Sherwin Williams Duration Vs. SuperPaint (Here Are The Differences)

Choosing the right paint for your home is a difficult decision. Apart from choosing the right finish and color for your project, you also need to consider the brand and quality of paint. With so many brands to choose from you can be overwhelmed. If you are looking for high quality paint, like Sherman Williams, how do you decide between its high end paint types like SuperPaint and Duration?

Sherman Williams’ SuperPaint and Duration paints are high quality paints, but Duration is more versatile and lasts longer. Sherwin Williams Duration paint is also more expensive than SuperPaint. Both Duration and SuperPaint have interior and exterior versions, but Duration paint can be painted on more surface types like aluminum, vinyl and steel.

Duration and SuperPaint are both considered to be top-quality paints. Both types of paint have a self-primer, which can greatly help cut down on painting time. Each type of paint, however, is formulated differently and has unique advantages and disadvantages. Let’s explore their characteristics and differences to understand why you might select one over the other.

SuperPaint, by Sherwin Williams, exists in two varieties. One type is designed for exterior use, while the other is suitable for interior painting.

One of the main differences between SuperPaints and other paints is that SuperPaint is made with a self-primer. This means when you use Sherwin Williams SuperPaint you do not need to paint a full layer of primer first. In essence, this cuts your painting job in half.

Although more expensive than standard paint, having the ability to prime and paint your walls at the same time is a very attractive selling point.

When it comes to exterior painting, Sherwin Williams SuperPaint is considered to be their standard. Its pricing is mid-range and it performs accordingly.

SuperPaint’s formulation allows for painting in cooler climates and will generally last you between five and seven years before it needs to be repainted.

SuperPaint is most recommended for use on older homes, or structures older than forty years. It is possible for you to use SuperPaint on peeling surfaces or bare wood. When doing so, however, an additional primer should be applied first.

On substrates such as cedar, SuperPaint is the ideal choice because it does not significantly trap moisture under the paint and allows the wood to “breathe.”

Older homes most likely have multiple layers of paint on their exterior surface and SuperPaint will provide the necessary breathability. Its superior coverage, resistance to wear, and excellent finish quality make it a high-class contender for interior and exterior paint jobs.

SuperPaint also has a low VOC, meaning it does not off-gas harmful chemicals as much as traditional paints.

As far as interior application goes, SuperPaint works great for painting walls. It’s easy to use, thick enough to stick to your roller or brush and has the perfect degree of flexibility and smoothness.

SuperPaint is considered to be the mid-priced paint that Sherwin Williams offers. When they are not running sales, as they frequently do, the paint will cost you around $60 a can.

You’ll need about 0.1 gallons of paint per square foot. However, whether you do one or more coats will depend on several factors, including the type of finish you desire.

To put things into perspective, Sherwin Williams paints range from under 30 dollars a can to more than 50 dollars per gallon.

SuperPaint works great to achieve a professional-looking result with minimal effort and time saved from not having to apply primer first. These facts make the extra price per gallon well worth it.

Like SuperPaint, Sherwin Williams Duration is sold in two offerings – one for interior use and the other for exterior painting purposes.

Duration is slightly more expensive than SuperPaint because it can be used on a handful of more surfaces, including aluminum, vinyl, steel, and wood siding and trim.

You can expect Duration to last between eight and ten years, dependent on weather and pre-existing conditions.

For exterior use, it is most appropriate for new homes, less than thirty to forty years old. Unlike the breathability of SuperPaint, Duration will lock in moisture and can potentially result in peeling paint and blistering.

For bare wood, you will need to apply an oil-based primer before painting on Duration. Duration is backed by a lifetime warranty, lending to the truth that it is incredibly durable. This product is durable and thick enough for one coat, although two is often preferred.

For interior use, Duration Home was the flagship for high-quality interior durability until they released their Emerald line. Duration Home is available in satin, semi-gloss and matte finishes, is low VOC, and provides an excellent overall finish.

Duration is a premium paint by Sherwin Williams with its biggest drawback being the cost. Purchasing outside of a sale event or store discount will generally cost you around $75 a gallon.

To put things into perspective, if you need ten gallons for your project, your total bill will end up equaling close to $800. Sherwin Williams holds frequent sales throughout the year, offering generally between 30 to 40% off.

Although Sherwin Williams has released newer paint lines in recent years, Duration is still known to be a top-quality paint. This makes the cost worth it if you seek a paint that is extremely durable and will have a very long lifespan.

Both Sherwin Williams’ Duration and SuperPaint offer durability, outstanding coverage, superior finish quality, and plenty of appropriate finishes. Additionally, each option is available in both exterior and interior versions to fit your particular needs. Making the choice between the two paint types can be a difficult decision. The good news is, both paints have a built in self-primer that will cut down on the time it takes you to complete your paint job.

If you plan on living in your home for some time and need to paint the exterior, spending the extra money on Duration proves to be the best option. Its strength outperforms SuperPaint and has increased longevity. Duration paint can also be painted on several surfaces that SuperPaint cannot.

But, if you seek durable paint with a lower price point, choose Sherwin Williams SuperPaint. SuperPaint can also provide the breathability that your substrates may require, especially in the case of older homes. The paint is also significantly cheaper than Sherwin Williams Duration paint.

For more painting tips, check out: “ How To Clean Oil Paintbrushes Without Paint Thinner” and “ Can You Use Exterior Paint Indoors?“

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