? I see
that Duration is a heavier paint which might require special application
techniques, but what about the others? Are all colors available for
all lines of paint?

Similarily, Ben Moore has Moorlife House Paint 105, Moorlife House Paint
N105, Moorcraft 183, etc.

If anyone with knowledge can help me choose, I'd sure really appreciate it!

Jon.