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David Cook
David Cook has run D'Franco Painting & Wallpaper in Huntley for 20+ years and has filmed more than a thousand videos on real jobs, so you can see the work before you pay for it.
Reviewed by David Cook · Last updated October 25, 2026 · 4 min read
Watch for store sales, sign up for the rewards emails, check the mistint rack, ask a contractor to order under their account, buy 5-gallon buckets for big areas, and prep well so every gallon goes further. And do not skimp on quality: better paint covers in fewer coats.
The short version
- Sherwin-Williams and JC Licht, a Chicagoland Benjamin Moore retailer, run sales throughout the year.
- Every paint store has a mistint rack of premium paint sold well below its normal price.
- A contractor can often order paint for you under their account, and the perks apply nationally.
- Four gallons cost about the same as one 5-gallon bucket.
Watch for paint sales
Sherwin-Williams and JC Licht, a local Benjamin Moore retailer in Chicagoland, run sales throughout the year, and sometimes the sale prices match contractor pricing. Follow their social media pages or check their websites to stay in the loop. Some of the best sales happen around holidays or in early spring.
Sign up for rewards programs
Give your email to Sherwin-Williams or Benjamin Moore stores, and you will hear about sales, coupons and loyalty discounts. Those emails can unlock prices close to, or even equal to, what we pay as contractors.
Ask about mistints
Every paint store has a mistint rack, where they stock gallons that were tinted wrong or returned. We have picked up premium paint there for a fraction of its normal price.
The Crystal Lake Sherwin-Williams is a training store, so it tends to have more mistints than others. Call ahead and ask what they have.
Use contractor pricing
If you have worked with a painter or contractor before, ask whether they can order paint for you under their account. We do this often for friends and family. You still pay for the paint, but you get our bulk pricing. We have ordered paint for family in Ohio through Sherwin-Williams in Illinois, because contractor perks apply nationally.
Buy in bulk when it makes sense
For ceilings or large spaces, 5-gallon buckets are often cheaper per gallon than single cans. A rule of thumb: 4 gallons cost about the same as one 5-gallon bucket. If you are already close, go big. You will have leftovers for touch ups.
Do not skimp on quality
Premium paint costs more up front, but it covers better and lasts longer. One gallon of Emerald or Regal may cover more, and better, than two gallons of bargain paint.
- Fewer coats
- Less paint used overall
- A better finish
Prep smart to stretch every gallon
Prep is everything. If your walls are patched, primed and clean, your paint goes further. Dirty or unprimed surfaces soak up paint like a sponge.
Planning to paint white? Prime first, always. Most whites have less titanium dioxide these days, so they do not cover well without help.
Paint types compared
Prices change with every sale, so this compares coverage and use, not price.
| Paint type | Coverage per gallon | Ideal for | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Contractor grade flat | 250 to 300 sq ft | Ceilings, low traffic walls | Cheap, but usually needs 2 or more coats |
| Mid tier latex | 300 to 350 sq ft | Bedrooms, rentals | Fine for budget projects |
| Premium, Regal or Emerald | 350 to 450 sq ft | Main areas, higher end homes | Covers better, lasts longer |
| Mistints | Varies | Playrooms, closets | Big savings, limited color choice |
Final thoughts
Saving money on paint is not just about catching a sale. It is about choosing well: knowing when to buy, which brand to trust and how to prep your surfaces. If you have a paint question, send it to us.
Related: Get an instant estimate, Sherwin-Williams vs. Benjamin Moore.
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