Sherwin-Williams

Spread Rate: ~350–400 sq ft/gal.

Hide: Excellent; high‑hiding bases deliver strong coverage and accurate color.

Application: Smooth, uniform finish; strong leveling; paint‑and‑primer formula with good stain‑blocking.

Washability: Exceptional; resists stains, water streaking, and burnishing under repeated scrubbing.

Durability: Premium; engineered for long‑term wear, adhesion, and stain resistance in high‑traffic areas.

VOC/Odor: Low‑VOC; low‑odor application.

Best Use: High‑traffic interiors, kitchens, hallways, family rooms, and premium residential projects.

Pros: Excellent hide; premium washability; smooth finish; strong stain and burnish resistance.

Cons: Premium price; darkest colors require careful rolling for uniformity.

Verdict: Sherwin‑Williams’ top interior acrylic line — outstanding hide, washability, and durability; a true premium‑tier performer.

Spread Rate: ~350–400 sq ft/gal.

Hide: Strong; covers evenly with good color uniformity in light and mid‑tone shades.

Application: Smooth, controlled flow; levels well; plant‑based resin system produces a refined finish.

Washability: High; resists everyday marks and cleans without sheen loss.

Durability: Premium; good stain resistance and long‑term film integrity for residential interiors.

VOC/Odor: Zero VOC; low odor during application.

Best Use: Living spaces, bedrooms, hallways, family areas, eco‑focused interior projects.

Pros: Zero‑VOC formula; 25% plant‑based carbon content; smooth finish; dependable hide.

Cons: Newer line with limited long‑term field data; premium pricing.

Verdict: A sustainable, zero‑VOC premium interior paint offering smooth application, solid hide, and a refined finish — ideal for homeowners prioritizing air quality and eco‑performance.

Spread Rate: ~350–400 sq ft/gal.

Hide: Strong; deep bases provide solid color build; two coats recommended for full enamel uniformity.

Application: Smooth, controlled flow; excellent leveling; dries to a hard, furniture‑grade enamel finish.

Washability: High; withstands repeated cleaning without dulling or softening.

Durability: Excellent; urethane‑reinforced film delivers superior block resistance, chip resistance, and long‑term hardness.

VOC/Odor: Low‑VOC; moderate enamel odor during application.

Best Use: Trim, doors, cabinets, built‑ins, high‑touch surfaces requiring a hard, durable enamel finish.

Pros: Hard‑drying enamel; excellent leveling; strong adhesion; interior/exterior versatility; premium durability.

Cons: Longer dry and recoat times than acrylic wall paints; requires careful brushing for best results.

Verdict: A high‑performance waterborne alkyd enamel offering exceptional leveling, hardness, and durability — ideal for trim and cabinetry where a premium, furniture‑grade finish is required.

Spread Rate: ~350–400 sq ft/gal.

Hide: Strong; reliable coverage in light and mid‑tones; two coats ideal for full uniformity.

Application: Exceptionally smooth; creamy consistency; levels out brush and roller marks better than many mid‑tier acrylics.

Washability: High; medium‑lustre sheen improves cleanability without excessive shine.

Durability: Very good; resists scuffs and wear in active residential interiors.

VOC/Odor: Low‑VOC; mild odor during application.

Best Use: Living rooms, hallways, dining rooms, bedrooms, and any space needing a refined, silky finish.

Pros: Silky application; excellent leveling; elegant finish; dependable hide; lifetime limited warranty.

Cons: Not as ultra‑smooth as Emerald; the medium‑lustre sheen can highlight minor wall imperfections under angled light.

Verdict: A smooth, refined interior paint offering premium‑feeling application at a mid‑premium price — ideal for homeowners and pros seeking a silky finish without stepping into Emerald territory.

Spread Rate: ~350–400 sq ft/gal.

Hide: Strong; good coverage in light and mid‑tone colors; two coats recommended for full depth.

Application: Smooth, creamy consistency; levels well; easier to apply than many mid‑tier acrylics.

Washability: High; resists stains and allows repeated cleaning without noticeable burnishing.

Durability: Excellent; engineered for scuff resistance and long‑term wear in active interiors.

VOC/Odor: Low‑VOC; low odor during application.

Best Use: Hallways, family rooms, kids’ rooms, rental units, and high‑traffic residential spaces.

Pros: Strong washability; durable satin finish; reliable hide; lifetime limited warranty.

Cons: Not as premium‑smooth as Emerald; darker colors require careful rolling for uniformity.

Verdict: A durable, washable interior paint offering strong performance for busy homes — a dependable mid‑premium option below Emerald but above SuperPaint.

Spread Rate: ~350–400 sq ft/gal.

Hide: Strong; covers primed trim and doors well; two coats recommended for full enamel build.

Application: Smooth, controlled flow; longer open time than straight acrylic; levels to a tighter finish with reduced brush texture.

Washability: High; withstands repeated cleaning on high‑touch trim profiles.

Durability: Excellent for a waterbased enamel; resists blocking, scuffs, and everyday wear on doors, casings, and baseboards.

VOC/Odor: Low‑VOC; mild odor during application.

Best Use: Interior trim, doors, casings, baseboards, built‑ins, and repaints needing an oil‑like finish without solvent cleanup.

Pros: Strong leveling; tighter finish than acrylic; durable satin enamel; reliable hide; lifetime limited warranty.

Cons: Not as hard‑curing as true alkyd or Emerald Urethane; longer dry time than SnapDry.

Verdict: A smooth, oil‑like waterbased enamel offering strong leveling, dependable durability, and low‑odor performance — a refined choice for trim and doors where a tighter finish is preferred.

Spread Rate: ~350–400 sq ft/gal.

Hide: Strong; dependable coverage on primed trim and doors; two coats recommended for full enamel build.

Application: Smooth, controlled flow; levels well for an acrylic; designed to mimic the feel of traditional enamel without the solvent load.

Washability: High; withstands repeated cleaning on high‑touch trim profiles.

Durability: Excellent for an acrylic; resists blocking, scuffs, and everyday wear on doors, casings, and baseboards.

VOC/Odor: Low‑VOC; low odor during application.

Best Use: Interior trim, doors, casings, baseboards, built‑ins, and repaints where a smooth, durable enamel finish is required.

Pros: Strong leveling for an acrylic; durable satin enamel; reliable hide; lifetime limited warranty.

Cons: Not as glass‑smooth as oil or Emerald Urethane; requires careful brushing to avoid light micro‑texture.

Verdict: A dependable, pro‑grade acrylic enamel offering smooth application, strong durability, and low‑odor performance — ideal for trim and doors where a clean, modern satin finish is the target.

Spread Rate: ~350–400 sq ft/gal.

Hide: Good; covers well in light and mid‑tone colors; two coats recommended for full depth.

Application: Smooth, easy‑rolling consistency; dries quickly; levels reliably for a uniform finish.

Washability: Solid; withstands routine cleaning and light scrubbing without noticeable burnishing.

Durability: Good; holds up well in standard‑traffic residential spaces; lifetime limited warranty.

VOC/Odor: Low‑VOC; low odor during application.

Best Use: Living rooms, bedrooms, hallways, rental units, and general residential repaints.

Pros: Reliable hide; easy application; durable enough for everyday use; lifetime warranty.

Cons: Not as smooth or washable as Duration or Emerald; darker colors require careful rolling.

Verdict: A dependable value‑tier interior acrylic offering good hide, easy application, and everyday durability — a practical choice for standard residential work below Duration and Emerald.

Spread Rate: ~350–400 sq ft/gal.

Hide: Moderate; covers light colors well; darker colors typically need two coats for uniformity.

Application: Easy, lightweight roll; workable open time; less leveling than mid‑tier acrylics.

Washability: Moderate; flat finish is prone to burnishing under repeated cleaning.

Durability: Basic; suitable for low‑traffic residential areas where premium durability isn’t required.

VOC/Odor: Low‑VOC; low odor during application.

Best Use: Bedrooms, rentals, budget‑conscious repaints, and low‑wear interior spaces.

Pros: Affordable; simple application; decent hide for the price; lifetime limited warranty.

Cons: Lower washability; limited durability; finish quality below mid‑premium lines.

Verdict: A budget‑friendly interior paint offering straightforward application and acceptable performance for low‑traffic spaces — a practical value option below SuperPaint and Cashmere.

Spread Rate: ~300–400 sq ft/gal.

Hide: Strong for a fast‑dry acrylic; covers light and mid‑tones well; two coats recommended for full uniformity.

Application: Smooth, fast‑setting film; workable but shorter open time; levels better than most quick‑dry enamels.

Washability: High; withstands routine cleaning once fully cured.

Durability: Very good; resists blocking, scuffs, and handling on doors, trim, and exterior entries.

VOC/Odor: Low‑VOC; mild odor during application.

Best Use: Interior and exterior doors, trim, casings, shutters, and repaints needing rapid return‑to‑service.

Pros: One‑hour dry time; strong adhesion; durable satin enamel; reliable hide.

Cons: Shorter open time increases brush‑mark risk; not as smooth or hard as Emerald Urethane.

Verdict: A fast‑drying acrylic enamel offering solid durability, dependable adhesion, and rapid turnaround — ideal for trim and doors where quick recoat and return‑to‑service matter.

Spread Rate: ~300–400 sq ft/gal.

Hide: Strong for a floor coating; covers light and mid‑tones well; two coats recommended for full film build.

Application: Smooth, controlled roll; workable open time; levels better than most budget floor enamels.

Washability: High; withstands routine cleaning on coated wood and concrete surfaces.

Durability: Very good; resists scuffs, foot traffic, and light abrasion on porches, steps, and interior floors.

VOC/Odor: Low‑VOC; mild odor during application.

Best Use: Interior and exterior porches, steps, basement floors, utility rooms, and coated wood or concrete surfaces needing a durable satin finish.

Pros: Strong adhesion; durable satin enamel; versatile for wood and concrete; reliable hide.

Cons: Not as hard or chemical‑resistant as 2‑part epoxies; requires proper prep to avoid adhesion issues on previously coated floors.

Verdict: A dependable, waterborne floor enamel offering solid durability, smooth application, and versatile use on wood and concrete — a practical choice for residential porches and interior utility floors.

Spread Rate: ~350–400 sq ft/gal.

Hide: Strong; covers primed surfaces well; two coats recommended for full enamel build and uniform gloss.

Application: Smooth, traditional oil flow; long open time; levels to a tight, high‑gloss finish with minimal brush texture.

Washability: High; glossy film withstands repeated cleaning once fully cured.

Durability: Excellent; hard‑curing enamel resists abrasion, moisture, and handling on high‑wear surfaces.

VOC/Odor: High‑VOC; strong solvent odor during application and early cure.

Best Use: Interior and exterior metal, wood trim, doors, railings, cabinets, and surfaces needing a hard, glossy, corrosion‑resistant finish.

Pros: Hard, durable oil enamel; excellent leveling; strong adhesion; high‑gloss finish.

Cons: Longer dry and cure times; strong odor; cleanup requires mineral spirits; not as flexible as waterborne enamels.

Verdict: A classic oil‑based enamel delivering a hard, glossy, corrosion‑resistant finish with excellent leveling — ideal for trim, doors, and metal where maximum durability is required.

Spread Rate: ~350–400 sq ft/gal.

Hide: Strong; formulated for uniform coverage; minimizes shadowing and roller lap visibility.

Application: Smooth, easy roll; extended open time; designed to reduce flashing and cut‑line contrast on large ceilings.

Washability: Moderate; flat ceiling films are not intended for frequent cleaning.

Durability: Good for ceilings; resists minor scuffs and marks; non‑spattering formula improves application control.

VOC/Odor: Low‑VOC; low odor during application.

Best Use: Interior ceilings in living rooms, bedrooms, hallways, and spaces needing a bright, uniform flat finish.

Pros: Strong hide; minimal spatter; uniform flat finish; reduced flashing; lifetime limited warranty.

Cons: Not washable like wall paints; flat finish can show marks if touched or rubbed.

Verdict: A reliable, uniform ceiling paint offering strong hide, smooth application, and low spatter — a dependable premium option for clean, consistent flat ceilings.

Spread Rate: ~350–400 sq ft/gal.

Hide: Strong; covers previous colors well; two‑coat system recommended for full exterior protection.

Application: Smooth, controlled brush and roll; excellent flow; maintains wet edge in warm conditions; sprays cleanly with minimal overspray.

Washability: High; satin film withstands routine exterior cleaning without dulling.

Durability: Excellent; resists fading, peeling, blistering, and mildew; advanced UV and moisture protection for long‑term exterior performance.

VOC/Odor: Low‑VOC; mild exterior application odor.

Best Use: Exterior siding, trim, doors, fascia, soffits, and repaints needing premium durability and color retention.

Pros: Exceptional durability; strong color retention; smooth application; premium weather resistance; lifetime limited warranty.

Cons: Higher price point; surface prep must be thorough to maximize adhesion and longevity.

Verdict: A top‑tier exterior acrylic delivering exceptional durability, color retention, and weather resistance — a premium choice for homeowners and pros seeking long‑lasting exterior performance.

Spread Rate: ~250–400 sq ft/gal.

Hide: Strong; excellent coverage for an exterior acrylic; two‑coat system recommended for full protection and uniform color.

Application: Smooth, controlled brush and roll; maintains a wet edge well; forgiving in warm and cool conditions; sprays cleanly with consistent fan pattern.

Washability: High; withstands routine exterior cleaning without film degradation.

Durability: Excellent; PermaLast technology improves film thickness, flexibility, and long‑term resistance to peeling, blistering, and fading.

VOC/Odor: Low‑VOC; mild exterior application odor.

Best Use: Exterior siding, trim, fascia, soffits, doors, and repaints needing long‑term durability and strong color retention.

Pros: Excellent durability; strong hide; flexible, weather‑resistant film; smooth application; lifetime limited warranty.

Cons: Higher price point; requires proper prep to maximize adhesion and longevity; slightly heavier feel than Emerald.

Verdict: A highly durable exterior acrylic offering strong hide, flexible weather protection, and long‑term color retention — a premium choice for homeowners and pros seeking reliable exterior performance.

Spread Rate: ~250–400 sq ft/gal.

Hide: Strong; covers previous colors well; two‑coat system recommended for uniform color and full exterior protection.

Application: Smooth, predictable brush and roll; maintains a workable wet edge; sprays cleanly with consistent fan pattern.

Washability: High; satin film withstands routine exterior cleaning without dulling.

Durability: Very good; resists peeling, blistering, fading, and mildew; reliable long‑term performance for residential exteriors.

VOC/Odor: Low‑VOC; mild exterior application odor.

Best Use: Exterior siding, trim, fascia, soffits, and repaints needing dependable durability at a mid‑premium price point.

Pros: Strong hide; smooth application; reliable weather resistance; lifetime limited warranty; solid value below Duration and Emerald.

Cons: Not as flexible or long‑lasting as Duration; not as color‑stable or refined as Emerald.

Verdict: A dependable mid‑premium exterior acrylic offering strong hide, smooth application, and solid durability — a practical, cost‑effective choice for residential exteriors.

Spread Rate: ~250–400 sq ft/gal.

Hide: Moderate‑to‑strong; covers light and mid‑tones well; two coats recommended for uniform color and protection.

Application: Smooth, predictable brush and roll; workable wet edge; sprays cleanly with a consistent fan pattern.

Washability: Good; gloss film withstands routine exterior cleaning without dulling.

Durability: Good; 100% acrylic formula resists peeling, blistering, and fading; reliable performance for standard residential exteriors.

VOC/Odor: Low‑VOC; mild exterior application odor.

Best Use: Exterior siding, trim, fences, sheds, garages, and repaints needing dependable performance at a lower price point.

Pros: Trusted 100% acrylic formula; solid adhesion; reliable durability; cost‑effective; 15‑year limited warranty.

Cons: Not as flexible or long‑lasting as SuperPaint or Duration; moderate hide compared to premium lines.

Verdict: A dependable, budget‑friendly exterior acrylic offering solid adhesion, reliable durability, and straightforward application — a practical choice for standard residential exteriors and value‑driven projects.

Spread Rate: ~250–400 sq ft/gal.

Hide: Strong; covers previous colors well; two‑coat system recommended for full protection and uniform color.

Application: Smooth, forgiving brush and roll; excellent wet‑edge retention; formulated to apply cleanly in hot, cold, or rapidly changing conditions.

Washability: High; satin film withstands routine exterior cleaning without dulling.

Durability: Excellent; resists peeling, blistering, fading, and mildew; engineered for early‑rain resistance and temperature‑flexible performance.

VOC/Odor: Low‑VOC; mild exterior application odor.

Best Use: Exterior siding, trim, doors, fascia, soffits, and projects requiring reliable performance in unpredictable weather.

Pros: Extreme‑temperature application; early‑rain resistance; strong hide; smooth application; lifetime limited warranty.

Cons: Not as refined or long‑lasting as Emerald; slightly softer film than Duration in harsh climates.

Verdict: A highly capable exterior acrylic designed for unpredictable weather, offering strong hide, smooth application, and dependable durability — a smart choice for projects needing flexibility and early‑rain protection.

Spread Rate: ~250–400 sq ft/gal.

Hide: Strong; formulated for aged siding; two‑coat system recommended for full restoration and uniform color.

Application: Smooth, controlled brush and roll; forgiving open time; designed to bridge minor surface inconsistencies on weathered siding.

Washability: High; low‑sheen film withstands routine exterior cleaning without burnishing.

Durability: Excellent; resists peeling, blistering, fading, and mildew; engineered for revitalizing older substrates with improved film build.

VOC/Odor: Low‑VOC; mild exterior application odor.

Best Use: Aged wood, composite, and previously painted siding needing restoration, color uniformity, and improved surface appearance.

Pros: Strong hide; restorative film build; smooth application; durable low‑sheen finish; paint‑and‑primer convenience.

Cons: Not as refined or long‑lasting as Emerald; heavier film may highlight poor prep if substrate isn’t stabilized.

Verdict: A purpose‑built exterior acrylic offering strong hide, restorative coverage, and dependable durability — a smart choice for revitalizing aging siding with a uniform low‑sheen finish.

Spread Rate: ~200–400 sq ft/gal depending on porosity

Hide: Strong; full opaque coverage; two‑coat system recommended for uniform color and maximum protection

Application: Smooth, predictable brush and roll; sprays cleanly; longer open time than typical paints; penetrates and films simultaneously

Washability: High for a stain; solid film resists routine cleaning without premature wear

Durability: Very good; resists UV fading, peeling, and moisture intrusion; flexible film handles wood movement better than paint

VOC/Odor: Low‑VOC; mild exterior odor

Best Use: Decks, fences, railings, pergolas, vertical siding, and weathered wood needing full-color uniformity

Pros: Strong hide; flexible film; good adhesion; waterborne cleanup; reliable UV and moisture resistance

Cons: Not as long‑lasting as oil‑based solids on high‑traffic decks; can show wear faster on horizontal surfaces

Verdict: A dependable waterborne solid stain offering strong hide, flexible durability, and smooth application — ideal for decks and exterior wood needing uniform color and moisture protection.

Spread Rate: ~250–350 sq ft/gal depending on porosity

Hide: Varies by opacity; transparent shows full grain, semi‑solid mutes grain, solid gives near‑paint coverage

Application: Smooth, forgiving brush and roll; deep penetration; long open time; ideal for older or weathered wood

Washability: Moderate; stains are not scrub‑resistant like paints

Durability: Very good; oil formula penetrates deeply, resists moisture, and performs strongly on horizontal surfaces

VOC/Odor: Higher odor; solvent cleanup required

Best Use: Decks, fences, railings, and exterior wood needing rich color, strong penetration, and moisture protection

Pros: Excellent penetration; rich color; strong water resistance; long working time; reliable performance on aged wood

Cons: Higher odor; longer dry time; solvent cleanup; color longevity varies with sun exposure

Verdict: A dependable oil‑based exterior stain line that penetrates deeply and delivers strong moisture protection — ideal for decks and exterior wood where durability and rich color matter.

Spread Rate: ~300–400 sq ft/gal Hide: Moderate; designed for adhesion first, coverage second

Application: Smooth, controlled brush and roll; fast dry; excellent grip on slick, glossy, or previously finished surfaces

Washability: Moderate; topcoat determines final washability

Durability: High when top‑coated; creates a strong anchor layer for difficult substrates

VOC/Odor: Low‑VOC; mild odor

Best Use: Cabinets, tile, PVC, vinyl, fiberglass, glossy trim, factory finishes, metal, and any hard‑to‑stick surface

Pros: Exceptional adhesion; bonds to slick surfaces without sanding; fast dry; interior/exterior versatility

Cons: Not a high‑hide primer; requires proper topcoat; more expensive than standard acrylic primers

Verdict: A high‑performance bonding primer built for maximum adhesion on challenging surfaces — ideal when you need a reliable grip where standard primers fail.

Spread Rate: ~300–400 sq ft/gal

Hide: Strong; excellent stain coverage; bright white base improves topcoat uniformity

Application: Fast, aggressive dry; brushes smoothly but sets quickly; strong solvent smell; ideal for spot‑priming

Washability: Low; shellac primers are not designed for scrubbing; topcoat determines final washability

Durability: High when top‑coated; exceptional stain and odor sealing; bonds well to most interior substrates

VOC/Odor: Very strong odor; high solvent content; requires ventilation

Best Use: Smoke damage, water stains, tannin bleed, pet odors, fire restoration, knots, and severe interior staining

Pros: Ultimate stain and odor blocker; dries extremely fast; unbeatable for smoke and severe staining; excellent adhesion

Cons: Strong odor; not for large exterior areas; brittle film; alcohol cleanup required

Verdict: A powerful shellac‑based primer built for the toughest interior stains and odors — the go‑to choice when nothing else will seal damage or contamination effectively.