When it comes to interior house paint, homeowners have plenty of options to choose from. Two of the most popular interior paints are Emerald interior paint and Super paint from Sherwin-Williams. But which one is better? Emerald paint and Super paint have key differences that homeowners should consider when deciding which is the best choice for their particular painting project. This article will compare Emerald and Super paint across several factors including durability, application, finish, and cost to help you determine if Emerald or Super paint is better for your needs.
Durability
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing interior paint is durability. You want an interior paint that will hold up to regular wear and tear and not require frequent repainting.
Emerald paint is Sherwin-Williams’ most durable interior paint. It features an acrylic latex formula enhanced with exclusive cross-linking technology that provides excellent resistance to scratches, stains, and washability. Emerald is rated at burnish, stain, and scrub resistance of over 5,000 scrub cycles by Sherwin-Williams, making it highly resistant to stains and scratches from everyday use.
Super paint is also formulated for durability, featuring an acrylic latex formula. However, it rates at only over 2,000 scrub cycles for washability and only 400 scrub cycles for burnish resistance. So Emerald offers significantly better stain, scratch, and burnish resistance compared to Super paint.
If you have kids, pets, or your walls see a lot of action, Emerald is the more durable option that will hold up better to messes and frequent cleaning. The enhanced durability will allow you to go longer between repaints.
Application
Ease of application is another important consideration when selecting interior paint. You want a paint that goes on smoothly and evenly without excessive dripping or splattering.
Emerald paint applies very smoothly and easily due to its state-of-the-art cross-linking technology. It offers excellent flow and leveling for a smooth, uniform finish. The cross-linking technology also minimizes paint drips. Many reviewers report that Emerald paint applies like a dream with minimal effort.
Super paint also applies relatively easily and smoothly thanks to its acrylic latex formula. However, it is not quite as effortless to apply as Emerald. Some homeowners report Super paint requires a bit more care to avoid drips and sags during application compared to Emerald.
If quick, flawless application is your top priority, Emerald would be the best choice. But Super paint still applies fairly easily for most homeowners’ needs.
Finish
The paint’s finish, meaning its sheen level, also merits consideration when choosing interior paints. Finish affects not only appearance but also stain resistance and washability.
Emerald interior paint comes in several finishes, including:
- Matte – non-reflective, velvet-like finish
- Eggshell – low-sheen, velvety finish
- Satin – medium sheen, smooth finish
- Semi-Gloss – moderately reflective finish
Super paint is available in 3 finishes:
- Matte
- Eggshell
- Semi-Gloss
So both offer options ranging from matte to semi-gloss. Eggshell is one of the most popular choices for interior walls in living spaces. It provides a smooth, subtle sheen.
Emerald’s finishes feature Sherwin-Williams’ Smooth Touch technology for a uniform appearance free of flashing or patchiness you sometimes see with other paints. The finishes also contain stain-blocking additives for better stain resistance.
Overall, Emerald and Super paint offer comparable finish options. Emerald may have a slight edge in finish uniformity and stain resistance. But both offer suitable options for any room.
Cost
Of course, cost is always a consideration when selecting any home improvement product. How do Emerald and Super paint compare price-wise?
On average, Emerald paint costs *about 50-100% more* than Super paint per gallon. However, keep in mind that Emerald may cover more square footage per gallon than Super paint.
Here is a comparison of average costs per gallon:
| Paint | Cost per Gallon |
|---|---|
| Emerald | $50-70 |
| Super paint | $30-45 |
The advanced durability features of Emerald come at a price. So while Super paint costs notably less, Emerald delivers better stain, scrub, and burnish resistance.
If you plan to paint a whole house or exterior, the cost difference can add up. For small projects, Emerald may be justifiable for the added durability. Consider rooms that will need frequent cleaning like kitchens or kids’ rooms. The enhanced stain resistance of Emerald makes it a wise investment for high-traffic spaces.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Emerald is the winner when it comes to durability and ease of application but comes at a higher price point. Super paint offers good durability and application at a more affordable cost.
For interior spaces that will see a lot of wear, Emerald is worth the extra cost. Its exceptional stain and scratch resistance will keep walls looking freshly painted longer. For rooms with less traffic, Super paint is a reliable choice that covers well and provides decent durability.
Consider how well the paint needs to hold up and your budget. Emerald offers outstanding longevity and a flawless finish for those willing to pay a premium. For budget-friendly whole home painting, Super paint is tough to beat. Either option will provide long-lasting beauty and protection for your walls. Carefully weigh the pros and cons of each to decide if paying extra for Emerald or opting for economical Super paint is the best choice for your next interior painting project.
