Sherwin-Williams Duration vs Superpaint: What Is the Difference?

Many people know that Sherwin-Williams paint is the perfect option for their project. But once they get to the store, choosing between all of the paint lines is a real challenge. Both Sherwin-Williams Duration and Sherwin-Williams SuperPaint have plenty to offer. So, you might wonder, “What’s the difference between Sherwin-Williams Duration vs. SuperPaint?

Overall, Sherwin-Williams Duration and SuperPaint are high-quality paint lines that homeowners and professionals adore. However, Duration lasts longer and is more versatile, but it comes with a bigger price tag. SuperPaint is a tough paint that’s more affordable but less durable.

However, these two paint lines stand apart in other ways, so you’ll want to look at what they offer to find the right option for your project. If you’re trying to choose between Sherwin-Williams Duration vs. SuperPaint, here’s what you need to know.

Sherwin-Williams Duration vs SuperPaint: Key Points

When you’re debating between Sherwin-Williams Duration vs. SuperPaint, looking closely at how the two compare is essential. While one of the most noticeable differences is typically the price, as Sherwin-Williams Duration costs more than Sherwin-Williams SuperPaint, there are other points to consider.

As with any paint line from a company, Sherwin-Williams Duration and Sherwin-Williams SuperPaint have unique benefits and drawbacks. However, since they’re both high-quality paints from the same brand, there are also plenty of similarities.

If you’re trying to choose a paint for an upcoming project, here is an overview of what you need to know when comparing Sherwin-Williams Duration vs. SuperPaint.

What’s the Difference Between Sherwin-Williams Duration vs. SuperPaint?

Ultimately, the chart above helps you quickly compare Sherwin-Williams Duration vs. SuperPaint. However, it’s wise to dig a little deeper before you make a purchase, ensuring you understand exactly how the two options stand apart.

By learning more about Sherwin-Williams Duration and Sherwin-Williams SuperPaint, you can determine if the advantages of one outweigh any drawbacks. In turn, you’ll have an easier time choosing the best option for you.

Here’s a closer look at Sherwin-Williams SuperPaint vs. Duration.

Use

Both Sherwin-Williams Duration and Sherwin-Williams SuperPaint come in interior and exterior versions. As a result, either option works well for walls or many types of exterior siding.

With Sherwin-Williams Duration and Sherwin-Williams SuperPaint exterior paint, using either on vinyl siding is an option. Both have Sherwin-Williams VinylSafe technology, so both can handle that job.

However, Sherwin-Williams Duration adheres to some challenging surfaces that SuperPaint won’t stick too well. This includes aluminum and steel. If you’re looking to paint one of those surface types, then Sherwin-Williams Duration is the better choice.

Primer

Sherwin-Williams Duration and Sherwin-Williams SuperPaint have a primer built into their formulas. Since that’s the case, applying a separate primer before painting isn’t always necessary.

However, that doesn’t mean you can completely forgo all preparation. Before painting an already painted surface, you’ll need to wash it to remove dirt and dust. If the current finish is glossy, sanding is usually a must to ensure proper adhesion.

Additionally, even with primer built-in, you’ll need to use a separate primer in some situations. If the current paint on the surface is oil-based, you’ll need to apply a bonding primer. Otherwise, the new coats of Sherwin-Williams Duration or Sherwin-Williams SuperPaint might not stick well.

If you want to paint a challenging surface like aluminum or steel, going with a bonding primer is also potentially smart. While you may be able to avoid it with Sherwin-Williams Duration, you can ensure strong adhesion by starting with a bonding primer instead.

For painting raw wood or sheetrock, using a primer first is a better choice, too. Otherwise, the paint may absorb into the material, requiring more coats to get proper coverage. Plus, with raw wood, tannins could lead to unevenness or discoloration if you don’t apply primer.

When painting over incredibly dark or bright shades with a lighter color, applying primer can prevent the underlying hue from bleeding through. As a result, you can avoid adding a third coat of paint for proper coverage.

Color Options

Since Sherwin-Williams Duration and Sherwin-Williams SuperPaint are from the same brand, the number of available colors is equal for both. Sherwin-Williams offers more than 1,700 shades, so there’s a decent amount of variety.

Plus, Sherwin-Williams has industry-leading color-matching technology. As a result, finding the best hue for your project is easier, as the company can find the closest match with an image of the desired shade. You can even create color palettes from a photo, giving you clear choices for wall colors, trim, and more.

The Sherwin-Williams ColorSnap Visualizer is another helpful tool. You can preview any of the Sherwin-Williams colors in your space by using a photo, or you can virtually paint a stock room image. That helps remove any doubts about whether a color is a great fit, suggesting your screen is color-accurate.

Drying Times

When it comes to drying times, both Sherwin-Williams Duration and Sherwin-Williams SuperPaint offer the same drying times. For interior paint, they’re dry to the touch in 1 hour, and they require 4 hours before applying additional coats. For exterior paint, they’re dry to the touch in 2 hours and need 24 to 48 hours between coats at temperatures of 35°F or higher.

However, some factors influence drying times. High humidity and lower temperatures could mean needing to wait longer. If the humidity is low and the temperature is higher, drying times may shorten.

Generally speaking, you shouldn’t paint your exterior if the temperature drops below 32°F at any time for several days after painting. In most cases, you also want to ensure the temperature during application is at least 50°F, too.

Coverage

Overall, Sherwin-Williams Duration and Sherwin-Williams SuperPaint can cover 350 to 400 sq. ft. per gallon. The exact coverage you’ll get usually depends on your application method.

When using a brush or roller, it’s best to plan for the lower end of the coverage spectrum. Usually, paint is applied thicker with those methods, so you’ll likely get closer to 350 sq. ft. per gallon.

Using a sprayer instead makes it easier to apply even and slightly thinner coats. As a result, getting as much as 400 sq. ft. per gallon is possible.

VOC Levels

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are hazardous materials found in many paint lines, cleaning products, adhesives, and other substances. With paint, VOCs are released into the air as the paint dries, often lingering for days. Along with a strong odor, VOCs can cause eye, nose, throat, and lung irritation and potentially cause organ or central nervous system damage or cancer.

Due to the health concerns, avoiding VOCs when choosing paint is wise. When it comes to Sherwin-Williams Duration vs. SuperPaint, most of the paints in these lines have similar VOC levels, sitting at less than 50 grams per liter. That makes them low-VOC paints.

However, there is a specialty Sherwin-Williams SuperPaint that’s zero-VOC. Air Purifying SuperPaint has less than 5 grams per liter, which puts it in the zero-VOC category. Sherwin-Williams Duration doesn’t have an Air Purifying version.

Thickness

In many cases, the thickness of a paint impacts the application process and how well a paint covers discoloration or underlying colors. Thicker paints also typically offer enhanced durability.

Overall, Sherwin-Williams Duration is a thick paint, but it isn’t thick to the point of being cumbersome. Sherwin-Williams SuperPaint is slightly thinner but still considered a thick paint.

Number of Coats

Whether you use Sherwin-Williams SuperPaint or Sherwin-Williams Duration, you’ll generally need to apply two coats to get a smooth, even finish. As a result, both paint lines will require a similar amount of effort to use.

The only exception is if your covering existing paint that’s in good condition and is a similar color to the new paint. In that case, with the proper preparation, a single coat might do the trick. However, it’s typically best to plan for two as a precaution.

Available Finishes

Nearly any paint line is available in a range of finishes. The finish you select determines the sheen, allowing you to control how much light reflects off the surface.

Generally, paint sheens range from flat – which is non-reflective – to high-gloss, a highly reflective surface. Satin is usually a mid-sheen paint, offering a little shine without appearing noticeably glossy.

Lower sheen paints are typically best at hiding imperfections in surfaces, such as dents and dings. Higher sheens are usually more durable and easier to clean.

Both Sherwin-Williams SuperPaint and Duration are available in multiple sheens. For interior SuperPaint, you can get flat for no-sheen, satin for a hint of shine, velvet for a little more gloss, and semi-gloss for a higher-shine finish. If you choose Duration interior paint, you can select from flat or matte for no or low sheen, satin for a light luster, and semi-gloss for more shine.

When it comes to exterior paint, the SuperPaint line offers flat for low lustre, low-sheen options, satin for a mid-sheen finish, and gloss and high gloss for more shine. If you choose Duration instead, you can pick from flat and low lustre for a low-sheen, satin for a mid-sheen, and gloss for a high sheen.

Stain Blocking

For stain blocking, Sherwin-Williams Duration outperforms Sherwin-Williams SuperPaint. It includes advanced stain-blocking technology, reducing the absorption of materials that can lead to stains.

However, Sherwin-Williams SuperPaint isn’t stain-prone. Overall, it performs pretty well in this category; it just doesn’t match what you get with Duration.

Scuff Resistance

When it comes to scuff resistance, both Sherwin-Williams Duration and Sherwin-Williams SuperPaint perform well overall, however, Sherwin-Williams Duration is more durable and has PermaLast tech. As a result, it can outperform Sherwin-Williams SuperPaint in this category.

With Sherwin-Williams Duration, it’s also easier to clean up scuff marks. The scuffs are less likely to stain, and you can scrub the paint more without damage.

Still, Sherwin-Williams SuperPaint does perform well when it comes to scuff resistance. As a result, it’s a suitable choice for many homes.

Mold Resistance

If you’re concerned about mold or mildew, Sherwin-Williams Duration outperforms Sherwin-Williams SuperPaint in this category. While Sherwin-Williams SuperPaint offers a bit above average resistance, Sherwin-Williams Duration has antimicrobial agents that help it excel.

With antimicrobial agents, Sherwin-Williams Duration actively fights mildew and mold growth. As a result, that makes the Duration by Sherwin-Williams paint line a stronger choice in regions where mildew and mold are problematic, such as areas with high humidity.

Additionally, Sherwin-Williams Duration has moisture-blocking tech that you don’t find in Sherwin-Williams SuperPaint. The moisture-blocking features help Sherwin-Williams Duration battle mold and mildew growth even more, making it suitable for damper spaces like bathrooms or basements.

Maintenance

Both Sherwin-Williams Duration and Sherwin-Williams SuperPaint are low-maintenance paint lines since they’re designed for toughness. However, Sherwin-Williams Duration has PermaLast tech that isn’t found in SuperPaint. That helps keep it flexible and enhances durability, reducing the odds of chipping and cracking beyond what you get with SuperPaint.

Sherwin-Williams Duration also has better fade resistance. As a result, you usually won’t have to repaint as much as you would if you chose Sherwin-Williams SuperPaint instead.

When it comes to cleaning, Sherwin-Williams Duration and Sherwin-Williams SuperPaint are easy to clean. Generally, all it takes is soap and water, and they can stand up to some light scrubbing. However, it’s best to use a soft material – like a microfiber cloth – particularly on matter finishes to ensure no damage.

Ease of Application

Generally speaking, both Sherwin-Williams Duration and SuperPaint are reasonably easy to apply. They’re thick enough to sit well on walls without many drips but thin enough to feel workable, even to novices. As a result, most homeowners find Sherwin-Williams Duration and Sherwin-Williams SuperPaint comparable to the ease of application.

With thicker paints, it’s important to avoid overloading brushes and rollers. Excess paint increases the odds of dripping or unevenness with both of these paint lines.

If unevenness or drips are a concern, applying Sherwin-Williams Duration or Sherwin-Williams SuperPaint with a sprayer is often the better choice. It’s easier to keep the coats thick enough for coverage but thin enough to avoid such issues.

Covers Discoloration

When it comes to covering discoloration, Sherwin-Williams Duration and Sherwin-Williams SuperPaint are both solid choices. Which performs best depends on the finish, as the amount of volume solids varies based on the sheen.

For interior paint, Sherwin-Williams Duration outperforms Sherwin-Williams SuperPaint in flat and matte finishes. However, SuperPaint has more volume solids in satin, velvet, and semi-gloss finishes.

With exterior paint, Sherwin-Williams Duration outperforms SuperPaint across the board when it comes to the volume solid counts in similar sheens available across both lines. However, only SuperPaint is available in gloss and high-gloss finishes.

Cost

When it comes to cost, both Sherwin-Williams Duration and Sherwin-Williams SuperPaint are generally considered higher-end. As a result, neither option is usually regarded as inexpensive.

However, Sherwin-Williams Duration does cost more than SuperPaint, while duration around $74 per can, SuperPaint is closer to $60 per can.

It is critical to note that the exact price varies on several factors. How much more you’ll spend and the cost difference between the two paint lines depends on where you live, the finish you choose, and the size of the purchased container.

Where to Buy Sherwin-Williams Duration

If you want to buy Sherwin-Williams Duration paint, the easiest option is to head to a Sherwin-Williams retail store. Going there, you’ll have access to every Sherwin-Williams paint line and may have an easier time finding certain quantities, such as five-gallon buckets.

While Lowe’s does carry Sherwin-Williams paint, they don’t always have Sherwin-Williams Duration available. Instead, you typically find the HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams product lines.

Generally, you won’t have much luck buying Sherwin-Williams Duration online, either. Paint is considered a hazardous material by shippers, so Sherwin-Williams won’t mail paint to your door. While you may see eBay sellers or third-party sellers on sites like Amazon, they often charge more than you’d spend if you head to a Sherwin-Williams retail location.

Where to Buy Sherwin-Williams SuperPaint

As with Duration, the best place to buy Sherwin-Williams SuperPaint is at a Sherwin-Williams retail store location. You’ll have access to all finishes and can typically get any size, including five-gallon buckets.

As mentioned above, Lowe’s does carry Sherwin-Williams paint, though the focus is on HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams paint lines. As a result, you may not find Sherwin-Williams SuperPaint at your nearest Lowe’s.

Additionally, getting Sherwin-Williams SuperPaint mailed to you isn’t typically an option. Most major retailers – including Sherwin-Williams – won’t mail paint since it’s a hazardous material in the eyes of residential shipping companies. While third parties on online marketplaces may sell SuperPaint, it’s usually more cost-effective to head to a legitimate Sherwin-Williams retail location.

Which Paint Is Better, Sherwin-Williams Duration vs. SuperPaint?

Overall, Sherwin-Williams Duration is a higher-quality paint than SuperPaint. Duration offers leading technologies, higher durability, and requires less maintenance. However, that doesn’t mean that Sherwin-Williams SuperPaint isn’t a great choice, particularly if you need to keep the cost down.

Did you find out everything you wanted to learn about Sherwin-Williams Duration vs. SuperPaint? If so, let us know in the comments below. Also, if you know someone who needs to choose between Sherwin-Williams SuperPaint and Duration, please share the article.