When it comes to choosing interior paint, one of the biggest names in the industry is Sherwin-Williams. Their flagship paint line, Emerald Interior Acrylic Latex, promises rich colors, exceptional hide, and lasting durability. But with a higher price tag than many other paints, a common question is whether Sherwin-Williams Emerald paint is really worth the extra cost.
In determining if a premium paint like Emerald is worth the investment, there are a few key factors to consider:
- Quality of ingredients
- Coverage and hide
- Durability and longevity
- Ease of application
- Range of colors and finishes
- Warranty
- Brand reputation
Looking at the performance and features of Emerald paint in these areas and comparing it to lower-priced paint lines can help decide if the extra dollars spent upfront on Emerald translates into added value down the road.
Ingredients
The quality of any paint comes down to its ingredients. Higher quality paints use more expensive resins and pigments that enhance the paint’s durability, hide, and color. Here’s an overview of the key ingredients in Emerald paint:
Resin
The resin binds the pigment together and allows the paint to stick to surfaces. Emerald uses 100% acrylic resin, which is more durable and flexible than cheaper vinyl acrylic or vinyl acetate resins. Acrylic resin allows Emerald paint to expand and contract without cracking or peeling.
Pigments
Pigments give paint its color and hiding power. More expensive pigments provide better coverage and richer, more vibrant colors. Emerald contains high levels of titanium dioxide, a premium white pigment that delivers excellent hide and brightness.
Additives
Paint additives like biocides and defoamers enhance performance. Emerald contains an antimicrobial agent to inhibit mildew and algae growth on the paint film. It also has added matting agents that give the paint a smooth, even finish.
The high-grade acrylic resin, pigments, and additives in Emerald improve durability, hide, and appearance compared to economy paints. But you pay more for these premium ingredients upfront.
Coverage and Hide
Two important measures of paint are its coverage or hide (how well it conceals the underlying surface) and spread rate (how many square feet a gallon will cover).
Emerald paint is highly regarded for its ability to cover previous colors in 1-2 coats. Consumer Reports tests give Emerald an “Excellent” rating for hide in both lighter and darker colors.
The spread rate for Emerald is:
– 350-400 sq ft/gal on smooth, primed surfaces
– 250-300 sq ft/gal on unprimed, porous, or textured surfaces
This coverage is similar to mid-tier paints like Behr Premium Plus, which are almost half the price of Emerald. So while Emerald offers exceptional hide, the coverage per gallon is no better than cheaper paints. You need less coats with Emerald, but won’t get more square footage per gallon.
Durability and Longevity
Over the long-term, Emerald paint promises lasting beauty and protection. It provides a durable and washable surface that can withstand repeated cleanings without losing its luster.
Key durability features include:
- Flexibility – Acrylic resin won’t crack or peel
- Mildew resistance – Contains zinc oxide and other mildewcides
- Burnish resistance – Won’t scuff or leave shiny marks when cleaned
- Block resistance – Won’t stick to itself when the paint film touches
Sherwin-Williams backs up the durability claims with at 20-year limited warranty against flaking and peeling. Comparable mid-range paints typically offer 10-15 year warranties.
However, real world durability depends heavily on proper surface prep and application. With good prep, less expensive paints can also perform well long-term. But Emerald is proven to withstand wear, weathering, and frequent cleaning when applied correctly.
Ease of Application
A major benefit of Emerald is how easy it applies compared to other paints. It has excellent flow and leveling properties that minimize brush marks and create a smooth coat.
Key application features include:
- Flow and leveling – Minimizes brush and roller marks
- Open time – Longer workability before drying
- Spatter resistance – Less mess during painting
- Low-odor and VOC – Less paint smell
The smooth application makes Emerald ideal for DIYers. Unlike cheaper paints, it’s much more forgiving of mistakes and imperfect techniques. This can save time and frustration when painting.
Color and Finish Options
Emerald is available in all popular interior sheens:
- Flat – For ceilings and low-traffic areas
- Eggshell – Low-sheen with subtle shine; ideal for walls
- Satin – Mid-sheen with soft glow; commonly used for trim
- Semi-Gloss – Bright sheen for bathrooms, kitchens, doors
- Gloss – High-gloss for decorative accents
It comes in over 1,600 colors, including deep bold hues difficult to achieve with standard paints. This wide range covers every color need.
There are also specialty finishes like Emerald Rain Refresh for kitchen and bath surfaces that resist moisture and stains. However, most DIYers will stick with the coreEmerald line.
Cost Breakdown
The biggest downside to Emerald is its price, which can be 50-100% more than value and mid-tier paints. Here’s how the cost shakes out:
| Paint Type | Cost Per Gallon |
|---|---|
| Glidden Essentials (Low-End) | $20-30 |
| Behr Premium Plus (Mid-Range) | $40-50 |
| Sherwin-Williams Emerald | $60-80 |
So a typical room may cost $100-150 with Glidden but $150-200 with Emerald. The premium price tag definitely stings upfront.
However, the benefit of Emerald is it may only require 1 coat instead of 2 with cheaper paints. So the higher spread rate per gallon counterbalances some of the extra cost.
Pros often apply Emerald efficiently with minimal waste using professional spray equipment. But for DIY application, the cost difference per room is still noticeable.
Brand Reputation
With over 150 years of paint manufacturing experience, Sherwin-Williams has earned a sterling reputation for quality and performance. Their deep technical expertise translates into paint formulations with exceptional durability.
Emerald has received positive reviews from both professional painters and DIYers. It consistently ranks near the top in consumer publications and expert reviews.
While less costly paints may also receive decent reviews, the consensus is Emerald represents the pinnacle of interior paint. The product knowledge and technical support from Sherwin-Williams stores further boosts confidence in selecting Emerald.
Conclusion
Considering all the performance factors – coverage, application, durability, and color selection – Emerald paint delivers a noticeably superior experience compared to more affordable options.
While the upfront cost per gallon is hard to justify, the benefits become more apparent during and after application:
- Fewer coats to get full hide
- Smoother application with less mess and frustration
- Long-lasting, easy-clean results
For DIYers wanting a worry-free paint job with outstanding results, Emerald is worth the extra investment. Though for commercial or budget-minded projects, lower-priced paints may still perform adequately.
So weigh the benefits versus the premium cost to decide if your specific project warrants Emerald. Given the quality results and long-term performance, Emerald remains a top choice for those not wanting to compromise on interior paint.