Sherwin-Williams is America's largest paint company with over 4,500 stores nationwide. Known for professional-grade products, extensive color options, and frequent sales, SW is the go-to for contractors and homeowners alike. This guide covers all major product lines and helps you choose the right paint for your project.
Sherwin-Williams Product Lines Explained
SW offers multiple product lines at different price points. Here's what each offers:
Emerald
InteriorBest For:
- High-traffic living areas
- Dark/bold colors
- Premium finish quality
- Stain resistance
Key Features:
- ✓ Superior coverage
- ✓ Stain & scuff resistant
- ✓ Zero VOC
- ✓ Anti-microbial
- ✓ Self-priming
Duration
ExteriorBest For:
- Exterior siding
- Maximum durability
- Harsh weather areas
- 15+ year protection
Key Features:
- ✓ Advanced flexible coating
- ✓ Fade resistant
- ✓ Mildew resistant
- ✓ Self-priming
- ✓ PermaLast technology
Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel
Trim/CabinetsBest For:
- Cabinets
- Doors & trim
- Furniture
- Hard enamel finish
Key Features:
- ✓ Urethane-enhanced
- ✓ Self-leveling
- ✓ Blocks tannin
- ✓ Excellent durability
- ✓ Water cleanup
SuperPaint
Interior/ExteriorBest For:
- Budget-conscious quality
- Rental properties
- General use
- Good all-around
Key Features:
- ✓ Reliable coverage
- ✓ Good durability
- ✓ Contractor favorite
- ✓ Value pricing
Cashmere
InteriorBest For:
- Living rooms
- Bedrooms
- Luxurious finish
- Easy application
Key Features:
- ✓ Buttery smooth
- ✓ Excellent touch-ups
- ✓ Thick formula
- ✓ Low splatter
ProClassic
Interior TrimBest For:
- Interior trim
- Doors
- Cabinets (budget)
- Smooth finish
Key Features:
- ✓ Self-leveling
- ✓ Alkyd-like finish
- ✓ Low VOC
- ✓ Excellent flow
🌟 Emerald: The Premium Interior Choice
Sherwin-Williams Emerald is their flagship interior paint:
Why Emerald Stands Out:
- Superior Coverage: Often covers in one coat, even with dramatic color changes
- Stain Resistance: Repels stains better than any other SW product
- Durability: Withstands scrubbing and cleaning beautifully
- Zero VOC: Safe for occupied homes, minimal odor
- Anti-Microbial: Resists mold and mildew growth on the paint film
When to Choose Emerald:
- High-traffic areas (hallways, kitchens, kids' rooms)
- Dark or bold colors that need maximum coverage
- When you want the best interior finish possible
- Homes with kids or pets
🏠 Duration: The Ultimate Exterior Protection
For exteriors, Duration is the gold standard:
Why Duration Excels:
- PermaLast Technology: Flexible coating that moves with your home
- 15+ Year Durability: Outlasts most exterior paints significantly
- Fade Resistance: Colors stay true even in direct sunlight
- Mildew Resistance: Fights mold and mildew growth
- Self-Priming: Reduces project time and cost
Duration Application Tips:
- Apply between 35°F and 90°F
- Two coats for best results
- Wait for full cure before rain (4+ hours)
- Use quality exterior brushes/rollers
🗄️ Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel: For Cabinets
The best Sherwin-Williams paint for cabinets and trim:
Why It's Ideal for Cabinets:
- Urethane-Enhanced: Harder, more durable finish than standard latex
- Self-Leveling: Brush and roller marks disappear
- Blocks Tannin: Prevents bleed-through from wood
- Water Cleanup: Easy cleanup despite alkyd-like finish
Pro Tips for Cabinets:
- Apply in thin, even coats
- Use high-quality brush or foam roller
- Allow 24+ hours between coats
- Full cure takes 30 days – handle carefully
Top Sherwin-Williams Colors for 2026
These bestselling colors work in virtually any home:
Agreeable Gray
SW 7029 NeutralThe most popular SW color. Perfect greige for any room.
Alabaster
SW 7008 WhiteCreamy, warm white. The #1 white for exteriors.
Repose Gray
SW 7015 GrayPerfectly balanced greige. Versatile and sophisticated.
Pure White
SW 7005 WhiteClean white with minimal undertone. Modern and crisp.
Iron Ore
SW 7069 DarkRich charcoal. Top dark color for exteriors and accents.
Naval
SW 6244 BlueSophisticated navy blue. 2020 Color of the Year.
Snowbound
SW 7004 WhiteSoft white with gray undertone. Elegant and refined.
Accessible Beige
SW 7036 NeutralWarm greige, welcoming and comfortable.
Mindful Gray
SW 7016 GrayPerfectly balanced gray. Not too warm, not too cool.
Tricorn Black
SW 6258 DarkTrue black. Bold and dramatic for accents.
Urbane Bronze
SW 7048 Dark2021 Color of the Year. Warm bronzy charcoal.
Sea Salt
SW 6204 Blue-GreenSoft green-blue. Spa-like and calming.
💰 How to Save on Sherwin-Williams Paint
SW paint isn't cheap, but there are ways to save:
🏷️ Wait for Sales
SW runs 30-40% off sales multiple times per year. Major holidays (Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day) typically have the best deals.
📧 Sign Up for Emails
SW sends exclusive discounts to email subscribers. Often includes additional perks beyond in-store sales.
💳 Pro Account
Even homeowners can open a Pro account. Ask at your local store for contractor pricing.
🔄 Buy 5-Gallon Buckets
5-gallon buckets cost less per gallon than single gallons. Worth it for larger projects.
Sherwin-Williams vs. Competitors
| Factor | Sherwin-Williams | Benjamin Moore | Behr |
|---|---|---|---|
| Store Locations | ⭐ 4,500+ stores | Specialty only | Home Depot |
| Price | $50-85/gal | $60-90/gal | ⭐ $30-50/gal |
| Sales Frequency | ⭐ Regular 30-40% | Rare | Occasional |
| Coverage | Excellent | ⭐ Aura excels | Good |
| Color Accuracy | Very Good | ⭐ Exceptional | Good |
| Exterior Durability | ⭐ Duration leads | Very Good | Good |
Frequently Asked Questions
Duration for exteriors, Emerald for interiors, and Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel for cabinets/trim.
Major sales typically happen around Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, and Black Friday. 30-40% off is common.
Agreeable Gray (SW 7029) is the most popular overall. Alabaster (SW 7008) is the top white.
Generally yes for coverage and durability. But Behr offers good value at lower prices. For quality projects, SW is preferred.
Experience Sherwin-Williams Quality
Carolina Renew Painting & Finishes uses Sherwin-Williams paints for exceptional results. Get your free estimate today!
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