Ask any experienced painting contractor in Seattle or Portland which paint brands they trust most, and Rodda Paint will come up alongside Sherwin-Williams and Benjamin Moore. Yet most homeowners have never heard of it. That's not surprising — Rodda doesn't advertise nationally, doesn't sell through big box stores, and focuses almost entirely on serving professional painters in the Pacific Northwest. Here's why that's actually a mark in its favor.
What Is Rodda Paint?
Rodda Paint Company was founded in Portland, Oregon in 1937. It's been a Pacific Northwest-focused paint manufacturer for nearly 90 years, operating its own retail stores across Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. Unlike national brands that formulate products for every climate from Miami to Minneapolis, Rodda products are developed specifically for the Pacific Northwest's conditions — the humidity, the rainfall, the temperature cycling, the mold-prone environments. That regional focus is the core of what makes it different.
The Product Lines Worth Knowing
Horizon Interior is Rodda's flagship interior line and the one we use most often. It applies beautifully, has excellent hide, and cleans up well. Its eggshell and satin formulations hold up to the PNW's humid indoor environments better than many national-brand equivalents. The color matching is excellent, and Rodda can match virtually any Benjamin Moore or Sherwin-Williams color.
Endurit Exterior is Rodda's premium exterior product and where the brand's PNW expertise really shows. It's formulated with a mildewcide specifically calibrated for northwest conditions and has outstanding adhesion on the wood-heavy construction common in older Seattle and Bellevue homes. On cedar siding in particular, Endurit performs exceptionally.
Kem Aqua is a waterborne alkyd product used for trim, doors, and cabinets. It combines the easy cleanup of a latex with the hard, smooth finish quality of an oil-based paint. It's our go-to for trim work on projects where a premium finish is required.
How It Compares to Sherwin-Williams and Benjamin Moore
At the premium tier, Rodda is genuinely comparable. Horizon Interior matches up well against SW Emerald and BM Aura in coverage and durability. Endurit Exterior is, in our view, the best exterior product for cedar siding specifically — which is abundant in the older neighborhoods of Seattle, Bellevue, and the surrounding Eastside. Where national brands have an advantage is color selection. Benjamin Moore's palette is larger and more refined, and many designers specify BM colors by name. When a client has a specific BM color they love, we match it at Rodda if the application benefits from Rodda's formula, or we simply use BM if the color is the priority.
Price
Rodda's premium lines are priced slightly below Sherwin-Williams Emerald and Benjamin Moore Aura — typically $65–$85 per gallon depending on the product. This is not because the quality is lower. It's because the brand doesn't carry the overhead of national advertising and big-box distribution. You're getting regional expertise without the national brand premium.
Where to Find It
Rodda Paint operates dedicated retail stores throughout the Seattle area including locations in Bellevue, Kirkland, Seattle, and Redmond. You won't find it at Home Depot or Lowe's — which is part of the point. It's a trade-focused brand sold through dedicated paint stores, the way professional paints are supposed to be sold.
At Vasy Painting, Rodda is one of our trusted go-to brands alongside Sherwin-Williams and Benjamin Moore. The best paint for your project depends on the surface, the environment, and the color. We'll recommend the right one. Reach out to schedule a consultation.
