When it comes to transforming your home’s interior or exterior with a fresh coat of paint, choosing the right product is crucial.
Among the leading contenders in the paint industry, Sherwin Williams offers two standout options: SuperPaint and Duration. Both are renowned for their durability, finish, and ease of application, but which one truly reigns supreme?
In this comprehensive comparison, let us delve into the strengths and unique features of Sherwin Williams SuperPaint and Duration, helping you decide which one of the two is a better investment for your next paint project.
| SuperPaint | Duration |
|---|---|
| Cheaper | Expensive |
| Not very thick | Very thick |
| More breathable | Less breathable |
| Less durable | More durable |
Sherwin Williams SuperPaint
Sherwin-Williams offers SuperPaint in exterior as well as interior versions. It has a unique formula consisting of acrylic latex, bringing with it a thick, rich consistency no matter what kind of surface it is applied to. Particularly it’s an ideal paint for older homes, walls, and sidings that are more than 40 years old.
A key feature of SuperPaint is its built-in self-primer, which eliminates the need for a separate primer coat. While SuperPaint is more expensive than standard paint, the convenience of priming and painting simultaneously makes it a very appealing option for painters because it reduces the time and effort required for painting for them.
SuperPaint also boasts resistance to dirt, stains, scuff, and molds. It’s safe for vinyl siding while also offering block resistance, meaning that door jams and window frames shouldn’t get stuck.
Lastly, due to its low VOC (volatile organic compound) content, Sherwin-Williams SuperPaint emits fewer harmful chemicals compared to traditional paints.
Finishes
Sherwin-Williams SuperPaint offers four distinct finishes—velvet, satin, flat, and semi-gloss—providing options to suit various personal preferences and home décor styles.
- The semi-gloss finish offers the highest level of glossiness and is ideal for areas requiring frequent cleaning.
- The flat finish resembles a matte appearance, effectively concealing surface imperfections while exuding a timeless aesthetic.
- Satin and velvet finishes both feature a subtle glossiness and are easy to clean.
Regardless of the chosen finish, SuperPaint delivers a professional-looking result with minimal time and effort. Additionally, it boasts durability, with a lifespan of up to seven years before needing repainting.
The Cost and Coverage
SuperPaint is considered a mid-range product, offering good quality at a reasonable price. Typically priced around $60 when not on sale, it often becomes more affordable during promotions.
For coverage, you’ll need approximately 1 gallon of paint for every 350 to 400 square feet of paintable surface. The need for additional coats depends on various factors, including the desired finish and the condition of the surface being painted.
Sherwin Williams Duration Paint
Sherwin Williams Duration paint comes with cool-temperature technology and a higher price tag than SuperPaint. The reason for this is Duration’s ability to be applied on more surfaces and materials than SuperPaint, including vinyl, aluminum, steel, trim, and wood siding.
Generally speaking, if you want exterior paint that comes with self-priming feature and will last for years with excellent coverage, Duration is the way to go. With an expected lifespan between 8-10 years, it lasts a little longer than SuperPaint.
The only drawback of this paint is its less breathability due to its higher thickness. Should you apply Duration to cedar or any material with moisture issues, using the thicker Duration will prevent the home from being able to breathe and stop moisture from evaporating, which can lead to peeling paint and blistering.
Finishes
Like SuperPaint, you can find Duration in various finishes such as matte, satin, flat, and semi-gloss.
- Semi-gloss as its name suggests, has a bit of glossiness to it and is quite radiant, ideal for anywhere that is cleaned frequently.
- Matte is good for concealing any imperfections on the surface while its angular shine gives a smooth and washable finish.
- The flat is a finish similar to the matte version and has practically zero reflection, whereas satin is a finish that offers a slight sheen.
The Cost and Coverage
Duration is a high-end paint made by Sherwin Williams, and its price reflects this. If you buy outside of a sale, it will cost around $75 per gallon, which is a drawback for some people. Fortunately, you can find this type of paint on sale frequently throughout the year where you can get anywhere between 30 and 40 percent off the price.
Duration, much like SuperPaint also offers a good coverage of around 350 to 400 sq. ft. per gallon. For interior applications, it dries to the touch in 1 hour and requires 4 hours between coats. However, for exterior applications, it dries to the touch in 2 hours and needs 24 to 48 hours between coats when applied at temperatures of 35°F or higher.
Where to Buy SW Duration and SuperPaint?
If you’re looking to purchase Sherwin-Williams Duration paint, the most convenient option is to visit a Sherwin-Williams retail store where you will be able to get a full range of SW paint lines even in specific quantities, like five-gallon buckets.
Although stores like Lowe’s carry Sherwin-Williams paint, they typically stock the HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams product lines rather than Duration and SuperPaint.
Buying Sherwin-Williams Duration online is also generally not feasible, as paint is classified as a hazardous material by shipping companies, preventing Sherwin-Williams from delivering it directly to your home. While you might find sellers on eBay or Amazon, their prices are often higher than those at Sherwin-Williams retail locations.
Sherwin Williams Duration Vs. SuperPaint – Final Thoughts
With both paints you are offered excellent coverage, long life, and beautiful finishes. However in my opinion, if you intend to live in your home for a while, spending a little extra on Sherwin-Williams Duration paint is a good option; its longevity and strength certainly outperform that of SuperPaint.
That said, if you want durable paint that doesn’t cost quite as much, SuperPaint may be a better deal for your needs.
Although it is more expensive, Duration offers significantly greater durability along with a thicker coating compared to SuperPaint. However, due to its thickness, Duration has less breathability, which can be a concern when painting over multiple layers of paint. In such cases, SuperPaint, being more breathable, might be a better choice, especially for older homes.
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Jack Luis is a semi-retired painter who loved painting his clients’ ideas on their walls.
He had worked as a painter for over a decade serving customers in areas such as Charleston, Mount Pleasant, Beaufort, and Georgetown, SC (South Carolina). Today in his free time, he likes to read and write about the newer techniques implemented in his profession. You may read more about him here or get in touch with him here.